Just back from DC; several observations

The rally was excellent, it was really cold, but turnout was strong. Lots of people from many different walks of life and ages holding great signs, lots of energy and commitment.

There were lots of veterans around the memorials, Vietnam memorial mostly. Some were clearly very supportive of Bush - talking about "freedom not being free" and that crap. I was angry but then you see the person is in a wheelchair, so it is hard to stay angry. Many veterans though were there to support the veteran - the person who grapples with living after being at war - they were very decent, solid, kind people.

I noticed while walking around town that there are guards/cops stationed on the sidewalk outside of the DOJ building. Not that odd, but then you notice there are no guards visibly outside of other federal buildings - like the IRS. Interesting in a strange way.

Overall, I must say, the rank and file folks in DC (cabdrivers, waiters, Parks people, hotel people, anyone you run into) are exceptionally courteous, friendly - very welcoming.

The District itself looked terrific, very nice and clean, lots of new construction

I was sorry to see all the flowers that had been planted - pansies mostly - as they froze in the cold.

and will come back and bloom once it warms up. I winter them over here in the southern Rockies every couple of years. The second year, they bloom in the spring and then go to seed in June.

I imagine DC is like it was during Nixon's reign. People were so eager for him to GO AWAY that they were exceptionally nice to anyone they sensed was on the same side.

Totally off topic but it just struck me what an oxymoron it is to call a gay man a 'pansy' when a pansy is one of the most durable flowers out there.

Just like Camellias and Amaryllis.
The bluebonnets should be blooming about now. Yes, we GOT LUPINS!!!

but some Texas DUers have posted pictures of bluebonnets in the past. I was hoping to see some from this year too. Have there been any threads like this? Also, is it bluebonnet or lupin season now? How long does it last?

about people being nice and upbeat - it felt as if they knew the truth was coming out and it would all be over soon.

toast, having followed this story quite closely. He can't deliver anything for his Corporate Masters any more, not even a simple thing like kneecapping Uruguay.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2771515

How would you estimate crowd size?

massive energetic crowd and great rally! All things considered:many people couldn't attend because they got stuck by the weather, very cold, St Pat weekend, a protest just a month ago, ect ect the turnout was great. One thing really scared me though. The pro-war people were completely fucking nuts..one yelled that he was a Nazi others had signs like "make peace, kill arabs" "peace sucks" and other crazy shit. I got into a screaming match with one that called my mom a bitch and told her she was killing US troops. This guy was like 3 times my size but I got in his face and said "the only people killing our troops are nazi fucks like you who keep them there, if you think it's so great suit up and go over there-or go to hell asshole" he just said "bullshit" and walked away...I was so angry about these people I felt a surge of just plain hatred and a feeling of violence towards them...I am certainly glad lots of cops were there to keep us all seperate thats for sure.

that there was a big sign in DC from the counter-protesters that said "traitors" on it. Is this true? I sighed when I read that. After everything that has happened, they are still saying this to antiwar people? I guess their stupidity knows no bounds.

Why is it then that people call others pansies, meaning that they are wimps?

it said something to the effect of "commie traitors protesting on hallowed ground will go to hell" or something similar.

The Traitors where them. They turned a place of honor and hollowed ground to a place to make Bush's political statement. They knew the news would cover them then.

they do not understand who betrayed OUR country.

its not the anti war people ...its bush who lied.betrayed to get us into this mess!