Counter-Protesting MoveOn in Valparaiso - 9/2/2009

[rambone]

COUNTER-PROTESTING THE SOCIALISTS
IN VALPO


The Northwest Indiana Patriots are planning a protest in opposition to the Socialist rally being held at the Porter County Courthouse. The focus of this event is the Democrat's Health Care "Reform" bill, H.R. 3200.

The socialist rally starts at 6PM. However, the Patriots will be meeting at 5:30PM, a couple blocks away. Once we have gathered up our people, we plan to march past their rally up Washington Street and form a counter-protest across the street from them.

So, depending on if you can make it on time or a bit late, you either will meet us at Von Tobel's or at the Courthouse. They are very close to each other, obviously a short walking distance.


If you can be there at 5:30 PM CST
Across from Von Toblel's Hardware
256 S. Washington
Valparaiso, IN


If you can be there after 6:00 PM CST
Across the street from the Courthouse
16 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN




This should be a fairly large event and will have definite presence of MoveOn.org, ACORN, SEIU, and Organizing for America. I hope all you arm-chair supporters come out and finally join us in a worthwhile event. We need your support and numbers.

Please bring signs, flags, and friends.
​

RSVP ON FACEBOOK!!
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​

March On Washington In Valparaiso - Northwest Indiana Patriots (Valparaiso, IN) - Meetup.com

Pro-government health care supporters are making a push to have their voices be the last ones Congress hears before they go back to Washington after the summer recess. There will be a pro-health care reform "vigil" Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Courthouse, 16 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. Let's help them mourn the death of government health care by making our own "March on Washington in Valparaiso."

We will form our rank and file on the east side of Washington Street in the grassy area across from Von Tobel Hardware in Valparaiso. We will use the sidewalks of Valparaiso to "March on Washington” Street to Indiana Street, take a right turn and march to Franklin Street, then left onto Lincolnway, then back on Washington. If you can't make the Taxpayer March on DC September 12, here's a chance to be part of a symbolic "March on Washington" right here at home without the cost of airfare, lodging and time off from work!

Let the government-option supporters hold their vigil. We will remain vigilant to the dangers to personal liberty a government takeover of the health care industry represents, and the unconscionable debt to which it will lead. Bring your signs, flags, candles, lighters and flashlights to symbolize your commitment to keep watch over the freedoms our Constitution guarantees.

Meet at 5:30 p.m. across from Von Tobel's. There is street and public parking available in the area.

 

[Clif45]

What time will this end? Unfortunately I have class starting at 5:30 and running until later on. I would like to be there to check it out, but school has stopped me again.

 

[rambone]

What time will this end? Unfortunately I have class starting at 5:30 and running until later on. I would like to be there to check it out, but school has stopped me again.

Well I can tell you that the MoveOn group who arranged the rally and got the permit for the event reserved the lawn from 6-9 PM. My guess is it will break up at 8PM. Hope to see you there, maybe you can sneak out of class early...

 

[rambone]

Please help the cause by spreading the word.

Please RSVP if you can make it on Facebook.

And if you can't make it, please send it to your friends on facebook to help get the word out to more people! Thanks!!

Login | Facebook

 

[rambone]

Tomorrow! Whos coming?

 

[Prometheus]

I might be able to make it... I plan on having a Gadsden flag if I go so no long arm carry, but since there are side walks, I'll probably open carry my sidearm.

Nothing against the law on the sidewalks in Valpo right? lol

 

[Phil502]

I should make it after work, this might be a big one.

 

[Clif45]

I am gonna try to be there a little early and talk to some people, but i gotta be back at vale park and calumet for school by 5:30. Hopefully I can get out early enough to catch a little bit of this, but i doubt I will be lucky enough to attend

 

[rambone]

Looks like there will be a pretty substantial amount of people attending on our side. So far we have 73 RSVPed to be there. I can tell you from past meetups that sometimes as much as double the RSVP number show up. So we will give the Socialists a good fight.

RSVP Here:
March On Washington In Valparaiso - Northwest Indiana Patriots (Valparaiso, IN) - Meetup.com

Please register yourself to keep up with future events, all local to NWI.

 

[Prometheus]

bump

 

[Clif45]

So how well did it end up going? I was at von tobels until 5 and never really seen any groups, and at that time I figured it would be best to get back to school.

 

[Phil502]

It was AWESOME over 300 Patriots there and maybe only 75 Acorn/SEIU/Obama-ites.
The crowd did not gather until 5:30 and was really full by 6:15 and on after that. That was really a great turnout!

Funny thing I noticed now, in the recent past the Democratic supporters would show disdain for religious groups, now they are starting with the Jesus would want free healthcare for everyone, and this and that religious group support "reform". They did not care what Jesus thought about the abortions though.

 

[rambone]

YOU MISSED A GOOD ONE!!!

So how well did it end up going? I was at von tobels until 5 and never really seen any groups, and at that time I figured it would be best to get back to school.

Aww you were too early! Our crowd started assembling at 5:30. It was CRAZY. People just kept coming and coming. Our group had to have been 400 strong. Once the Socialist rally got started, we began our march.

As you may know, the Socialists reserved the Courthouse lawn for their event, so we stayed off of that side of the street. But we had enough people to continuously encircle the block around the courthouse. From their perspective they just saw a continuous stream of people marching past the courthouse, on all sides. They were vastly outnumbered. It was GREAT!!

They were so angry because I don't think they got wind that we would be there. Certainly not in this kind of force. It was hilarious to see their scowls as they realized how many people were there to overshadow their event. Some counts estimated their crowd at 60-75 people. We outnumbered them by several-fold.

The Patriots were so loud that it made them turn up their speakers because they were having trouble hearing their leaders spouting Commie propaganda. We were out in force!! Northwest Indiana does NOT want Socialism!! Americans do NOT want their liberty taken from them!!

As usual, our side was a sea of American flags, big ones. Their side was devoid of American flags until some woman had a box of the little mini 5x7" flags and passed them out. Its pretty typical, I always know how to find my side for that reason. We also recited the Pledge of Allegiance in unison, and together sang "God Bless America" (to which some Socialist with a megaphone sang "God Bless Obama").

I brought sister, girlfriend, and parents. There were people of all ages. From kids in strollers to elderly in wheelchairs. Its important to realize that all of our demonstrations have been peaceful and civility is the #1 goal. We are always in compliance with the police. In fact, the organizers always make it a point to go talk to the department before our events to explain our movement. The police largely agree with our cause, and don't interfere. That said, there was a large police presence at the courthouse. Valpo PD and Porter County were out there. There were guys on bikes and guys on foot. Just keeping the peace.

I got to meet fellow INGOer Phil502 finally in person. Keep up the good work Phil! There will be more battles to be fought in the future. See you at the next one!

This had to be the coolest event yet. Although the Chesterton Town Hall with Visclosky was pretty fun too.

If there are people out there who are interested in joining us in the future or supporting the movement, please register yourself here so you can keep up with our calendar and see our discussion forum. Be a part of the solution!! Its your freedom too!!

http://www.meetup.com/Northwest-Indiana-Patriots/

Who else made it?? Share your stories!!

 

[rambone]

Here's a biased news article if I've ever read one.

Reformers, Protesters Swarm in Valpo

VALPARAISO | The debate over health care reform that is sweeping the nation came to Valparaiso on Wednesday night as hundreds of residents gathered near the Porter County Courthouse.

Supporters of the reform bill had organized a rally and candlelight vigil, but were outnumbered more than 2-1 by opponents.

Waving flags and shouting "Kill the bill," opponents circled the courthouse, surrounding those who had gathered in support.

"This is just evidence of how polarizing this issue is," said Valparaiso resident Kathy Ludwig, a reform proponent who carried a sign that read "Health care not warfare."

Rally organizer Christopher Pupillo said the Valparaiso event was one of more than 400 pro-health care reform rallies taking place throughout the country Wednesday. Hobart and Highland were among other communities in the region hosting rallies.

"This is part of something bigger," Pupillo said. "In small towns and big cities, people are rallying in support of health care reform. This is the beginning of what I think is going to be a real sea change in this debate."

As supporters sang songs and listened to speakers, they often were drowned out by the highly vocal protesters.

Pupillo was not surprised that such a large number of the opposition turned out in response to his rally.

"Anger and fear drives turnout," he said. "They're very organized. About half these people came from South Bend and Elkhart.

"We're not going to engage with them. We are not going to have a shouting match."

Mallory Fiegle, 21, of Hobart, stood quietly holding a sign that read "Government option, optional. Get it?"

"We deserve to have health care that will satisfy every need," she said. "I'm trying to keep optimistic (that the legislation will pass). I have hope for our country."

Valparaiso resident Lois Reiner said she is on Medicare and wants everyone to have what she has.

"It's a moral issue," she said. "There has to be a change."

Chesterton resident Debbie Whitecar was among those opposing the reform.

"I've been to over 25 countries, and socialist health care does not work," she said. "The government should never be in control. It's failed everywhere else."

Judith and Stanley Jones, of Munster, carried signs calling the reform plan "Obama care."

"Part of this program is to kill off the young and the old," Stanley Jones said. "I don't think the government should be subsidizing abortions."
​

WHAT A B***S*** ARTICLE!! For one thing we outnumbered them by at least 4-1, and it was OBVIOUS. We had the entire block surrounded.

Secondly, they have the nerve to write that half of us came from South Bend and Elkhart???? WTF


I replied to the NWI editors with this:

letters@nwi.com
nangle@nwitimes.com
dasher@nwitimes.com
bill.masterson@nwitimes.com

In regards to the Health Care Reform demonstration in Valpo 9/2/09:

I am disappointed at what I am reading in the 9/3 NWI article, "Reformers, protesters swarm in Valpo." The citizens who reject this so-called-reform vastly outnumbered the 60-70 supporters. The opposition to this bill was so great that it literally surrounded the courthouse. Some counts range between 350-400 people who absolutely reject the "reform" that the democrats want to impose on America. Not exactly a 2:1 ratio as the article reports.

As for the allegation that half the protesters came from South Bend or Elkhart, that was absolutely false. The fact is that the majority of the residents of Northwest Indiana reject Socialism and do not want the Government to tax us any more than it already is. America is in a recession and cannot afford to give out any more handouts. Taxing America's rich means more jobs cut for the rest of us.

The patriotism was amazing by those who choose to stand up for freedom instead of allowing the Government to control us with high taxes, control our health care, and control our lives. Liberty happens when you have control of your own life and your own decisions, not when your Big Brother - the Government - feeds you, clothes you, heals you, houses you, and controls you.

It was heartening to see so many Americans waking up to what their Government is trying to do to them. We shall continue waiting until our local newspapers wake up as well.

 

[Redskinsfan]

Well done!

Rambone et. al.,

Good job on your gathering opposing socialism.

Thank you.

Terry

 

[rambone]

Post Tribune's Article

Health Care Reform Debate Draws Crowds

VALPARAISO -- Lincolnway marked the dividing line for more than 300 people who gathered in Valparaiso on Wednesday, with those on the courthouse square property supporting President Obama's health-care reform plan and those opposed to it on the other side of the street.

The courthouse-side rally was organized by people who couldn't make the MoveOn.org demonstration in Highland, said Chris Pupillo, one of the organizers. "This one came together more organically," he said.

Faith Jones said her group opposing the plan, the Northwest Indiana Patriots, announced the march a week ago on its Web site. "We're a counter-protest," she said.

Tensions ran high at first, and at least nine Valparaiso police officers were there, with sheriff's officers joining later.

The counter-protest people had more numbers initially, and chanted while waving American flags. Some took to vehicles, honking while holding large flags outside the windows. The courthouse side sang protest songs using a public address system.

Officers stopped someone from the Patriot protest who was carrying a handgun and checked to see if his permits were in order, which officers said were.

Some people who arrived on the counter-protest side were escorted to the courthouse by police when shoving occurred. One group of four youths admitted to stirring up both sides.

The courthouse group broke about 8 p.m., before their permit ended at 9 p.m. Sheriff David Lain used the public address system to ask for peaceful dispersal on both sides.

 

[rambone]

First video clip found

This gives you a feel for how many people were there. This short clip shows the beginning of the march and during the march. The camera does show a shot of the courthouse lawn where the Socialists were meeting. Pretty sparse. Hardly a 2:1 ratio like the paper says.

YouTube - UHC Protest, Valparaiso IN 2009

 

[rambone]

Here is another video from the event. This man was apparently detained by police for Open Carry. Please discuss that at the following thread:

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...t_valparaiso_rally_9_2_2009_a.html#post557399



YouTube - OBAMACARE RALLY AND COUNTER PROTEST/DETAINED BY POLICE FOR LEGAL OPEN CARRY!!*EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE!*

 

[Phil502]

2:1 that must be the new math, it was 4 or 5:1 in my opinion. We were all over the place.

 

[rambone]

NWIP Video

YouTube - September 2, 2009 Healthcare Counter-March