Just got back from the Real Voices for Change Forum at the United Methodist Church on 12th and Lavaca in Austin and I wanted to share.
This rally was for Congressman Lloyd Doggett, whom you might remember, was one of the first reps ambushed by the teabaggers at a town hall. Despite getting there 15 minutes early, the main hall and the two overflow halls filled up before we could get in, so I can only report first hand about the action outside.
Follow me below for deets and pix!
By the time we arrived both the main hall and the first overflow hall, the AFL-CIO hall, were full. Yes the teabagger were there--a small ragtag group with the usual collection of bizarre notions on their signs.
The got the "Don't Tread On Me" flag and Old Glory, of course, to go with the signs claiming that constitution is somehow in danger. One claimed that reform would lead to "Govt Slavery." One said "End No Child Left Behind. Stop No Patient Left Behind." (Don't tell them that first one was a Bush initiative.) The was a "Where's the Birth Certificate" nut job of course and Deathers, don't forget the deathers (infants and elderly, oooooh). And apparently, they are mad. Feel free to zoom in and check out the fun yourself.
However, you will be pleased to know that just our overflow crowd out numbered the loons and factually-challenged by about 5 or 6 to 1. One of the organizers told me that they had about 1500 seats available in all the locations and more than 3 times that number showed up.
Here is the overflow crowd as they waited to be admitted to the third overflow space.
Despite the hassle, the crowd was in a very good, almost festive mood.
Here are my favorite signs
And on the day of the Lion's funeral, I was heartened to see the Texas flag at half staff on the Capitol.