The Maurellian Zone

I went to the Rally for America today. It was beautiful.
I went as a reporter for Radio Free Richmond, www.radiofreerichmond.org

Some Richmonders are proud of our nation, and supportive of our troops.
Well, I guess that's an understatement.
Everyone at the Rally for America was all that and then some.

10,000 people showed up, or so I am told. I didn't count them all. I interviewed 10 of them.


	http://www.thefrenchsuck.com/pages/1/index.htm

Babes! Very pleasant, and eager to share their views.
Thank you. Your prayers are heard.

This guy had a LOT of interesting stuff to say,
and I really want him to get involved in
WRFR. Good people! Write me!

Henrico's Finest. Including the Canine contingent.

I interviewed the officer in the center, his answers were brief, careful and definate.

He does not like war. He does not want war. But if it's necessary, it is also sad that it has to be so.

He is a kind, soft spoken gentleman, and was glad to talk to me and give his opinions.

The police had a good day. Everyone was friendly, and happy, the weather was beautiful, and their job was apparently to be there and enjoy it, and direct traffic, because God knows, some people should not be allowed to drive.

Recruiters, and me, in front of a REAL hummvee. I was fascinated with the instrumentation inside the dash. Lots of buttons, and dials. I don't think there was one labelled 'Cruise Control' or 'Comfort Center'.

I would have asked for a tour, but it was the end of the rally, and they were ready to go home.

The main area was pretty empty by this time. Maybe I should have asked to take the Hummer for a test drive on the grounds.

But I left it at taking pictures, or in this case, letting a friend take one.

SO here is the interview that I conducted;
I wish I could get everyone's full transcript in, but - time and space constraints!

I have decided not to inlcude the audio that I recorded.
I felt that a general summary was best. But thank you all very much for your good words,
and I sincerely enjoyed speaking with each of you.
I learned a lot more than I expected.
Speaking personally, you are citizens of exemplary character.

Are you pro-war, that is, do you think war is an acceptable solution?

Most said that they do approve of this particular war, since it's for a good
cause. All said that they do not like war, or think it's good, just that
sometimes it's necessary. Only in some cases is it an acceptable solution.

Do you think there's a connection between Iraq and the tragedy of 9-11?

Many said yes there very likely is a connection, although that was just
their opinion. Only two people said they don't believe there is a direct
connection, and a couple said they simply don't know, they don't have
specific information so can't really say. One expressed the hope that such a
link will be found and proven.

Would you be for or against a similar war on North Korea's regime?

This question got the widest responses. Only a couple people said yes we
should, most said no for various reasons; one person said that Korean
government is much more willing to negotiate than Saddam, furthermore, we
are potentially within their nuclear strike distance, so we should be very cautious.

Do you feel this has improved, or hurt our world approval,
or do you think that even matters?

This was mixed; half said it has shown that we are a just superpower, that
we are showing strength, at the same time showing mercy to the Iraqi people
and prisoners of war, and that we are perceived as librators"
On the other hand one person summed up the thoughts of the rest
"Those countries who already hate us, are going to continue to hate us"
and most agreed that it DOES matter how other countries percieve us.

What are your opinions on the US making a preemptive
strike on potential enemies?

"While a pre-emptive strike isn't exactly legal, it's been done all
throughout history, and if there's a good reason to do so, then we are doing
it for good reasons". When I rephrased the question "Should we wait to
strike in response to an attack on us" many agreed that it was better that
we strike first, and several responded that this WAS a response to 9-11.

Do you think our administration is doing good or bad
for the American people in its actions?

Everyone agreed we are doing good.

Do you think our administration is doing good or bad for
the Iraqi people in its actions

Everyone agreed we are doing good. "Hell, we're liberating them in front of
the world!" said one.

How much of the coverage have you watched, and what
channels / networks have you been listening to the most?

Most cited CNN - FOX - ABC pretty much in that order. One person who's cable
doesn't work says he watches Channel 12 and considers them to have
outstanding coverage, well balanced, and thoughtful.
Very few people mentioned the radio. Except one person who was with WRVA,
she said that she listens to WRVA all day long - of course - and then comes
home and catches coverage on CNN.

Do you feel most of your friends and co-workers agree or disagree with your
general opinions on what's going on?

Most said yes, and many said they have a few friends and family members who
'need to be educated'.

Do you know anyone, family or friend, who is part of our actions overseas?

Only about three people did not.

What would you like to tell them?

Well, one girl gave a very touching message, and started crying. It was very
touching to this reporter as well.Many prayers went out, and several "Godspeed" was wished.
One elderly lady kept saying "I hope we WIN, by God we've got to WIN this
war!" The person with her was a little less dramatic.

The views expressed by the interviewer, and the people interviewed are not necessarily
those of Radio Free Richmond. Radio Free Richmond is an independant media
service that provides news, views and music that are generally ignored by the mainstream media.
Occasionally we will cover events that are also covered by the mainstream media.
We hope to augment their coverage, and not mimic them in any way.

FoxC1@Mindspring.com Please note this is also my spamcatcher address, so I probably won't read what you write. But if you do write, please say nice things, and I'll consider a reply.

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/ox Out. .."A quantum chicken occupies both sides of the road... until it's run over."

Stick THIS up your Browsers!