WOW!

What a fantastic crowd! I was privileged to join over 1.2 – 1.5 million Americans at the Capital today – 9/12/2009. Three speakers referenced those numbers, one reporting that it was an estimate by ABC or NBC – although CNN, Yahoo, and Fox News are saying ‘tens of thousands’ which is a total crock – I will do a separate blog on the number after further research and will provide a link to my photo gallery so you can see for yourself. What a great experience – I struggle to find the words to adequately describe it to you, but I feel I need to because the media cannot be trusted to communicate the spirit, or the messages, of the American people gathered here today.

The feelings: People were pumped up, energized, serious and committed, yet in good spirits. Citizens were definitely upset and angry yet still respectful. I was impressed with how intelligent, clever, aware and informed the people were. I think half of the crowd was carrying signs, mostly home-made – with humorous yet powerful messages.   

It was a massive, forceful demand that government listen to the people and respect the will of the people.

The 912 March was clearly a collaboration of dozens – perhaps hundreds – of grassroots movements. There were no big name speakers, although Richard Armey and a handful of congressmen were among the many speakers. Each speaker was limited to perhaps 3-5 minutes. Many speakers were ordinary citizens, speaking from the heart. Several were physicians, businessmen and laborers, and there were a few musicians and entertainers. 

While Glenn Beck initiated the concept for the march earlier this year, he did not speak at the event. He did cover it (sort of) on Fox News although he really didn’t show much footage of it (from what I was able to see later) and (in my opinion) he didn’t communicate the magnitude or spirit of the crowd very adequately.

People came from all 50 states. They were young, old and in between – all races. People were united in a common purpose: to forcefully remind Congress and this Administration that our government is “Of the People, by the People and for the People.” As we walked down Pennsylvania Avenue everyone joined in chants of “USA, USA” and “Can you hear us now?” and in spontaneous singing of “God Bless America.”

I spotted an ABC cameraman standing on the sidewalk, camera in his bag, chatting with a policeman.

Here are some of the best protest signs I saw:

·         Message to Congress: Read the Constitution

·         Can’t Read? Run for Congress

·         Read the Bill or Leave the Hill

·         I don’t want an Orwellian government

·         Central Planning only works in my kitchen

·         Can you hear me now?

·         A heavy progressive income tax is necessary for the proper development of communism – Karl Marx

·         Give me Liberty, not Debt

·         U.S. Debt $483,000 per household

·         They think we are STUPID

·         Czars belong in Russia

·         Stop buying votes with our tax $

·         Yes We Can (Replace Congress, Control Spending and Reclaim the Government)

·         Joe Wilson for President

·         Don’t Tread on Me

·         Communism didn’t work, Moron

·         We the People, not We the Politicians

·         FlipTheHouse2010.com

What impact will this day have? That of course is the big question and it cannot be definitively answered yet. However I will make two observations. I think it will have a big impact on the people who attended – we have renewed passion and commitment (and we know we are not alone) in campaigning to remove unresponsive politicians from office. Secondly, I think that many congressmen – especially the Blue Dog Democrats – will be more reticent to support Obama’s Healthcare plan. We showed up – and they should now fear the People more than they fear Pelosi! 

Check out my website www.SendTheBumsHome.com to track the Senators and Representatives who are the targets of our wrath – those who voted to bankrupt our country and massively enlarge the Federal Government. We will track their votes on Government Healthcare and promote conservatives who oppose them.