Sep 14 Obama Visit to Minneapolis Protest Pics

A couple hundred patriots stood against 15,000 looking for us to pay for their free health care. The health care for all crowd often yelled at us. Most common words and phrases included you racist, it was George Bush's fault, Bush's war, health care is a right and shame on you. Until Saturday I had never, ever before been asked if I was a member of the KKK...I heard it at least 20 times, maybe more.

Of course we heard songs too. Give Peace a Chance was very popular. I was having so much fun outside I didn't want to go in but when the lines went down and plenty of seats remained some of us decided to go in. As we entered a woman was praying to some he/she god that none of us were familiar with but we quietly made our way to some empty seats wondering who she was praying too. The crowd had some trouble getting the wave started, even the chanting was short and not ear shattering as I expected. I was hoping that meant more people opposed it but no such luck in this crowd.

We respectfully stood as our president entered. President Obama made reference to our senators, twice to Minneapolis Mayor RT and even to St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman but no mention was made of the 5 Democrats who are our non-representatives in the House of Representatives. Of course Obama may be a bit miffed with Oberstar for that stupid transportation plan he wants passed, I am too.

Many of us laughed as President Obama made a joke about the Gophers playing Air Force in their first game at the University's new taxpayer funded stadium. All the fun ended there. President Obama basically gave the same speech he gave Wed. night. I didn't like hearing he was going to force his non-reform health insurance mandate through in spite of the fact the American people are opposed to it the first time I heard it. I lasted 15 minutes and was out of there.

Most of the antagonistic, ugly behavior occurred after the rally. It was clear many people worshiped our president, not respect, worship. In talking to many of the health care supporters I noticed many felt no shame demanding something from the government or other Americans. They listed many villains (from insurance companies to George Bush) that made them the victim. Many were frightened, looking for something or someone to save them. In their opinion more government was the only solution.

Like our politicians few had read the bills being considered. Not only did they not understand the proposed bills or the long term impact to America, they didn't care. Very few intelligent conversations took place but there was a lot of yelling and name calling.

I have lots more stories about Obama's visit so stayed tuned for the good, the bad and the ugly of the day.

Many theme's prevailed including liar, freedom, liberty, and socialism sucks. "Hitler gave great speeches too" also drew criticism from the left.

This young lady was called a racist but then most of us were. One lady with a sign about being a right wing extremist was called a member of the KKK by a young black girl.

A very visible presence. If you knew a union insider tickets had been given out for preferential seating, they even had a special line to stand in to be admitted first.

Many other liberal groups were present in mass too.

Cross-posted at Sue Jeffers Blog. Comments welcome.