The Tea Party in Ventura, California
From suek:
I went to one in Ventura. It seemed well attended, but I’ve never been to a protest before either…so who knows! In the designated area by the County Courthouse where they had a microphone and speakers, someone said that they had about 500 people. It didn’t look like that many to me, as I was on ground level and in the back – they were up about 4 ft on the dais and had a much better view. On the other hand, the usual corner in front of the Courthouse where protesters gather, there were scads of folks. They reached from the corner up the block to the next corner and even some on the corner across the street. Lots of signs, lots of supportive honking going on.
For the last 1-2 years (I’ve lost track), this corner has had a demonstration (with about 20 people, I’d guess) on the first Friday evening of every month protesting the war in Iraq (until Obama was elected – they aren’t out there any more). If I heard supporting honking going on, it wasn’t more than a half a dozen times. Today though! Cars slowed, honked, traffic jammed…it was a sight! A couple of trucks – which I didn’t see but I sure heard! – honked their big deep loud honks as they passed on their way to the freeway. The other thing I noticed was that the folks up by the speaker stand by the Courthouse itself were mostly gray heads, with a few people with small children in tow. Most of the “street” demonstrators seemed to be younger people – very enthusiastic, very interactive with the passing cars. I don’t know what that indicates, but that’s how it seemed!
The speakers were mixed. I came a bit late, left a bit early, but heard 3 speakers, I think. One was a Cuban American, one a professor from Cal Lutheran who is also apparently running for assemblyman from one of the districts (looked young enough to be my son – which is scary!) and one whose name was given, but I’m not sure what his claim to fame is. Auerbach? An organized speech, but not especially well delivered. The Cuban was the best speaker… He has a website asking support for an initiative – if I can find it, I’ll let people know. Our Representative – Elton Gallegly – was supposed to speak. Either he wasn’t there or I missed him. I don’t know which. The sun was shining , but the temperature was chill and the wind was cutting. After a short hour, I was windblown and sunburned. Didn’t see any counter demonstrators. No press either, as far as I could see. We’ll see if there’s anything in the Ventura Star Free Press tomorrow. Bet not.
