It was nice to be surrounded by so many like minded people, who were not “crazy idiots.” Until I began participating here at RS, the gathering in Atlanta, and the DC March, I thought that was all that was left in the world…I certainly wondered what had happened to the country when the vote went the way it did last November.

I forgot to watch the news over the weekend. She claimed she saw “just horrible” signs in the TV coverage. Were there any? I saw the one with BHO wearing a Hit(ecch) mustache. Did you see others that could be called “horrible”?

Thank you for the reco. It was an extraordinary experience.

The great silent majority is silent no more

by Jack Tymann

Here are some personal observations from my wife and myself, borrowing some thoughts and using some pics published elsewhere by A J Strata and others.

We arrived in downtown Washington DC to join the “mob” ~10:45AM. We left uplifted and inspired as the event was concluded ~ 4PM. The entire day was peaceful, from start to finish. Ominous clouds filled the skies and cooled the air, but were blessed that not a drop of rain interfered.

Our initial reactions were feelings of joy and pride and hope – - as we joined the march which spread out from east of the White House and moved slowly, without any organization, toward the Capital. The march began one hour earlier than scheduled because the Freedom Square where folks were gathering could no longer accommodate the crowds arriving ahead of the planned start time. My wife and I literally began filling up with tears as we marched shoulder to shoulder with fellow patriots and concerned citizens. We joined in the chants and cheers and songs that broke out spontaneously along the route.

We had expected a largely older crowd, and were pleasantly surprised by the mix – all ages, plenty of families, along with senior citizens like ourselves. Lot’s of youthful exuberance and 100% solidarity throughout the five hours we were there.

We talked easily and openly with dozens of others – who were unanimously civil, calm, and beautiful examples of many millions of average Americans – informed, concerned, compassionate, and willing to sacrifice their time and personal funds to speak out for the America they believe in and want to pass on to future generations.

They came from all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They came by busses and planes and cars and trains. Some had slept the previous night in these vehicles. Some had traveled for as many three days. Not a single person was paid to be there. We did not come across anyone affiliated with the Republican or any other political party. They scoffed at any idea they were puppets of Fox News.

They were mostly folks who had never marched anywhere before the Tea Parties were launched earlier this year. They were the once-silent-majority, finally awakened and inspired to march by an out of control government, mounting debt, a complicit media, continued job losses, government takeovers, and legitimate concerns about the direction of our nation.

We were overwhelmed and entertained by the huge numbers of hand-made signs. They were all so unique – a tribute to America’s individualism and creativity. We did not personally see any off-color or inappropriate signs, but apparently some in the mainstream media searched out and have now gleefully reported a few that were over the top. The words on the thousands of signs we saw were indications of the legitimate anger and passions of those assembled.

In front the Capital Building a large number of speakers shared their thoughts. A few names we recognized, but most we did not. Each spoke briefly, perhaps an average of five minutes each. There were no teleprompters. The acoustics were not adequate for the size and sprawl of the crowd, but it really didn’t matter. When we couldn’t hear a speaker, those throughout the crowd just conversed with each other. There was no printed agenda. Perhaps four dozen or so individuals addressed the crowd throughout via the main loudspeakers over the hours. Dozens of others occasionally stood up and/or wandered through the crowds with their signs, facing a section of the gathering to express themselves, reminiscent of the soap-boxers who gather every Sunday in London’s Hyde Park.

The leaders of various Tea Party and other Freedom movements and the organizers of this March on Washington were among the speakers. They were mostly average mothers and fathers and middle class workers, mixed in with a few known personalities, and a couple of elected officials who spoke as individual citizens rather than as elected officials. All were there selflessly investing their own time and energy and sweat and toil because of their deeply held beliefs and strong motivations to preserve the Constitution, free enterprise, individual rights, and a culture of personal responsibilities. All were there to raise their voices in opposition to growing government interference, entitlement programs, and political corruption in the city where we assembled.

One our favorite thoughts came from Steven Baldwin (yes, the brother of Alec Baldwin) who called President Obama a “prophet”. He reminded us that during the campaign Obama had promised us hope and change. Baldwin then said Obama had truly prophesied the future; because “the hope and change is evident here today”, echoing a slogan woven throughout the day – - ” President Obama, you said it was time to “call out” those protesting your policies – - well here we are – - can you hear us?” There were pleas to “throw the bums out”; “give them their pink slips”; “change not America but those in this House”; “keep your hands off OUR country, off OUR health care, off OUR income, and off OUR children”. As the throngs faced our magnificent Capital Building, we all chanted: “We own this dome”. One of my friend wore a tee-shirt saying ” My grandkids sent me here today”.

While the messages of the speakers and those in the crowd were simpatico, they did not feel repetitious, as each included his/her own home-grown specific focus, and many included their favorite quotes from our Founding Fathers. One speaker was a over-90-year old Polish American who had been tortured by the Gestapo during WWI – and who clearly understood America’s freedoms, strengths, and uniqueness better than any who work in the Capital Building in front of which he spoke.

This was probably more grass-roots than any movement in America’s history. It’s both ridiculous and revealing that some like Nancy Pelosi have labeled this “Astroturf”. Nothing was staged. The emotions and words offered were explosively honest. It would have been great if all of our political leaders could have been there to experience it first hand and really appreciate the integrity and heartfelt beliefs of those assembled.

The folks gathered were not an “out of control angry mob of nutjobs” as asserted by one mainstream media reporter. There was no yelling, no profanities, no getting in your face, no threatening words or gestures, no lies, no irrelevant issues raised. But there was lots of gusto and determination. There was lots of talk about how great America is, and how its greatness must be preserved.

The numerous clips and discussions I have since seen, only reinforces how strong the message being delivered in DC and elsewhere was that day. I don’t believe the people are going to quiet down.

Thank you again, Mailloux. I always value your words and support.

Take Care, mailloux

You’re right Steph, we would not be in this place, if the election had turned out differently. We’ve been on this disastrous course for some time. The country needed a smack in the head!

Thanks for your comment and the reco. In order to prevail, we can’t stop.