Not getting arrested at a Bush speech.

[Radical Activist]

I heard Bush speak at the dedication of the Lincoln Presidential Museum, and wore an anti-Bush t-shirt. I was still allowed into the event and wasn't kicked out. Probably because Bush didn't control the event and there were Democrats speaking as well. I also decided not to shout during his speech or otherwise be disruptive, so I had no problems with the authorities.

It was still interesting wearing the anti-bush shirt though. A few people that didn't like it made comments, but a lot more people said they liked it, even though this was mostly a Republican crowd. Several people took my picture. Two people said they thought I would get arrested for it.

I'm glad I wore the shirt because I saw how it emboldened other people. There are so many liberals afraid of speaking out and sticking out now, especially in a Republican crowd like that one. The conservatives want an environment where they aren't afraid to be loud and obnoxious about their beliefs anytime they want while liberals are timid, quiet and afraid. I refuse to be silent! I refuse to be afraid! Republicans will have no moment without a voice of dissent as long as I am present.

[yorgatron]

1. right on baby!

:yourock:

[hippiepunk]

2. Good job

You are very lucky you weren't "escorted" away.

[rzemanfl]

3. What did your shirt say? "Anti-Bush T-shirt?" Really would like

to know.

[Radical Activist]

5. It had an outline of Bush's face

and the words "Not My President"

[rzemanfl]

7. Thanks. Good job. n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

4. Yay!

Good for you! I'm glad you took a stand and I'm tired of them silencing us too! No way in hell!

[da_chimperor]

6. Dude . . . awesome. And I assure you this ISN'T the beer speaking!

:toast::beer::party:

[annabanana]

8. Great Story!.... I'm glad you were "peaceful" so you could get

the reaction from other members of the crowd! Imagine that someone who sports a "contrarian" opinion is such an oddity that people would want to take pictures!

what a world

[Runcible Spoon]

9. well, you nixed my pie idea...

but still...I'm proud :yourock: :hug:

[Radical Activist]

11. They had lots of snipers

I was too far away for a pie anyway. :)

[Paul Dlugokencky]

10. Great job, and thanks, but...

It's a sad day when not getting arrested (or "escorted" away) for exercising one's right to free speech is noteworthy.



http://www.cafepress.com/kickindemocrats

[Radical Activist]

14. Very true.

Amazing how fascist things have become.

[CitySky]

12. Good job!

I was at not one but TWO protests here in Houston this weekend, and I felt the same way: speaking out is worth it.

Even a few NRA members waved or threw peace signs (yeah is that weird or what???) while we were outside their convention, protesting their keynote speaker Tom DeLay. The peace sign ladies took pictures of each other with us as the backdrop. I wanted to shout at them to HECKLE the man during his speech, for crying out loud, since they were going to be in the ballroom. ("Try exercising your FIRST Amendment rights, too!"), but was drown out by our side's spirited chanting.

And people driving by the Billionaires For Halliburton tax day action on their way to drop off their 1040's (you can see pics at www.houston.indymedia.org) were definitely informed by the whole thing. Some nodded in agreement or cheered us on, some took flyers, some asked questions, some just laughed. A couple of wingnuts shouted obscenities, but whatever!

Our rights are like muscles: use 'em or they atrophy!

[Been Fishing]

13. Not getting arrested

is good thing!

Rock on, you Radical Activist! :yourock:

[Radical Activist]

15. kick for those who said I would be kicked out

[mopaul]

16. !!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!

[bunkerbuster1]

17. Totally cool.

And Chimpy? That didn't hurt, now, did it? Allowing people who actually disagree with you, to hear you speak?