August 31, 2004
Clueless
I snapped this pic as one of the protestors took exception with my camera and my American flag t-shirt from Old Navy. She resented everything about me. Most of all, she didn't like that I was trying to take a photo of her friend running up to cars at the stop light and SCREAMING at the people as they waited. And so the one woman tried to hit me with her sign. She caught herself just before the poster and stick made contact with me. When that didn't scare me off, she yelled at her son and daughter to go get the cops. The kids didn't move. So, the old moonbat went storming off to complain to the police. They looked at her. They looked at me. They looked at her. They looked at each other. A couple of them shook their heads and tried to suppress their laughter. Needless to say, they didn't come arrest me for taking photos. They listened to the woman scream at them that I was blocking their sign, that I was intimidating them, that I was taking pictures! Of them! With my camera. In a t-shirt that was practically brown!
One man spent a half hour wandering up and down the sidewalk (or behind us) as Protest Warriors lined the street with flags and signs of support for our troops. He kept yelling that George Bush had us killing Iraqis for God. Every other word out of his mouth was "fuck!" I told him he didn't need to yell, or swear, to make his point. Once again, I was met with "it's a fucking free country! I can say whatever the fuck I want!" My only response to that is, and has always been, "and it's free because???"
Other than the near-head-bashing and the Socialist pounding Bryan's car, it was a relatively uneventful day. Lots to see and experience. I spent a lot of time biting my tongue. I wasn't about to get into a battle of ideas with people who can't think for themselves. I still have yet to hear someone present me with an idea or phrase that I haven't heard hundreds of times already.
The one incident that disturbed me the most was when two little girls, about 6 or 7 years-old, came walking over to the street from the big crowd. They were all alone. Holding signs with flowers and slogans like "Saddam H. Bush II" they looked like they were heading off to the playground, not a care in the world. Completely without parental supervision. I handed off my sign and went to them.
"Hi. Is your mom or dad around here anywhere?"
"No. They're over there," said one girl, pointing to the area in front of the stage.
"How about we walk over there together so that I can talk with them?" I asked.
At this point, one of the protest/rally "marshalls" walked up. I looked at him and told him that they said their parents were over in the big crowd and that I was going to walk them back. He asked the children if that's where their parents were.
In unison, the girls said, "yeah."
He looked at me and nodded, "I think that's a good idea."
So I walked with the girls. They led me back into the crowd of protestors. Sitting on the ground, behind a group of people, sat their mothers.
I crouched down and said, "I know we're not on the same side on many issues, but I think we can both agree that keeping our children safe is one of the most important jobs on earth."
One mom looked at me with disgust. "What?"
"I found these girls heading toward the street. There are a lot of people over there that they don't know. I asked them if they knew anyone there and they said no. I thought it was probably safer for them to venture out that way with at least one person they could trust."
Disgusted mom replied, "We were keeping an eye on them from here."
"With your back to them? Anyhow, I have two kids of my own and I know how I'd feel if anything happened to them while I looked away, even for a second. I really wanted to make sure the girls were safe."
"We're fine. They're fine. Thanks." (Uh, could I have a little sarcasm with that, please?)
"Okay. Well, have a nice day!" I said to her. To the girls I said, "You be careful, okay? Be really safe. Stay with a grown up."
I wasn't too popular with a couple people there and I didn't care. All it would have taken was a second for someone to grab these children and run off. Their parents wouldn't have known. And even if they saw it happen, they were so far away that they'd never have been able to get to the kids in time to stop an abduction or injury.
I've never seen so many angry people in one place at the same time. It's not a situation where I'd let my kids wander off unattended.
I don't get these people. I don't get their way of thinking, their disregard of common sense, their anger. I just don't get it. It disturbs me a great deal to think that a few really horrible speakers on a stage are more important than the safety of their children. I don't get where their anger is coming from. I. just. don't. get. it.
More thoughts later.
Photos (many still to be edited and uploaded) can be found here.
Posted by DaGoddess at August 31, 2004 12:49 AMFunny, I thought it was only me who got this kinda reaction out of people. Ive been blogging a whole 2 weeks, and I now look forward to my "death threat o-the-day" with my morning coffee. Why? cause golly gee gosh, I dont think kerry is a good candidate. oh, that is so harsh, I can see why im now an "enemy of mankind".
What is it with lefty peace freaks that makes them want to kill everyone not like them? I mean I dont expect or hope or even want everyone to agree with me, frankly if people do start universally agreeing with me, its a sure sign that the pods have come down from space and have taken over. But these guys seem genuinely pissed off to find that freedom of choice means people might not choose them.
As far as death threats go, I try to take it in stride. I owned a '74 ford pinto once, so death and I are old pals.
Posted by: Frank Martin at August 31, 2004 01:01 AMJoanie, I just went through all your pictures and it looks like it was an interesting day. I have to wonder why they have signs that say that Bush is a war criminal, though - I thought that Kerry was the one who had confessed!
Is the guy with the bullhorn the one who smashed the car window? Was he on drugs? What an idiot. I hope they make him pay for the damage and I hope they throw him in jail for 6 months, too!
You do good work with that camera!
good work joanie,
next time, just hand the girls over to the police, maybe the police will have a little more impact explaining the proximity of the mexican border to them.
Posted by: mlah at August 31, 2004 06:20 AMI had to miss our rally in Orlando, but heard it got a bit hairy over here too. What is WRONG with these people? (I know, we'll never really understand that.)
What you did for those little girls was awesome. And just speak volumes about you! And I'll bet it leaves a lasting GOOD impression.
Posted by: Tammi at August 31, 2004 06:39 AMGoddess, next time call child welfare and let the parents try to explain why protesting is more important than keeping their kids from being run over. I'm sure some kind social worker can find a foster home for the children for a few weeks until they determine if these are fit mothers or not.
Posted by: PCD at August 31, 2004 06:40 AMJesus Joanie, be careful. {{{hugs}}}
Posted by: Kate at August 31, 2004 06:40 AMSometimes people get so caught up in their anger and the drama that they forget what's important. These people who think that Bush is like Saddam or Hitler haven't really been out of this country, have they? Making these kind of arguments will never help promote a cause, no matter what side you're on.
Why not ask the Iraqi athletes how they feel about returning home? In the days of Saddam and his sons, they would've been tortured for not returning with the gold. Bush is like Saddam? I hardly think so.
Posted by: Gurustu at August 31, 2004 06:46 AMAnd they wonder why children go missing all the time.
What asshats!!
If not for the principles they espouse, then for their parental skills.
People like this make me want to smash their faces in with a frozen tuna....
Posted by: Mad Mikey at August 31, 2004 07:13 AMA) Never get into a battle of wits with someone who's unarmed.
B) I keep telling you -- this behavior is merely symptomatic of the infantilization of America, and specifically of the far left. They were raised on a diet of self-esteem pabulum that arrested their emotional development to adulthood.
C) Da Goddess, My Little Digital Brown Shirt. ooooooooooooo!
Posted by: TGCH at August 31, 2004 07:40 AMWatching Monday night of the RNC I mentioned to my wife that I was slightly surprised by the number of children present - we saw at least a half-dozen little girls. At the DNC all we saw were babies. Then again, Clinton's not at the RNC...
Looking at the delegates, the R's seem like the kind of folks who'll stop to help you change a tire. The D's, well, they seemed like the sort you'd drive away from on the rim.
I second Kate, please be careful...these "libshits" are idiots at times, and obviously use no common sense.
Madame Butterfly
Posted by: Madame Butterfly at August 31, 2004 09:37 AMAs a parent myself Joannie, all I can say is "well done" to you, and "you've got to be kidding me" to the parents of those poor little girls. At least someone in the crowd there could put humanity above partisan rage. Thank God you were there for them.
You're a class act.
Posted by: lex at August 31, 2004 10:05 AMThe more I read your Blog, Goddess, the more respect I have for you. You embody the difference between them and us. Remember I said it before. For these fanatics (Peace Protestors, they are not), it's not about the message, it's not about peace or caring for anyone. It's all about getting the guy they hate out of office. I think you have only prevented the inevitable. You may be seeing their faces on TV pleading for the return of their kids someday. They care more about hating bush than protecting their own children.
That's sad.
I'd be proud to call you my neighbor anytime.
Posted by: DakRoland at August 31, 2004 10:53 AMOk, I do realize that Joanie tends to attract a conservative crowd, but c'mon folks! Not all liberals are mindless asshats, any more than all conservatives are redneck alcoholics.
The problem lies in the fact that as a society, we have lost the ability to debate in a civil fashion. Too many years of bombastic boobs on the television shouting each other down under the title of "civilized discussion" on the talk shows and news programs have led us to believe that this is how adults share their political views.
Joanie, I once again salute you for your open handed approach in dealing with the idiot parents. While I have no hope for the mothers, I hope you made an impression on the girls.
Posted by: eaglemtnr at August 31, 2004 11:51 AMYou've got a lot of guts! Bravo for your good deed, but I agree, with a few of the commenters, next time to the police or social services with them. you could have been accused by those crazies as a molestor or kidnapper.
I'm dealing with them because I have to, not because I want to, and it's stressful. These people are in Union Square 24/7. I've been avoiding them at all costs as I have a small child that depends on me. it's down right scary the way they go to hurt and attack the police, so I know in their eyes I'm expendable.
Good luck to you as you make your rounds.
Posted by: michele at August 31, 2004 12:35 PMYikes, DG, you're one brave lady. I'm glad you are safe. Oh, and by the way, I updated my post based on your comments.
Posted by: Brian B at August 31, 2004 02:17 PMYikes. People who disregard the safety of their kids need to be called on it, and you called them on it. Good for you.
It's weird to hear about so-called peace freaks acting so hateful. My friends and I are definitely peace freaks, and we have taken part in innumerable protests, but our sign-carrying is just that: peaceful sign-carrying. I'm sorry to hear that some people were using hateful speech and were using their signs as weapons.
Maybe those California peace freaks have been made violent by the traffic conditions? Or by insufficiently fatty food?????
First Amendment, people! Freedom of speech! We get to express our views, and so do people with the opposite viewpoint! Sheesh, it seems so simple. I wish more people would get it.
Posted by: dragonfly jenny at August 31, 2004 05:33 PMSorry, Jenny, it's not just California. A Kerry supported recently coldcocked a Bush supporter in the Seattle area, the Margolis brothers got jumped by Union thugs in Boston, there's a link in the Trackbacks to a Protest Warrior who is in NYC, his exploits are even scarier that what happened to Da Goddess. Check out the entry on my blog, it has many links. A significant and influential portion of the anti-war movement has proven they can't be accurately described as "Peace freaks" based on their actions. I appreciate that ypu're different, but I'd encourage you to listen to some of the people on your side of the fence, pay heed to what they have to say, and ask if they truly represent your values.
Posted by: Brian B at August 31, 2004 05:56 PMI'm beginning to agree with this Scripture: "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against spiritual wickedness..."
Posted by: Kathy at August 31, 2004 06:29 PMhey there!
love the pictures so far! You did a great job! i look forward to seeing you guys at the sept 11th rally...jen and brian
I salute you and lament the fact that there are so many people who live well in this country and yet seem to hate everything about it.
Joanie/Goddess,
I can't believe you put it on the line like that, makes me feel too lazy! I limit it to calling every single person on their moronic statements no matter where I'm at (Hint, too many high school sports officials are democrats, that hurts). I have never, not once had anybody respond to me with statements or facts...especially on the Buddy Blue page, did you check it out?
San Diego, land of...I never quite figured it out. When I was there 82-85, being in the Navy it never quite clicked with my simple little redneck mind that these people didn't just disdain me, but hated me. I was given bad directions, pelted with fruit (A few times), and well if I wasn't putting cash directly into someone's hands...I don't get it, San Diego was built by Americans defending our country. Why do you think they're so stupid, and hate us so.
By the way, "Drive By Truckers", unbelievable band out of Atlanta, look 'em up folks if you like Americana music.
Have a nice day,
Donald
Posted by: Donald at September 1, 2004 03:54 AMmind your own fucking business, slut
Posted by: stinky at September 1, 2004 08:53 AMCleanup, aisle 23. Would someone please get a scoop for the troll droppings?
Posted by: Brian B at September 1, 2004 12:02 PMWhat a life you lead !
All I can do is put up jokes somebody else wrote.
Good job on taking care of other peoples babies ! ;o)
Posted by: siso at September 1, 2004 12:14 PMWe appear to be on the opposite end of the political spectrum (I'm a protester, but not an angry, shouting one--I behave with decorum and extend compassion to those on both sides), but I must say how much I appreciate your taking the time to look out for those children, especially when their parents weren't doing it.
I have to say that I sent my child out of town for the week. The situation was somewhat unpredictable, and it was much too hot for a small child to be out in the sun all day anyway.
I hope that for the sake of those children that the *next* time their moms turn their back on them that there is some nice person like you to help, since I'm imagining this is likely to be a theme with their mothers.
Yeah I see what you mean. It's to bad we can't talk our president out of slaughtering our young people also.
Posted by: JP at September 1, 2004 06:57 PMWhy do these people remind me so much of Palestinian parents expressing pride that their children have become human hand grenades?
Posted by: Ralph Gizzip at September 2, 2004 04:24 AMGoddess, those people are all about how they feel. They say that you and I are not really capable of understanding how they _FEEL_.
They're right. Any sad fool that lets their little girls walk around in the middle of a fairly hot demonstration because they are too busy protesting that they don't feel _safe_ with our current administration....well, they must be from some other species.
I hope, when the time comes to choose between being homo sapiens and homo victimus that these little girls recognize their parents as being counter-life and choose to go the other way.
Nice work. You did the right thing when it was uncomfortable and difficult to do so, when knew you were going to be reviled for doing so. That's a true measure of a person's worth. Congratulations.
Posted by: Rockets at September 2, 2004 09:24 AMGood ON you, girl. :) Awesome (and very classy) move.
Posted by: skits at September 2, 2004 11:34 AMYou did the right thing but please be careful "daft f-ing clueless hippies" can be an unpredictable lot.
Posted by: dale at September 3, 2004 07:50 AMUn-freakin-believable!! And they wonder why people dislike them. Kudos to you for looking out for those kids as well.
Posted by: medicmom at September 4, 2004 04:46 PMWish I could have been there...
Posted by: sama at September 6, 2004 07:53 AM