My recap of the past 3 days in D.C.....Rally, DU meetup, etc

[New Earth]

i know, i should have taken a camera, but i don't usually take pics when i do things like this. there is something about a memory that i hold sacred for myself, and I just let the other people take the pics. I know a lot of people did take some, and some that I was with...and actually I am pretty sure scubed even got a pic of me (i look like shit!).

it was so fun altogether - everyone was so nice. DU'ers met up both Wed. night and Thurs. night to drink and hang out and talk - i met scubed, suffragette, Will, Andy, selmo7, danosuperstar, starmaker, eqqqscuseme, bettyellen, hootinholler...hope i'm not forgetting anyone! the second night hanging out was great, i was pretty drunk :( - it was def. exciting when Susan Truitt and John Bonifaz stopped in to hang out for a while.

The rally and march was probably the best experience I have had in my life so far. It was the first time I had ever gone to something like this, and I have never felt so patriotic and emotional as I did during the rally. Hearing everyone speak like that and seeing them live was unreal - having all our true LEADERS in one place for the cause - i had a lump in my throat the whole time.

It is so hard to tell how many people are in a crowd when you are in it, I've heard some people say it was in the hundreds, I've also heard up to a thousand, but I am not totally sure what it was. Instead of typing it all out again, I will repost what I posted in another thread from a cafe in D.C. into this post - so you can read what i wrote then. Btw, thank you to scubed for letting me stay with you on Wed. night, and thank you to selmo7 for letting me stay with you last night, and thank you to bettyellen for letting ride home with you tonight, and thank you to suffragette for sharing your dessert with me, and thank you to hootinholler for buying me a drink and sandwich, and thank you to OjaiPerson for making this possible!!!!!! And thank you to everyone I met for making it so fun - I will never forget it! w00t!
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Post from last night: right now some of us are at Kramer Bookstore/Cafe - got access to a computer. Right now with me are scubed, suffragette, and xxqqqzme - we are getting ready to head over to DA's RFD again (there is supposed to be another meetup tonight).

Desipte the outcome, today was an amazing day, especially for me. There were many other DU'ers at the rally/protest today - I (or someone else) will post more on that later.

As for turnout, it's always hard to tell when you are IN the crowd, but I would at least say there were 'hundreds' of people - with tons of great signs, chants, drums playing, etc. 10am rally was the highlight for me, i have been wanting to see Rev. Jesse Jackson speak live for a long time now, and of course it was as powerful and moving as I had expected. Other speakers were Maxine Waters, David Cobb, Bob Fitrakis, Rev. Bill Moss (moving as usual!), Cliff Arnebeck, John Bonifaz....that's all i can think of right now. At this rally, Jesse Jackson had first reported that about 6 Senators signed to support the challenge. After all the speaking and cheering, we marched about 30 to 45 minutes from Lafayette Park to Upper Senate Park to meet up with RedefeatBush.com. I got to walk with DU'er bettyellen which definately helped the time pass....

We arrived at Upper Senate Park - David Lytel led the stage - we heard from many of the same speakers, as well as Clint Curtis, Wayne Madsen, a Vietnam Vet for Kerry, Susan Truitt, Richard B. Phillips (i think that's his name, the statistician in Ohio) - and we had a few performers singing anti-Bush songs. Of course the best moment of the day was when David Lytel announced that Barbara Boxer stood up to contest....but that the other Senators who signed to contest backed down at the last minute. PFFT! Anyway, i'm taking forever here and we need to get out of here, but I'm sure there will be some others who were here posting more on what happened today - I will be back on later tonight to talk more about today and to see how everyone is feeling.

It didn't end up how some of us wanted, but we got SOMETHING, we have a start....our voices were finally heard, although ignored by some

IT WAS A START, AND IT WAS A VICTORY FOR ALL THE HARDWORKERS ON THIS MESSAGE BOARD! Seriously, I don't think this would have happened without our efforts. It's been said so many times, (i'm paraphrasing) that it only takes a small group of people to make a change. A small, DETERMINED group, and a group that is not giving up, no matter who is inaugurated, and no matter what our supposed 'demoractic leaders' decide to do.

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any more questions, just ask....it's all still fresh in my head :hi:

[understandinglife]

1. Thank you Faye!!! (n/t)

[shraby]

3. Your photo is in one of

the ones that was posted last night on here. Don't have the link, sorry. Glad you could make it and had a good time. That's what I call "making memories".

[New Earth]

2. kicks

i wonder if everyone else got home yet?

[bleever]

4. We love you Faye.

:grouphug:

[New Earth]

5. aww

i love you guys too :hug:

[kitkat65]

6. I was with you in spirit and I DID put out my bigass orange sign that day

that read
It's not about who wins or loses
A true democracy
demands a fair vote
Investigate the Ohio election

It's a nicer graphic than it sounds and I live on a busy street. Glad you had a great time and was able to meet up with other DUers. I hope to meet some of you myself some day.

Oops: mispelled inestigate

[New Earth]

7. lol

you misspelled it in your edit now DOH

[JoMama49]

8. Wow, Faye, you look so young in your pic! And here I thought

you were an old grannie like me. I guess it's your knowledge and wisdom. Anyway, I thought you looked great! We're going to do this!

[New Earth]

9. ha!

wow i seem that old :scared: i actually probably look younger than I am, i stilll get carded for cigarettes all the time :cry: i am 26, btw.

[kitkat65]

14. Yeah, just bein' silly... n/t

[fooj]

25. Where you going with the sign?

...told my husband I was putting it out in front of the house! Kitkat65 's Sign Warriors for Democracy...told him that you inspired me to do it! I appreciate your energy!(so does he, tee hee) PEACE!

[crispini]

10. Wooo, thanks!

You go girl! Thank you so much for going!!!!! :yourock:

[crispini]

11. Hey, Faye, you missed this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2374817

[New Earth]

12. haahah

very funny

[madison2000]

13. Thanks for posting Faye

I am glad you got to go, I would loved to have been there. Some day!

Did you watch the actual proceedings on tv or from a gallery? There was someone who let out a yell when a Senator from Ohio was speaking and saying there was no problem with the votes.

Jesse Jackson is inspirational, saw him when I lived in Chicago a few times.

[seito]

15. Thanks Faye

What an awesome experience. It is nice to have you back. :hug:

[txindy]

16. Hey, there, Faye! Glad to have you back

It sounds like you had a most memorable experience yesterday. I wish I could've been there, too.

We certainly could've used your voice here in many of the threads yesterday. It was a madhouse. In every way, really.

[Verve]

17. Thanks Faye! Welcome Back!

[Patsy Stone]

18. Welcome Back!

It sounds like you had a great time. I wish I could have been there. DU was out of control the last couple of days, as I'm sure you know. You had a much better experience -- trust me.

:hi: Good to see you.

[fooj]

19. holding this memory sacred...

What a wonderful way to describe what sounds like a truly amazing event!
I wish I could have been there. Put a big sign (orange, of course)in the front of my house. -Election 2004-You've Been Had!- Had some honkers and my neighbor came over and asked me about it. My small yet heartfelt contribution! Thank you for sharing with us. You really brought it all to life for me. What a rush! We were with you in spirit!:grouphug: "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."-Gandhi PEACE!

[In Truth We Trust]

20. Got pix links? I'd love to see them, Thanks Faye for posting such an

inspirational recap. As a married father of three boy's you should know that you brought back fond memories of my first activist experiences and it is quite refreshing to know that you and your generation stepped up big on Nov 2. The world is a better place with you in girl.

Election FraWd Election FraWD Election FraWd Election FraWd

[New Earth]

21. here are some pics

taken by DU'er danosuperstar - there's some of me too, here in this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x260040

haha, election fraWd!!!

[seito]

22. Cool

Thanks :)

[In Truth We Trust]

26. Damn Faye don't you need some catch-up Z's?! BTW you are very pretty!

If I wasn't too old and too married I'd be talking trash right now. I have three boy's but unfortunately for them they're too young (teenagers and draft bait). Just teasing about the "too married" comment. I do love my wife; she just doesn't know it. kidding

Now shut down the pc and get some sleep or no cookies for you. Good night and keep the faith!!!

[New Earth]

27. hehehe

thank you. and i am going to bed right now!!! i swear!!!

[saracat]

23. THANK YOU FAYE!

and welcome home!:yourock:

[troubleinwinter]

24. Gads, Faye,

yer 26? That should be illegal. I am twice that plus 2.

THANK YOU so much for letting us left-coasters live vicariously through you! I had been wanting to hear stories from those who were there & see some pitchas! Neato!

About your thoughts on the Senators that did not contest, I offer my own view. I was at home and flipped constantly between C-span (House) and C-span2 (Senate). The speeches by Dems were fantastic. Dignified. Heart-felt. History-making. It was glorious, and you would have been proud.

The # of votes are not all that important at this point, I think. The TRUTH was spoken strongly, that's what mattered. No doubt, over the next few days, you'll see more transcripts and maybe some videos. It was a GRAND and GLORIOUS day!!!!

I personally thank you for being there, when I could not.

26???!!! YAY!!!! Strong young folks who will be a'fightin' for democracy for a good long time!

[fooj]

28. No kidding! Exactly twice for me! Exactly!

Your energy is contageous! Keep it coming!

[troubleinwinter]

29. Eeeew.. yer like...OLD, too? Gross.

[fooj]

31. Yep! A TRUE-BLUE BABY BOOMER!!!

Looks like we have two members to date... OMG Good thing I wasn't involved with the statistical analysis...just occurred to me that I'm 43...geez......LMAO!!! Not quite twice the age...duh! That's why I teach English! Still climbing that mountain...

[troubleinwinter]

33. Girl, two things:

1) ya aint old yet
2) ya is reeeeealy, reeealy bad at math, good thing ya teach English.

Our Faye is 26. If ya was twice as old, ya'd be 52. Now, clearly you have been emailing, faxing and calling so much lately, that you are just messed up and need some sleep.

Oh yeah... and don't try to help with the statistics, I sure don't!

Yer OK, though, for not knowing if yer 42 or 43. I never was able to keep track through my 40's, either. But now it is sorta exciting to keep track!

One more thing...some wisdom: a little night cap is never a bad thing. :pals:

[fooj]

34. You are absolutely right! Sleep is a GOOD thing!

Have a great weekend! We are getting hit with some major storm action here on the Left Coast...good time to relax, reflect and keep warm!:boring: Catch up on some rest and relaxation! PEACE!

[Helga Scow Stern]

30. Faye, I know you must have gone to bed, but I want to say...

I am really glad that you went!!!! :hi:

[emlev]

32. Thanks!

[bettyellen]

35. hi faye....

that was so cool getting to know you. sorry we ended up spending rush hour in baltimore, but it was great for me to have company, so thanks for asking.
i am still too floored to add anything except it meant a lot to me to meet all the people i did. i have to run and bathe read a bedtime story to my neighbor hanky downstairs.
gotta go brush up on my babysitting skills if i'm ever going to be good enough to spend a whole evening with hank and give his momma a break.
more later.
betty
:hug:

[suffragette]

36. hi faye and bettyellen

It was great meeting both of you and rallying together.
bettyellen-thanks so much again for setting the time and place for the meetup.

[New Earth]

37. hi you!

did you get home ok with the directions i gave you? i hope so!!! :hi: :hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

38. Hey look!

Ma 3 drinking buddies.

You ladies ROCK!

[New Earth]

39. hey look who it is!!!

:hi: :hi:

[bettyellen]

40. i'm having trouble posting and you are both here......

if this works
:beer:
cheers y'all.

[New Earth]

41. w00t!

:toast:

betty, did you make it home ok last night?

[bettyellen]

42. yes, but very late... my friend insisted i meet him at the

waffle house and we had an long overdue reunion. he tried to drag me to a party in philly. i just couldn't. i knew it wouldn't be as good as the 24 hour group hug i had just experienced, sooo.... got home after midnight.
my left foot is still twitching. i can't believe i'm allowed to take my foot of the clutch now.
but as you said so eloquently wOOt! that was awfully nice, wasn't it?

[selmo7]

45. O that's funny!! hee hee

[bettyellen]

43. andy i just looked at the website you sent me...

the debauchery, the hi jinx, i am roliing on the floor.
thanks for the laugh and the invite. likewise.
:hug:
b

[suffragette]

46. here's a toast to ya

:toast:

[selmo7]

44. Hi Faye!

and BettyEllen, Suffragette, Will, Andy, HootnHoller, Kip, Katrina and all of you that I met the other night - sorry I can't remember everyone's screen names! You are TERRIFIC, LOTS OF FUN and I so much enjoyed the chance to get to meet and hang out. So great to meet Susan Truitt too!

Faye I so much appreciated our talks and loved having your company.

I just got in the door not too long ago as I had another side trip after DC. (Watching videos from Jan 6th as I speak. - What an incredible march and an incredible day! I am so grateful that I was a part of something so historic.)

Hope to have photos sometime this week~~~

THANKS AGAIN! :grouphug:

[suffragette]

47. great meetin' you selmo7

It was an incredible day. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

[New Earth]

48. selmo!

i had so much fun! i was wondering where you were :hi:

[katalyst]

53. It was lovely...

meeting you all there. I'm just sorry I couldn't stay longer. Maybe next time? :)

[bettyellen]

54. Selmo! How are ya??

:hug:
all good back home?
can't wait to see the pics whn you post em.
Nice to hear from you!
:beer:

[danostuporstar]

49. add to the list of names from Lafayette park...

the dude in this pic: http://cfreymuth.photosite.com/jan6dcrally/P2050183.html

did anybody catch his name? i want that "get on the bus" song on my iPod (of course, i'd first have to get an iPod but i would just for that tune!)

btw, it was great meeting everybody. (and i'm a sTuporstar not a superstar.)

[starmaker]

50. pleasure to have met

we were present on a historic day and i know that words cannot express the feelings of that day my pictures will be posted soon at 51capitalmarch

[New Earth]

51. starmaker!

:hi: nice to have met you too! yes it was a great day, please let us know when your pics are up.

[bettyellen]

52. Faye did you se the link i put on your other thread?

....... pics from gettyburgh of ohio.....
oh here it is...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=203&topic_id=267991


trying to keep it all together for ya, babe!

did you catch KO last night? nice bit about CBS firings vs Faux + the Swifties... the man is trying to redeem himself to you, Faye.... I'm not so pissed at Kerry these days, and that's in great part because of you. let's be forgiving today! LOL!
i haven't seen KO, just keeping up via thread reading. friday and monday were a scream.
you should take a look.