4/9/2008 8:17:00 PM Letter: Crowd was monstrous to anti-war demonstrator
On April 5 I attended a support rally in Prescott for Sen. John McCain.
I carried a sign with a photo of a war-torn child from Iraq and an anti-war sign from Moveon.org.
Local police told me I had a right to be in the crowd and close to the stage.
Three Navy/Army men were in front of me. I told them I loved them and I support them 100 percent - just not this war based on lies. They thanked me for my gratitude and belief in democracy.
Right away McCain's security force asked to leave. I told them that I had spoken with local police and had a right to be there. They told me it was disrespectful to be there and asked me to leave.
When McCain appeared and I held my signs up, at least three men surrounded me and blocked my signs with theirs. Then the crowd turned hostile. Someone called me a bitch and told me to get "the f---" out of there. Another ripped the photo of the child from my hands, and others pushed me through the crowd while hurling threats and foul comments.
They were not allowing people to express their democratic freedoms. They were allowing only perfect crowd-pleasing supporters within this sphere of influence that our so-called democratic media would report on.
So do we live in a democratic society? I think not. The word empire comes closer to mind.
K.R. Russell
Prescott
Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2008
Article comment by:
BW
James T there is no way, in a free country, the charge of disorderly conduct could be applied to disenting political speech or protest. Your interpretation of law is just plain absurd.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
tomcom
W. Lee Radu, Where are you? It has been nearly 2 hours since your last repetitious moveon.org(esk) babblings. Even though you attempt to dismiss the right side of life, you must be very worried to cause you to post over and over and over to try to be heard...We got your point! Relax, one spew was enough to let everyone know where you stand politically.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
W. Lee Radu
Have even one of you ever read anything of our Nation's history / evolution?
I know Civil Rights, Justice and Honorable behavior are foreign concepts to so many of you, let alone common sense. (your posts undeniably evidence these facts)
More germaine to the discussion is a founder's quotation like;
All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.
- Thomas Jefferson
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Kerry McGee
Right on Moonbatbane! The salient term in your post is "fellow travelers". For those of you out there who might not know that is a term used for Americans who aided and abetted the infiltration of the United States by the Soviet Union before, during and after WWII and as we can see continues on today. That espionage movement was extremely successful in infiltrating many government and civilian institutions and is responsible for much of the policies that are affecting our nation today. A good read on this is, M. Stanton Evans exhaustively researched work "Blacklisted by History" and CheyennePress you're correct saying they support our troops is a bunch of nonsense that the left has used since the Vietnam war.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Tom Steele
WoW! What a response to a "pinko" in our midst. She had her free speach and her 1st amendment time. No place does it say everyone must listen and watch you and respect you. Unless you were injured; you rights were not violated.
Your purpose was to express your pinko-left wing dogma as related to moveon.org, the NY Times and most of the media on wars when America is involved. I'll bet you never watch Lou Dobbs on CNN or Fox News. Your total relm of information is from the socialist left.
Carrying a poster photo of a dead Iraq baby and at the same time telling military people "I love you" is an oxymoron. Or rather "you" are an American who wants the Constitution of the United States to be shredded and for the USA to become one of the world members of the United Socialist Nations.
Maybe I am giving you to much credit for looking ahead. Better yet, you should have the opportunity to live in a workers paradise(communist) country before you help destroy America.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
W. Lee Radu
I AM angry and it's appropriately directed at those responsible for and too stupid to acknowledge the devastating damages they've brought to MY country. Should YOU be angry at some drunk driver that ran down your child, leaving her crippled? It's the same kind of irresponsible, reckless behavior.
You believe the best way to improve military morale is to praise support for the troops in speeches, while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay at every opportunity (McCain does it, you support him).
You believe providing hospitals, doctors, medicines and health care to all Iraqis is sound policy, but providing health care to all Americans is socialism (Bush doctrine).
When 241 Marines were killed in Beirut and Ronald Reagan withdrew all American troops from Lebanon, that wasn’t “Cut and Run”, that was a strategic retreat, like when Nixon pulled us out of Viet nam.
You believe “Stay the Course” is good policy in Iraq, even though President Bush has never had any idea just what “the Course” is since he declared “Mission Accomplished” in his flightsuit.
Now, John McCain can't define "what" consitutes Victory in Iraq, because he doesn't even know or care "what" the mission is either and you blindly support him, simply because he's a Republican.
Yup, I'm angry at what your uninformed, mindless actions do to our great nation and it's people every day.
We all have a genuine opportunity in November, if you'd pull your heads out, and right a great many wrongs. Then, I'll get over it in about 8 years.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Ashamed Mc Cain Supporter
If any of you came to a democrate gathering with protest signs, we would welcome you. I was there and heard the horrible comments and was ashamed of our Prescott youth! I am planning on voting for McCain this year but am a registered demo. I was the one that was spit on in the Plaza (square) years back when I went to see Al Gore. Why is this generation of republicans so violent? Never in my history have I seen venom spewed so vehemently from the mouths of babes. One problem I see is the lack of respect and this is directly the result of the parents lack respect as well. So sad it is coming to this...don't you all see what is happining here? READ the history books...the republicans are turing out to be just like the NAZI's...what a shame!
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Kansasgirl
I don't believe one word she says, period!
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Manners
The editor has removed this comment because it violates the Terms of Use agreement for dCourier.com.
Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Mr. Gordon
Somehow, this story just doesn't pass the smell test.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
MoonbatBane
Leftwingers such as you are all about "Free Speech," but only if it is YOUR speech. Example: Those mean other people who wanted to have their signs seen in front of theirs. How DARE they, right? Because, of course, YOUR message is so much more important and therefore deserves “more equal” (see Animal Farm) recognition. You and your fellow travelers also just can't seem to keep from embellishing, can you? Specifically referring to the bit about having the "right" to be "close to the stage." Because, of course, you are more important than the other people there who might want to be close to the stage, too, right? It really does reflect a complete egocentrism and arrogance that is very common on your side of the political spectrum.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
CheyennePress
"Three Navy/Army men were in front of me. I told them I loved them and I support them 100 percent - just not this war based on lies."
You honestly expect us to believe that you can't tell the difference between the uniforms of someone in the Army and the Navy and yet you "love them" and "support them 100%?"
No, you don't. These men went into the service knowing full well that they were going to fight in Iraq. They deliberately entered a war with the mindset of fighting for our country's mission there. Drop the lies. You don't support these men. And nor could you even do something so basic as to identify what kind of uniform they were wearing.
It's akin to the fan who claims to be a rabid NBA fan and shows up at a game and asks who is playing.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
CMartel2
I call Bravo Sierra on this whole story. Not only does this sound completely embellished, but it is shrill with the grandeur of self-indulged persecution.
I have no doubt that if the author was actually at this rally that some unkind things were said--and should have been. Her sole mission was to be a provocateur, afterall. As for the rest, yeah, right. Statements like this:
"So do we live in a democratic society? I think not. The word empire comes closer to mind" pretty much guarantee a lack of mental clarity or perception based on reality. Just a completely over the top drama queen.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
James T
W Radu, wow your hate for people that disagree with you is scary. I feel sorry for you. I cant imagine living my life so angry all the time. All im saying is that I i decide to wear my t-shirt that says "hippies smell" on it to tsunami in the square or any other Prescott College event, then its on me if i get called names or even threatened a little bit. It's about common sense and courtesy. I hope that you can let go of your anger and hate one day and actually try being happy and thankful that you live in a beautiful city and country. Peace and love my fellow human.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Kerry McGee
No Rodney, we can't, not while fate of the nation is at stake. But I do want to take a moment and congratulate the staff at the Courier for monitoring the site and taking down any very offensive postings. After all we don't these boards to become hate-filled vitriolic sites like the HuffingtonPost, DailyKos, Media Matters and MoveOn.Org, do we Rodney?
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Shootist
W. Lee Radu-you are very good at name calling-yet you offer nothing new to the debate or to the process-what wasted breath you have on this issue-if you are willing to enter into a debate of the facts both of McCain and of this issue-bring it on-but as I suspect you are much better at tossing innuendo and smear than you are at reality.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
W. Lee Radu
Flushed the Right Wing Extremists out into the daylight there this time KR.
Pictures and Video can speak volumns as to just what happened. Are YOU a Video star?
Some are even so bold (posting anonymously of course) as to claim YOU provoked them, threw a meaty bone right into the mongrel dog pit.
Another claims by reciting ARS, proving his literacy, that YOU are a Law Breaker in his warped interpretations, attempted to incite a Riot I guess, single-handedly, all 5 foot 100 Lbs of you.
You musta intimidated the quintesential American War Hero too, frozen in his tracks incapable action or rational thought inlight of your presence.
The cream of the crop, the best the Republican party has to offer for President. Two months ago the majority on the right couldn't stomach him or his pandering Amnesty agenda, and other rejections of Republican Values.
Now he's the choosen one, their Rick Renzi of the moment, I guess (Where was McCain Campaign Co-Chairman, Congressman Renzi by the way)wasn't he invited?
This apparently is your formal notice if you're a women in Prescott, and you express opposing views in public, you're subject to attack by cowards.
Prescott . . . Everybody's Home Town, just not yours.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
whothrewthepies
"Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by: Thinkaboutit
Will this be Censored like past ones? If the Moslems take over as they plan you will enjoy seeing all the people that are not Moslems killed. You will not need a picture you will see it in person till they get you. Questions get a copy of the Koran and read where it says if not a of the Faith, Moslem, Kill them. Think about it."
I really don't think "The Moslems" are much of a threat compared to the Christians arriving from south of the border.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Victor Holm
I have nothing against people bringing signs to a political ralley, but when they start shouting slogams so load that other peole cannot hear the speaker then they have crossed the line and are themselves threatening the free speech of others. I don’t know if Ms. Russell was one of the protesters shouting or not but whoever was doing it should have been lead away.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Rodney
Cant we all just get along ?
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
tomcom
Free expression is alive and well and swings both directions. Regardless of your desired expression, it is very rude, and socially unacceptable to try to crash other peoples party. You were not a welcome guest at this particular party IF YOUR SOLE intent was to crash the event. A simple solution, have your own party and I promise I will not to try to crash it for you.
p.s. I saw the whole thing, you were not such an innocent quiet little protester, quit snivelling, you knew very well what you were asking for or you would not have been there to begin with.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
American Citizen
I agree with Greg. You expressed your opinion and others expressed their right to dislike it. Freedom of expression goes both ways.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
James T
KR Rusell
FYI- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-2904A.3.4 Disorderly conduct=" A person committs A.Disorderly conduct if with the intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or PERSON, or with the knowledge of doing so, such person
3. uses abusive or offensive language or GESTURES in a manner likely to PROVOKE immediate physical retaliation.
4.makes any protracted commotion, UTTERANCE, or DISPLAY, with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawfull meeting,GATHERING,or procession."
When you choose to pull what you did at the place you did, you are the one that is out of order. There is a time and place for everything. you did what you had the right to do just at the wrong place and time. Dont expect much sympathy.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
James T
Kr Russell, what you dont realize is that you are not the only one with freedom of speech and expression. To Lee Wadu, nobody was hurt so dont act like the people at this event are this big violent group of people. We will simply express our views when someone like you shows up at one of our events spewing there oppinions at an innapropriate and rude time. Make no mistake about it, the claim about lies is strictly oppinion and not fact.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Article comment by:
Gayle
K.R. Russell. You knew what would happen if you carried that sign to the McCann rally. You wanted to cause trouble. Carrying a sign like that would not change anybody's mind about who they want to vote for. Women have not always had the right too vote or run for President, let alone carry a sign. As a women I am ashamed of you.
