My afternoon at the Earth Day Kerry Rally in Houston, 4/22

[Richardo]

Went to the Kerry rally on Earth Day in Houston last week.

It was an extremely positive and gratifying experience, and the crowd, which had to be at least 2,000, was very enthusiastic.

I got to meet Lisa0825’s friend Melissa, who was working the crowd for Richard Morrison, the brave Dem running against DeLay in the 22nd district. Pics are posted here --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=180x461 (and no, I do not see myself in any of them :( )

The dias had at least 60 people on it, mostly from labor organizations. Introductions were given by a woman from Young Democrats, and then we heard from a member of the local firefighter’s union, Dennis Hays, founder of Earth Day in 1970 (which Kerry was involved in), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th district containing Houston, League of Conservation Voters President Deb Callahan, and (I’m afraid I don’t remember his name) a pediatric doctor specializing in pollution’s effects on children. (This was my one quibble. After so many introductory remarks, Kerry did not start speaking until 12:55. The event was scheduled for Noon to 1PM.
Unfortunately, I was due back in the office for a 1:30 meeting, and U of H is at least 20 minutes from my office, so I had to leave early (before Kerry waded into the crowd to shake hands).

I had to leave at 1:10 so I missed the best part. But I met many very involved and committed Dems, the sheer numbers of which astounds me here in “Bush :puke: Country”.

BTW, the Freep crowd was very small and well-remvoed from the stage. Couldn't have been more than 1 dozen there. "Bush Country" indeed. Not on Thursday! :evilgrin:

[Lisa0825]

1. Thanks for the report!

I wish I could have been there. I heard a rumor that Kerry may speak at the State Democratic Convention, so I hope to get to hear him in person then!!!

[Richardo]

2. I plan to go too, although I'm not a delegate...

We should meetup with all the others DUers coming to Houston for the convention. :thumbsup:

[NoPasaran]

3. Just give us the secret handshake n/t

[Richardo]

4. ...is the password "Swordfish"?

(gratuitious Marx Bros ref.) ;-)

[Lisa0825]

5. No, password is WhistleAss! ;-)

:evilgrin:

[efhmc]

6. I have tried and tried and tried to tell people that many of the regular

people in Houston were and are very anti-bush and anti-repuke. Glad to get some backing on this.