The DC Rally supporting the DSM hearing

[LiberalEsto]

I just got home from the rally at Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. What an event! I'd say at least 300 people showed up -- pretty good for an event hastily organized and not widely publicized, on a weekday afternoon. And there were various tv cameras and media folks there - including our own William Rivers Pitt, who spoke briefly but eloquently.

Many of the excellent speakers asked "Do you sense that the tide is turning?" And the crowd roared "Yes." Some speakers said today was a turning point in history - the beginning of the end of the Iraq War and the beginning of the end of the B*sh Misadministration. And we could all feel the electricity running through the crowd. I've attended anti-war protests and rallies since 1969, and today's possessed a remarkable energy and positivity like none I've ever seen.

Attorney John Bonifaz and Code Pinker Medea Benjamin absolutely galvanized the crowd, and Gold Star Mother Cindy Sheahan announced that "We kicked ass" at the Conyers hearing earlier, and said today was the happiest she had felt since her son Casey was killed in Iraq. She drew a standing ovation. Other speakers included Rev. Yearwood of the Hip Hop Coalition, the father of a British soldier killed in the war, a veteran against war, and many others.

When John Conyers arrived, fresh from presenting his 500,000-plus petition signatures across the street at the White House, the crowd went wild. He was accompanied by Reps. Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, Janice Schakowsky, Zoe Lofgren, and heaven forgive me, I can't remember the other heroines from the House.

The speakers asked us all to carry today's energy forward by passing on the Downing Street Memo info to our friends and families, getting them to sign the Conyers petition, and helping AfterDowningStreet.orgs pick up steam.

I'll let you know tomorrow what kind of MSM coverage, if any, we got locally.

PS
There was a young DUer holding a sign saying "Here in Spirit," with many of your DU screen names written on it.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[deutsey]

1. Thanks of posting this

I wanted to be there today, but I just couldn't make it.

[liam97]

2. Several other reports said

there were about 1000 folks?

[LiberalEsto]

6. I don't think there were that many

but I was right by the podium, and there could have been more than 300 because I couldn't see the folks in back of me.

I'd say 350, maximum. I was a mainstream journalist for over 30 years and got fairly good at crowd counts.

[flpoljunkie]

3. Thanks for your detailed report! Almost like being there!

[babylonsister]

4. Does my heart good, LiberalEsto, thanks!

Many of us sat at our computers all afternoon watching and listening to the forum. We weren't privy to the rally, at least I wasn't, so I'm happy everything went so well.
There's a description about her afternoon from The Witch, our 'Here In Spirit' DUer; try greatest?

[Mel]

5. Thanks for the report

the DU'er you saw was 'The Witch' a link to the thread posted about "Here in Spirit"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3873797

[FreedomAngel82]

7. Awesome!

Thanks for sharing! Was DemBloggers there? They wrote in their site they were going to be at the rally and video tape it.

[LiberalEsto]

9. I can't say, sorry

but there were lots of people taping the rally.


OH, I nearly forgot, there was a teensy-weensy counterdemonstration of maybe 4 or 5 loudmouths waving huge flags, but nobody paid them any attention. I wonder how much KKKarl paid them to show up.

[gumby]

8. Thanks for the report.

This country needs more "reporters" like you.

[kittenpants]

10. thanks for being there and for reporting to us.

I was on the sign and there with you "in spirit."

[The Witch]

11. Nice meeting you today!

Here's my thread

[LiberalEsto]

12. Your sign was a wonderful idea!

I was very happy to see you today.

Blessed Be!

[Griffy]

13. I was there TOO.. and I agree.. the feeling was hopeful..

There was a small group of freeps.. with signs like.. "saddam lied.. millions died" and other such nonsense (I forgot.. where did Sadam get the weapons he used?.. hmm ) they were kinda sad, I took a pic and will try to get them up here later! The tide is indeed turning, so its time to push even harder!

I met a woman that flew out that morning from CA and flew back tonight! People are motivated and taking action!