I spent the day in Crawford, we yelled at gwb!!!!

BleedingHeartPatriot

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Fri Aug-12-05 04:42 PM
Original message

I spent the day in Crawford, we yelled at gwb!!!!

OK, started early in the morning at the Peace House...
(BTW, they're doing a fantastic jobs and need donations. They will use the money to purchase whatever supplies are needed...I'll put the information at the end of my post.)

I rode shotgun with Regina, as she shuttled people and supplies back and forth from the site to the Peace House. Regina, and her friend, Barbara, gained some notoriety driving to Crawford from San Diego in a car painted with anti bush slogans.

They called Air America on a regular basis and kept track of the number of thumbs up vs. fingers they received as they made their drive.

This was the same vehicle we used for the shuttle service.

On the way from Crawford to the site, we passed the ranch where the fund raiser would be taking place. A Secret Service person was standing by the gate, and we waved at him every time we passed.

He didn't seem amused.

On our 3rd or 4th trip, at about 10:00, we were told that gwb would be driving by in about an hour, so the road would be closed now and for about an hour a half, until he returned from the fund raiser.

We had to move supplies, especially water, behind a yellow tape line that was set up by local law enforcement.

Then, we were actually allowed to stand on the "triangle" with our signs, behind the tape.

About 10 or 12 Sheriff's Deputies stood facing us, with riot gear, including helmets (!), looking very intimidating.

Then...the caravan sped by, and we waved signs and shouted. It barely took 5 seconds, and I couldn't tell which car gwb was in.

After that we waited, and waited, and waited, for the return. In the heat, with melting ice and a single porta potty. Yet, no one complained and in fact spirits seemed high.

During that time, as we talked and joked around, the sheriff deputies shed their riot gear, and put on straw hats or bandannas. They also socialized with us and politely listened as some of us were explaining why we were there.

We also commented on a sniper that had set up in a field diagonally to us.

Eventually, the law enforcement folks lined up in formation, and we all assembled for the return drive.

As the cars drove by, we chanted "talk to Cindy", however, it changed to clucking and squawking as the cars passed.

Shortly after the road opened, Cindy was by the VFP tent, giving an interview, when the obnoxious freepers began to arrive.

The first was a woman with a sign..."Your son is a hero, not a victim", followed by another woman with "Support our President" and an older couple with (my favorite) "Our voices must be heard..support our troops."

As if we haven't heard those voices constantly for the last five years.

I ended up returning to the Peace House about an hour ago, and the influx of people is astounding.

They have had to set up "satellite" parking, because their parking area is overwhelmed.

There are so many people coming out from everywhere, and they all want to help.

Sadly, time and funds dictate that I leave first thing in the morning. I probably won't be going back out again, so had to say good bye to all the wonderful people I met.

This has been a profoundly emotional experience for me. And, all of you were instrumental in persuading me to do this.

I helped wherever I could, I met and hugged Cindy, I met fellow DU'ers and took part in the protest gwb couldn't avoid.

And, the freeps have realized, too late, that this a moment of change.

Thanks to all of you, for providing the support and telling me I should come out. You were all right, as usual. :hi:

We're trying to do the drive over 12 hrs tomorrow.

I can't wait to check in when I get home....MKJ

Crawford Peace House
9142 East 5th St.
Crawford, Texas 76638

Telephone: 254-486-0099
Fax: 254-486-0172

email: [email protected]

Please send packages and mail to the above Crawford address.

Please send much needed $ donations to:

Crawford Peace House
P.O. Box 710218
Dallas, TX 75371

Or, you may donate by Paypal at crawfordpeacehouse.org.