Surprise Guest at Social Security Rally: An Opposition Party

[WilliamPitt]

http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=18#more-18

Surprise Guest at Social Security Rally: An Opposition Party
By David Swanson

James Roosevelt stood on a large outdoor stage on Tuesday in a Washington, D.C., park filled with union members waving signs about Social Security. “Every American,” he said, “deserves what my grandfather, Franklin Delano Roosevelt laid out for them.”

The shouts that followed that remark must have been heard inside the nearby U.S. Capitol.

“Are we in this country ever a We, or is it I and Me all the time?” asked Roosevelt, to more shouts and applause.

The shouting and cheering had already followed remarks by various speakers during the previous hour, including people who recounted how Social Security had affected their families’ lives, but also including the leaders of many organizations. Kim Gandy, the President of the National Organization for Women spoke, as did Barbara Kennelly, President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Perhaps the loudest applause greeted Gerald McEntee, President of AFSCME, the union whose green shirts filled the area closest to the stage.

But James Roosevelt concluded his remarks with an unusual introduction that got the whole crowd on the tips of its toes, straining to see what was coming. Roosevelt said he was introducing “the United States Congress.”

And he wasn’t exactly kidding. Dozens and dozens of US Senators and Representatives made their way through from the back of the crowd and up onto the stage. Of course, they were all Democrats, but they were not all Democrats who always act like Democrats. The more right-wing members of the party stood together with the more progressive. While it has become routine for a quarter to a third of Democrats to vote with the Republicans on legislation favoring corporations over citizens, that clearly was not happening on the question of privatization of Social Security - at least not on this day.

The assembled legislature on the stage took turns speaking, a pair at a time, each pair including a senator and a representative, the first two being Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the latter fresh from having voted for the Republicans’ bankruptcy bill, which Durbin had voted against. Today they were a united opposition party.

[senseandsensibility]

1. Thanks

I needed that.:-)

[Frances]

2. Great story

Thanks for this link

It feels so good to know that the Dems are sticking together on this very important issue

I liked the quote Franklin Delano Roosevelt Democrats. I wonder how Herbert Hoover Republicans would go over. Any thoughts?

[satya]

13. "Herbert Hoover Republicans"--I like your idea! n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

25. I saw it on the CSPAN site

and it was great!! If you haven't seen it yet you should! It's on the front page.

[Just Me]

3. I saw that,...and, thankfully, I discovered that I am NOT numb, yet.

The event actually sent chills up my body,...you know, the kind that makes you know you can be touched and inspired, and that you are still connected and feeling,...still a human being!!!

It felt wonderful!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

26. Most definietly

I felt it too in my heart. Just all the unity and fighting for something that's so precious to us all as a country. I also loved seeing Mr. Roosevelt. :loveya:

[blue neen]

4. "You don't spit against the wind."

"You don't look under the Lone Ranger's mask."
"And you don't mess with our Social Security."--Charlie Rangel

This is a great story, and there are some fantastic pictures of the rally on the blog.

Thanks for the good news.

[stevedeshazer]

5. Fantastic

Great report by Swanson.

Edit to add: I read it a second time, and it was even better.

Gimme some more 'o DAT!

[blue neen]

6. They found an issue they can stand together on.

Let's hope this is just a beginning.

[BeFree]

10. If not Social Security, then what?

The last greatest thing that stands before the sword of the pukes and finally, FINALLY, they stand together. Took 'em long enough, eh?

[blue neen]

11. Yes, it did.

Maybe they can get the idea now-- "United We Stand, Divided We Fall."

It would be great if we could find out what Senators and Congresspeople were involved. I'd love to e-mail them.

Will, is there any way to find out?

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. I watched the rally on C-SPAN this morning

and it warmed my soul. It put a smile on my face. It was an awesome sight to see all those Democrats on that stage standing UNITED against the raping of SS. If it repeats on C-SPAN, it's a MUST SEE.

One of my favorite parts was when the Senators and Congressman/women started dancing to the music at the end! THAT was great! :bounce:

[blue neen]

9. Did they say anything about repeating that on C-Span?

I'd love to see that!

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. I don't know their schedule, but you can watch it online. Here's a link.

http://www.cspan.org/

You'll see "recent programs" click on "Rally against Bush Social Security"

[blue neen]

15. Thanks!

[in_cog_ni_to]

16. My pleasure! Enjoy!

:hi:

[bvar22]

18. Thanks.

If you don't have alot of time, you may want to jump in at about 52 mins.
The Dems start showing up at about 1.01. For the first time in years, I felt a sense of Joy and Pride at being a member of this Party.
Maybe we have a chance. At least some of our guys are STANDING UP FOR US!!!!

[AuntPatsy]

19. That was a site to warm the heart. Worth viewing, thank you..nt

[FreedomAngel82]

27. Definietly a top five of the year

Great! :toast:

[demgurl]

8. Thank you for a wonderful story. eom

[wicket]

12. This warms my heart

Those pictures are great!

:kick:

[Daphne08]

17. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Democrat

Beautiful!! :)

[Alizaryn]

20. That procession was something to watch/

I' glad I had the chance.

[Scout1071]

21. Excellent. I cannot believe that this scene has not been on the news.

On second thought....of course I believe it.

[tallahasseedem]

22. Wonderful story...

Democracy in action. What a beautiful thing!

[crispini]

23. Kick so I'll remember to come back and watch this.

Sounds great.

[ailsagirl]

24. kick kick kick

It's so inspiring to hear people up in arms over the Social Security privatization BS...

:evilgrin:

Watch the video!!!

[ReadTomPaine]

28. I've been waiting for this for a long time.

This news really made my day. This should be SOP.

RTP

[blue neen]

29. Kick for the morning crowd.

:kick: