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My dad told me about this site for quite some time, but I had to become completely outraged at our Government to join you. On Jan 20, 2005 I drove to DC to join the "Turn your back on Bush" group. I had to take a day off with no pay to attend the protest. I was devastated by the entire gathering. I traveled to the closest Metro station and caught my ride into town. I was completely amazed that my friend Carl walked through the entire Metro station with beer and cigarette in hand (both illegal) without being stopped. I was further amazed that when arriving 4 blocks away from the Presidential parade that there was NO (and I stress NO) security in the area. The three of us were then herded into a massive group of (estimated) 15,000 people to wait in line to get to Pennsylvania Ave. As I stood in line (mass of people with no direction) I said to myself, this is the stupidest thing I have ever been a part of. Every single person was wearing a large jacket that could easily conceal a "suicide bomber". They were herding people 1 at a time though 6 metal detectors to make sure you didn't have finger nail clippers, then they would pat you down to make sure you had no fruit or eggs (remember the 2000 inauguration?). It broke my heart. I never supported Bush, but I realized that day that "national security" was complete BS that day. Any one of those people could have waited until they got to the gate and said "FU America" and blown themselves up killing hundreds of people (some of which are protesting what America is doing). It truly broke my heart to see so many people having faith in their government to protect them. After 2 hours of waiting in line (that's what they called it anyway) I said screw it, I'm not staying here in this mass of lemmings to be a target. I left and went to the Air & Space Museum to see the Wright Bothers plane that was just recently brought to DC. My friends stayed and made it to Penn Ave, but when I look back on it.... We were all lucky. So many could have been killed and the ONLY reason it didn't happen is because no terrorists were present. Security was only there to stop bananas from being thrown at Bush's limo, which he rode in safely with the bullet proof windows rolled up. I took me a while to join you DU, but I've been glad for the company now that I've found you. Thanks again DU and I'm glad to have finally joined you.
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