Responses to the "Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally" Article
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally article:
I live in Harrisburg, Pa. and for many years was a union activist. James Carville once said in refering to pennsylvania,"in the west, you have Pittsburg, in the east you have philadelphia, and in the middle you have the KKK". As a Veteran, I support the our soldiers, but I hate this war. I just want to thank you for the courage of your convictions.
--Stephen M. Lopatic
Pa.
Thursday November 27, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
And I thought the Ugly American was one who went overseas, not the one who stayed at home. You were brave, Alanna. Many Australians are pro-American (when World War II hit them, they fought the Japs and the Germans), but we are not blind to their failings. The percentage who DO NOT VOTE is a disgrace. But I'm sure that if Australia did not have compulsory voting, our figure might be similar.
--John Massam
john1c1massam@yahoo.com
Wednesday May 21, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
That is terrible. I appreciate everything you are trying to do to help our American's get through this. We need more people like you to stand up for YOUR country. Keep supporting regardless to what people have to say. :)
--
Florida
Monday April 7, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
I live in Harrisburg Pa and I must say that it is a very conservative area.
I read in the local paper what happened at the "pro-America" rally and I must say that I was ashamed of the pro-war people there. They acted like idiots and treated the pro-peace demonstrators shamefully. (Since when is being for peace anti-American?) One of the speakers at the rally--a Right-wing talk show host named Bob Durgin--called the pro-peace demonstrators "egg-sucking socialists". (Nice huh? Real mature.)
These rallies are billed as "pro-America" rallies. But they are, in reality, nothing more than jingoistic, chest-beating, pro-WAR rallies. One of the signs that the pro-war types was carrying said, "Deport all protesters". (Obviously this gentlemen did not have a CLUE as to what it means to be an American.) The whole thing was downright embarrassing & made me ashamed to be from central Pa.
Keep up the good work. We can't let the warmongers get the best of us. God bless you.
--Rick Wigton
Pennsylvania
Sunday April 6, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
I was not at the Pro America Rally you attended, however I have attended several in Florida. I have not seen any war protestors at them, let alone heard any name calling. I have viewed war protestors, however, calling Vietnam vets enroute to a Pro-America Rally babykillers. I've read signs that call President Bush and his supporters Nazis. I've seen a sign that read, "I support our troops, when they roll hand grenades into the tents of their superior officers." How "peaceful" is that?! The hate rhetoric swings both ways. For those people who truly can't fathom any means but peace, I respect their opinion, although find it naive. But for most of the war protestors, it's about hating Bush, not the war, otherwise they would have been protesting when Clinton did the same thing. You know, the Jews in Europe were very peaceful and complacent as Hitler rounded them up and exterminated them. The Jews in the US and around the world begged the US to intervene militarily, and had we sooner, perhaps six million wouldn't have died. The Iraqi people have begged us for years to free them from Saddam, even when Bush 41 was there. The atrocities they face are worse than what Hitler even did. And the Inspectors in Iraq were not working efficiently, otherwise they, and not our troops, would have found the mustard gas and nerve agent we discovered this past week. I am sorry you felt you were verbally abused at the rally you attended. But you must understand that peace is not always the answer, and when the country does go to war, we all need to support our troops in their mission, whether or not we agree with it. It is the rhetoric of the war protestors that brings down the morale the soldiers fighting in Iraq. And whether they're fighting to free Iraqis, fighting to protect us from further terrorist attempts, or staking claim to oil wells (which they're not. The largest oil reserves are in Alaska. So where do you stand on drilling?), they are still our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and they need to know we all stand behind them.
--S. Crusade
smcrusade@hotmail.com
The publisher replies:
You overgeneralize about protesters. You overgeneralize about Jews. You make things up and pretend they're facts. Shame on you for sinking so low.
Your worst point of all is your opposition to freedom of speech. Do you really believe that U.S. troops will feel happier and fight harder if they are told that there is no longer freedom of speech in America? If you destroy the U.S. Constitution, you are taking away a lot of what they're supposed to be fighting for.
Friday April 4, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
Yes, I was in attendence at the "Pro America" rally. And for once was glad to see that the real Amercian public got to share their view. Do you really think that it is a good idea to voice your negative opinion. Do you understand that what you say effects the moral of our troops overseas? I was in attendence with a really good friend of mine whos husband is fighting in Iraq. His purpose for being there is so that they can have the same freedoms that you enjoy everyday! I would love to hear you say that to Coperal Neil Knable of the 3rd Infintry Division, 5th Marines, and tell him he is fighting an illeagal war. Do you realize that if you lived in Iraq and you spoke as you did about the government you would have your tounge cut out. You should thank god everyday that you were born American. Even though I dissagree and I'm very upset that you can make our servicemen feel as you do I can respect your opinion. It still makes me sick.
--Rachel Pennell
AMERICA
The publisher replies:
Why do you think that peace is a "negative opinion"? Are you biased in favor of war?
You seem to think that this war is about "liberating" the Iraqi people. Have you asked them whether they want this war of liberation? Are you aware that Bush is no longer using "liberation" as his latest reason for the war?
You deserve to do your own thinking. Look at a wide range of facts and use your own brains, don't just repeat somebody else's sound bites.
Friday April 4, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
I have never attended a hate rally and I'm sorry you had to experience it. I believe these rally organizers are part of the same insanity that has gotten us into this war. They bear close watching and I appreciate you being there for us.
--Bill Endres
Clinton, Ohio
Wednesday April 2, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
I feel that this article truly misrepresented the pro America rally on March 29, 2003. I for one was in attendence to this rally and i feel that you fifteen NONAmericans should keep your mouths shut! You don't care about our troops, you don't care about America. If you did you would keep your comments to your self! Do you really know how awful you are making our troops feel right now! They want to know that America is behind them not our enemy Saddam! i respect you and your feelings about this war but i really feel that people like your self are giving aid and comfort to a viscous, sick individual by denouncing our president and the country. We are at war like or not. i don't know if you realize that these troops are fighting and dieing so that you can be ingnorant and UNAmerican, so that you can live in PEACE!!! Saddam wouldn't give you any of those liberties so why do you not acknowledge that we are fighting to give his people those same liberties! I truly belive that you are a dilusional person and need to get you facts straight about the rally FOR AMERICA! Take a look and see that OUR rally was peaceful and that we are not breeders of hate and destruction like you and your friends. Why are you so closed minded and selfish, if any one disagreese with you they're wrong! I just told you that i respect your opinion but keep it quiet while we are at war! If you were "GOOD" americans you wouldn't denounce our flag, our president or support Saddam and his evil regime. And last but not least i hope it felt good to be ridiculed, and NOT Supported, because that is how you make our troops and other americans feel!I hope you feel proud of your self i'm sure you do you liar!
--Kristi Tillman
Pennsylvania
The publisher replies:
The article that you are responding to was a first-hand account of events that actually happened. By contrast, you make accusations but you do not even begin to back them up. That is weak, and no one will take you seriously unless you make a coherent argument.
You seem to think that when the U.S. government is at war, people should not be allowed to speak out for peace. Does that mean when the U.S. was at peace, that you believed people should not have been allowed to speak out for war? Or are you simply using a double standard?
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
This is amazing. I've listened to some of those clear channel am talk radio folks describe these events, and what you describe seems right on. I wouldn't feel safe there either. "Pro America" is a thinly veiled translation for "I vote for war because I've swallowed the dominant pentagon narrative about the 'war,' and I'm a xenophobe also by the way." What happened to our free press? I feel like my country is now just a huge elementary school!
--Henry
California
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
The these unknown "pro-America" demonstrations and their Allied "counter demonstrations" are little more than clumsy tactics by the Bushies to silence opposition to Bush and his war. In the case cited, the police behaved well, maintaining peace while allowing both sides to do their thing. In other cases though some of the "counter demonstrators" are just police in civilian clothes acting as agent provocateurs determined to cause a violent confrontation. When this happens, the local politicians, on cue, throw up their hands and say, "heavens; we have violence. We must do something about it." they then promptly prohibit all demonstrations and of course that way they have achieved their goal which is to silence the antiwar demonstrations. It's a clumsy tactic the one that they used to quite some extent during the Vietnam war.
--Jerry
Arkansas
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
In 1955 when the Soviets crushed the incipient freedom movement in Hungary --- the tanks rolled in and literaly crushed, I felt quite alone and the First Amendment held little solace. I felt branded a "Commie Sympathizer." I sent the Red Cross 50 bucks for the "Hungarian Relief Fund, I think it was called. I was able to confront the false patriots with this bit, small as it was. I quieted at least two tormenters. In this situation I have sent "care" package donations, this time to the USO
Try it --- i works
--H.CHAS. JOHNSTON
USA
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
We had a clear channel rally here in Peace-loving Taos, New Mexico, organized by a local radio station, and the Town of Taos Mayor and council members displayed their support by attending. 500 to a thousand arrived throughout the 3 hour rally, in the biggest 4 by 4s', flags waving from every other car, and resembling a Nazi Rally from Germany, with Mayor Bobby Duran (unelected, chosen by town councilors due to a loophole law). Peace protesters held their own on the corner of the plaza, 15 to 25 continuously throughout the 12pm-5pm vigil. Our signs were met with cheers, honks and peace signs, some with only one finger raised. Masked protesters appeared as Dick Cheney and George Bush, Laura too! A security guard for the Plaza shoved two protesters, one from behind, and was photographed and identified.
The only other violence was when a flag waving teen almost fell out of the back of a pick-up truck as the driver floored his accelerator to impresss flag wavers on the opposite corner. Talking to these people is impossible, as the brainwashing is so complete they can only repeat Fox news slogans like, you go to Iraq, kill em' all, smoke Iraq, not crack, bomb, torture and kill Iraqis', etc. It was a frightening display of Neo-Nazi sentiment with the mayor saying 'I don't recognize any of the protesters, (who had filled the council headquarters on the previous Tuesday for the 2nd attempt at passing an anti-war resolution), up close and personal! He saw a room full of faces he has seen before, who unanimously booed when told we were anti-patriotic and unsupportive of our commander in chief. He knows us, and lied about it to his minions, mostly Hispanic Veterans from Viet Nam and the Gulf War, their wives and children. It wasn't a support the troops rally, it was a support the President rally, with no dissent allowed. We held our own, stayed aloof from their taunts, and eventually took back the center of our town for peaceful purposes, not for a Neo-Nazi, petroleum worshipping, Hells' Angels (wanna-bes) for War flag fest.
--Rex Estell
New Mexic o, USA
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
Ten years ago I attended an NAAWP (National Assoc. for the Advancement of White People) march in Alexandria, LA, for the purpose of protesting it. It was a pretty sad scene: about 12 of them, 3 of us (me, my boyfriend, and a high school kid who joined us). We held signs saying Teachers Against Racism, and within minutes they were screaming things like "Go have a black baby" and "Down with Jews" at us (we weren't Jewish, but we had brown hair, so...). My boyfriend and I were arrested when we refused to stop marching along side them. I actually regret the whole incident. These people should have been ignored; instead we inflamed a lot of emotion. A different situation from the Pro-War rallies, certainly (now is no time to be quiet) but I think we should be aware of the danger of fanning the flames of hatred.
--rhian
New York
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
The support the troops rally (March 29)was unbelievable. Many of them were obnoxious, mean spirited and ill-informed. They even took turns to harass the pro-peace people. Of course there were those that didn’t take part in the poor behavior but then they didn’t try to stop it either.
Here’s a little lesson in flag use:
1. The American flag is meant to be a flag; don't use it for any other purpose. For example, don't use it as drapery, ceiling decoration, or as a bed spread. And never use it as a receptacle for carrying or holding anything.
2. Hanging the flag with the union down signals extreme distress.
I don’t think the flag was meant to be used as a drape to hide an opposing views signs nor was it meant to be used as a weapon. Both those things were done today at the pro-troops rally. The pro-war contingency thought they were quite clever harassing the pro-peace people by covering our signs with their flags. One man stood behind me and kept moving closer until his flag was hitting me. He was aware of what he was doing because when I asked him to step back a little because his flag was hitting me he very wittily replied “no, you move.” Very ‘mature’ I assure you.
The kicker was that some of them said it was their turn and we shouldn’t be there. How quickly they forget their childish behavior during our rally on Feb. 15th where they mingled in with the pro-peace people, shouted obscenities and chanted to cover up what our speakers were saying.
--Jane A Rusch
Wausau, WI
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
The meek shall inherit the Earth. That is, if there is anything left of it. And ignorance is bliss, as long as the arrogant don't learn to read. Life is a box of chocolates, unfortunately there all melting.
--Emanuel Mitikas
San Diego
Tuesday April 1, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
Hi,
no, i never had to attend a hate rally - i only saw it in school, years after years movies, reportages, discussions, studies, to teach us, how it starts (and maybe why it was so inevitable). That's why we hate our NeoNazis marching.
for me - there is no difference in reading, as if Sophie Scholl is writing
but that's only my personal oppionion, only an associativity, no more - please do not understand it as intrusion in your privacy
--bevier
bevier@bussole.de
Monday March 31, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
Pro america? i think they should just call them nationalist rallies or empire rallies. im sick of the doublespeak that is used. if being pro american means being a mind slave, then i guess i am anti american... great article! pro american or pro scared american?
--Anthony
NYC
Monday March 31, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
I did attend a "pro-troops" rally in Chicago, at the Dirksen Federal Building on Saturday, March 22. It was not as extreme as Ms. Hartzok's experience, but it was not a pleasant thing at all.
There were approximately 1500 pro-war people, and in a pen guarded by Chicago police there were maybe half as many anti-war people.
I really want to understand the pro-war mindset, so I spent most of the time with the pro-war people. They were almost exclusively men, perhaps 10% female; mostly middle-aged; very, very few minority folks. The whole time they were there a group of pro-war bikers was circling the block on Harleys making ear-shattering noise. The crowd kept yelling things similar to what Ms. Hartzok mentioned (e.g. that the anti-war people were stupid, anti-american, dumb rich kids, etc.)
After a while the police were not allowing people they believed to be anti-war to mingle with the pro-war people. The anti-war people were soon surrounded by full riot gear cops, while the pro-war folks were ringed by regular uniformed police (fewer in number than the police surrounding the anti-war people). I also witnessed several police officers thanking the pro-war people for coming to the rally!
At times the pro-war people would stand and face off with the anti-war people, shouting derisive remarks. One scene I witnessed was an elderly man who kept shouting at a young middle eastern woman, asking if she was reading her bible. He said "if you have, you know you are going to hell". And at one point there was a small group, inspired by the pro-war speaker's anti-French remarks, chanting "screw the French, screw the French".
I was truly trying to be objective about the whole thing, but I have to say, on the whole I felt a lot of hate coming from the pro-war people. I can't even imagine trying to engage most of them in dialogue. There was very little I heard from the podium or the crowd that suggested that these folks were particularly "pro-troops" as opposed to probably more "pro-Bush"/"Pro-war"....and certainly very angry and closed to any kind of dissention from the "party line".
--Larry L.
Illinois
The publisher replies:
Thank you for your remarks and for your insights. And, most of all, thank you for trying to communicate and understand, in spite of the hate that you witnessed.
Monday March 31, 2003
Concerning the Anti-Americans Seize Control of Pro America Rally
article:
Wow. I haven't attended a hate rally but I have lived in Harrisburg, PA and encountered more hate there as a child than I ever have during any period of my adulthood. I suggest that open-minded people leave the area. You can't change the close-mindedness of Central Pennsylvania. Too much inbreeding.
--Anne Silberman
North Carolina
The publisher replies:
Harrisburg is a great place in many ways. A person can and should stand up for values of peace and understanding no matter what their location.
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