Did you wonder how many people would show at the rally in Washington D.C., or were you more concerned that what ever amount came it would be peaceful and presented in a manner that at least would be heard. Well, I wanted to be heard but was unable to make that trip.
So watching the news on the tube and listening to varied frequency’s, along with staying up with reports on the web and reading e-mails was a useful exercise. Tuning in to Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC for Political commentary on Sunday was enough for anyone.
The effort was both filled with pleasure and filled with the agony always existing when it seems no one really got the point of the demonstrations in D.C. or in the many other areas in the country that held contiguous demonstrations. In a way that also includes me.
I’ll begin with a few recaps of the numbers reported. Fox reported in mid morning that approximately 30 to 35 thousand people were there.
The drive by media reported that as many as 1 to 1.5 million were expected by the leaders of the demonstration, but said there were tens of thousands. Later in the evening from the BBC a report came through that the crowds were about 2 million. The most realistic reports were given, but were only estimates by the Washington Fire Department of around 75 thousand. If the demonstrators were there representing those in control of the government, most media would have reported as between 1 and 2 million demonstrators with the exact same quantities, whatever they were. I felt great with the numbers, and with the photos shown only a few were carrying signs that might be considered inflammatory like Swastikas, or signs of death camps. Even I am guilty of using Death Warrant in one of my columns.
Originally my thoughts were, the march on the 12tһ of September was primarily for the government to stay away from socialized medicine as well as protecting existing Medicare for Seniors. There is no way the system could exist without rationed care if $500 million over 10 years was removed from the cost since $400 million per year is the expense excluding up coming baby boomers. And we could imagine what services would be cut to balance the check book.
Looking at the crowds closer, however, and listening to the interviews, something that you already realized hit me like a ton of bricks. Symbolized through Health Care perhaps, but really even greater was that which this Nation was founded on before the institutions of Medicare and Medicaid. Freedom from the thumb of a Monarchy’s, Fascism and tyranny's of past, where not just Religion could be practice freely but the fruit’s of one’s own labors existed without being overly taxed or spent for us without our consent. That crowd and the even larger crowds that celebrated around the country and heard with what seems to be the deaf ears of government was indeed marching.
Yes, it was good to see people of all colors and hue’s representing much heritage and the histories of many Nations declare “We the People”
With the same fervor that was shown on the Mall in Washington D.C.,
It behooves all of us to continue being heard. And the one thing I know we can do considerably better than those who would deter us from our quest. We can do it cleanly. The Sanitation Department of our Nation's Capitol should be the first to invite us back, unlike when others come to town. “God Bless America”
Something to say in retirement to keep the sanity we have come to love. I’m a conservative and marketer, since age 5 and Vietnam Vet. 1964-1968 U.S.N.. Living in the Houston area 32 years with a Multi-National Oil Co., SF Ca. for 10 years, in Fla. 18 years and born in N.Y.
My historical family are Russian Jewish immigrants circa 1912 Ellis Island. Now is the time to say what is on my mind.
