Writing from Rockford, Ill.
I mustered all of the courage at my disposal and stuck a quivering toe in the torrential waters of American dissent this afternoon. My toe came out intact. As did my faith in America’s future.
What I saw Tuesday at the Rockford, IL, stop of the Tea Party Express III caravan:
I saw nuns collecting raffle tickets.
I saw faithful dogs sporting patriotic garb. One sweet old mut wore a banner proclaiming, “I Love The Constitution”.
I saw moms, dads, kids, grandparents and local politicians peacefully assembled on a soggy grass field near downtown Rockford. About 2,000 gathered this day against the backdrop of an abandoned factory building.
I saw friendly people peddling buttons, t-shirts and stickers proclaiming their staunch opposition to Socialism and their deep rooted love for America, its Founders and its heritage.
I did not see a clenched fist. I did not hear an angry tone or a shrill voice. I witnessed smiles. In this sea of despair, a gathering of humble citizens, the “vitriol” President Obama assigns to those who oppose him was not in the air. It is not hatred that fuels the Tea Party Express. It is a steadfast resolve shared by modern day patriots.
I read homemade banners …
“Vote Them Out - Yes We Can”
“01-21-13 Day of Deliverance”
“We Will Remember Come November”
“The Constitution Is Not Racist”
“Not Just No - HELL NO!”
When the American flags were hoisted and the National Anthem was performed, I saw proud gray-haired Veterans snap to attention, holding their salutes, loving America as deeply on this balmy spring day as they’ve ever loved her.
I saw an enthusiastic gathering of peaceful Americans, and I was proud to stand among them. I walked away, a solitary figure. But I was not alone.