Tampa's CBS 10 and BayNews9 to cover our non-political rally for veterans.

[madfloridian]

Getting good coverage for this. Laura Bush and Jeb Bush were invited to the rally for vets given by Baxter Troutman, Katherine Harris's cousin and member of the Florida House.

This really alienated a lot of folks, and this newly formed "non-political" rally tomorrow night is getting huge attention for something formed so hurriedly.

The Lakeland Ledger and the Winter Haven News Chief have given much coverage to this event. I just heard from Richard and Caroll, our two Dean/DFA leaders who started all of this. They had listed a separate phone number for calls, and they are having trouble keeping up with all the calls.

Here is a letter to the editor from Richard that gives a clear explanation.
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2004404280316
SNIP...": "Supporting the Troops," editorial, Tuesday, the alternative event to honor all our veterans on Friday is not a Democratic event. Although you correctly identify me as a Democrat, there is no endorsement by any Democratic organization.

I am organizing the event as a veteran. I am proud of every man and woman who has ever served this wonderful country. Nobody cares about your politics or party in battle.

The event in Winter Haven is nothing but another example of Republicans wrapping themselves in the flag as though they own it. Taxpayer dollars for the fly-by, the presence of military hardware and transportation of all the highlevel Republican attendees is a waste of public funds.

This administration has failed to honor our vets. It has cut the VA, it has failed to properly equip our reservists, it pays huge sums for mercenaries and, in many other ways, it shows its disrespect for our courageous troops...."

We are proud of them for standing up to this Bush bunch here who think they own it all! Kudos.

[madfloridian]

1. I am surprised. We are fighting back here. I am proud we are.

I have posted about this event, which is an important first step in getting people to wake up here. I put it in several forums here, but I have noticed I have had two responses total. This is in about a week.

I wonder if it is because the ones doing it are DFA, and former Dean supporters.

Or, I wonder if it is because it has become so popular not to make waves or cross the Republicans....that some think it is out of line.

It really does not matter in the long run, but here is a great piece of activism being totally ignored on an activist forum.

Oh, well. We are proud. This issue should make supporters of all candidates proud. We have gotten the attention of two major news media in our area, and possibly a 3rd. We have had two newspapers getting the word out, though they are not on our side. At least they have been fair to us.

I posted it in the GD2004 forum because Laura Bush is coming, Jeb is coming, and rumors of Georgie. This is about the election.

Oh, well. Congratulations to me and my friends and fellow activists. Patting myself on the back.

[flpoljunkie]

2. Perhaps you could tell give us more information regarding your rally.

Thanks.

[madfloridian]

4. Here is a link to an earlier post.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=509972

[flpoljunkie]

6. I hope you have a great turnout in Bartow for your candlelight vigil.

It's a terrific idea. So many Republicans do not really respect the sacrifice our soldiers have made. If they did, they would do something to make sure that Iraq has a chance of success. Instead they cling to a course that has proven it will not and cannot work. They deserve our contempt.

[madfloridian]

7. Thanks. I think we will.

A lot of people are mad, now.

[AntiCoup2K4]

3. "Presence of military hardware"???

You mean like the USSR used to do at all of their parades?? :scared:

[madfloridian]

5. Yes, the whole nine yards.

QUOTE:...."The event in Winter Haven is nothing but another example of Republicans wrapping themselves in the flag as though they own it. Taxpayer dollars for the fly-by, the presence of military hardware and transportation of all the highlevel Republican attendees is a waste of public funds......"

I believe there will be a tank or so, not sure. There is a lot at the Baxter Troutman website.

I believe a lot of military from MacDill will be there, 500 or so, and the flyover will be from there.

[madfloridian]

8. FOX 13 in Tampa just advertised our rally tonight!

Right along side with the Bush family one tomorrow night! We felt very proud.

Kudos to Richard and Caroll who have worked so hard for this. The DFA group is meeting early for supper beforehand, and this rally WILL be kept non-political. Veterans without a political agenda may speak, as will Richard.

I had my 5th letter to the editor printed this year. It was critical of the war, and hubby and I have had NO bad phone calls yet. This is a victory in itself.

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. Glad you are doing this

Hope you get interviewed!