On Sunday, my friends Glen and Cliff and I attended a political rally at Window on the Bay in Monterey, California. It was a combined effort between the local Democratic Club and No on 8. The Obama rally began at 11 a.m. and overlapped with a No on 8 rally that began at 1 p.m.
Most of the people came early and stayed for both events — which really ended up being one big rally for both Obama and No on 8. Some Obama folks were holding No on 8 signs and vice versa.
The event was an educational experience for me. I have attended several No on 8 rallies. This was my first Obama rally. What shocked me was the overt racism and aggressive tactics used by the Republicans who showed up to counter demonstrate.
Just minutes after I arrived, I heard someone shout from a passing car, “White power!”
There was just one lone Yes on 8 supporter across the street. This has been typical of the No on 8 rallies at this location. However, a crowd of about 30 McCain supporters attempted to crash our rally!
They marched up on us and began to chant “B.O stinks!” Then, they began heckling us with “terrorists” and “go back to Russia!”
I asked the Democratic Club organizer if their rallies always draw hecklers like this. She answered that they did.
Anyway, here are a bunch of photos from the event:
The Democratic Club setting up for the event.
A lone Yes on 8 guy was across the street.
Nasty McCain supporters jeering and making rude comments.
These folks wanted to protest right next to us.
They waddled off to join their nasty friends down the street.
It was a beautiful day for a sidewalk rally.
We all began showing our signs and cars began honking in support.
HONK! HONK! HONK!
What a bunch of nice folks. Here’s Chris and her grandkids.
She’s a new blogger at Chris’ Rants and Raves.
Give her a visit and some encouragement!
One of the things that makes me proud to be a
Democrat is that we celebrate diversity. What a great outfit!
Whoohoo! Obama! Obama!
McCain - Bush III! Vote for Change!
No on 8! Obama! No on 8!
Uh, oh! Here come the Republicans!
They had a great spot down the street.
But, they just couldn’t resist causing a confrontation.
“B.O. stinks! B.O. stinks!” they chanted. Seriously?
Is this grammar school?
They just kept crowding us closer, and closer, and closer.
“Terrorists!” they shouted. “Go back to Russia!” they yelled.
Then, all the queers showed up! YAY!
Okay, this photo is for Pam.
This spooky lady was holding a Christian fishy symbol
with the name “Palin” — and it is eating an Obama sticker.
Anyway, the Republicans began to thin out quickly after all of the No on 8 people arrived. Several of them said that they didn’t want to protest a No on 8 rally — they were voting against it, too.
You’ll notice in the photos that only one of the McCain supporters was holding a Yes on 8 sign. So, even rabid Republicans in these parts are against Prop. 8. That was quite an astounding thing to learn.
There are more photos on my Flickr page:
http://flickr.com/photos/fritzliess/sets/72157608604588504/detail/
Thanks Fritz for the wonderful pics of the rally! Better than mine! I hope to use one in my blog if it's okay? I didn't hear all of the negative stuff because I wasn't close enough, but their end of the street was really quiet, and our end was joyful, lots of honking and thumbs up and encouragement....music to my ears!