True North

I attended a portion of the Israel Solidarity rally today in St. Louis Park, and was expecting protesters. What I didn't expect was the ratio of protesters to attendees. 40 at the most outside, 500-plus crammed inside to hear speakers and show their support. From the shuttle, I took a snapshot of protesters "greeting" us as we entered:

I'm sure none of these protesters denounced the rocket attacks and human shield tactics of Palestinian Hamas terrorists.

Inside, the crowds crammed in, until secret service and security blocked the entrances. I was luckily able to squeeze in behind the media. Pastor Mac Hammond gave an excellent perspective on the ideology of both groups. His 94-year-old father also came.

Dignitaries from Minnesota were there, and Gershon Kedar, Deputy Consul General from Isreal to the Midwest also spoke. The comparisons between the ideologies was telling, and Kedar gave some gruesome examples of children and public buildings used as shields for cowardly terrorists. Senator Coleman and Al Franken were also present. Coleman was addressed as "Senator Norm Coleman" and Al, "Al Franken." Coleman's speech was somber and positive, calling on quotes and stories of Harry Truman in Israel 60+ years ago. Two disrupters were quickly removed from the room after yelling near the entrance. Afterward, Coleman jumped off the platform to Franken and shook his hand. Franken got up to speak and seemed uncomfortable in his skin. He tried humor then made an inappropriate comment about working "as your senator." Not well received.

I had to leave after Franken, so slipped out and took the shuttle back to my car. The chants, drums and police presence was stronger. As we drove past, this young group of human shields greeted us:

One toddler asked his mother why the protesters didn't like Israel. The mother explained, and another 4-year old answered, "I like Israel!" He got hugs and praise from strangers next to him, including me.

Cross-posted and comments welcome at FreedomDogs.