America Supports Free-Speech Washington, DC
February 24, 2006
Danish Embassy - Washington, DC
I had the good fortune, to participate in my second rally in support of Free Speech in front of the Danish Embassy, in less than a week.
This one, organized by writer Christopher Hitchens, was all pro-freedom, with none of the hate-filled rhetoric that spewed forth from the mouth of New Black Panther Party leader Malik Zulu Shabazz, at last week’s Anti-Free Speech Rally.
Those who arrived early today (the event was from noon-1) were treated with the offer of a free Danish pasty. Many of us who received one, choose to hoist these aloft, along with the signs and flags, as we chanted and cheered our support for the Danes.
One of the signs was made of Legos and read, “Free Speech.” It’s owner was enthusiastically cheered along as he brought it up the hill into our sight.
The police presence was minimal, mainly to help the various delivery and work trucks navigate through our crowd. The officer nearest me was smiling a lot, which was in stark contrast to the grim expressions the police had last week.
There were lots of media around, conducting interviews and taking pictures as we chanted “We LOVE the Danes,” and other slogans.
When Hitchens arrived, there was already a considerable group gathered. He was modest about his presence, quietly speaking to everyone near him, letting the group honor Denmark in a free and spontaneous manner.
The only time he addressed us as a group was at the very end, when he stood upon one of the white rocks in front of the embassy, speaking briefly about the importance of defending Free Speech and thanking us for showing our respect and support. He mentioned that maybe there needs to be peaceful assemblies in front of other embassies as well.
With that, he told us he had promised the Danish embassy that we’d depart at 1pm … And since it was that time, we, in groups, and as individuals, slowly began the trek down the street.
(photos by G.F. Spicka)
"Stand by Denmark ...
... Stand for Liberty"
"We are all Danes now!"
"Lego my Freedom of Speech"
"Kierkegaard Rules"
Where?
Was?
the?
A.?
C.?
L.?
U.?
Danish Embassy - Washington, DC
I had the good fortune, to participate in my second rally in support of Free Speech in front of the Danish Embassy, in less than a week.
This one, organized by writer Christopher Hitchens, was all pro-freedom, with none of the hate-filled rhetoric that spewed forth from the mouth of New Black Panther Party leader Malik Zulu Shabazz, at last week’s Anti-Free Speech Rally.
Those who arrived early today (the event was from noon-1) were treated with the offer of a free Danish pasty. Many of us who received one, choose to hoist these aloft, along with the signs and flags, as we chanted and cheered our support for the Danes.
One of the signs was made of Legos and read, “Free Speech.” It’s owner was enthusiastically cheered along as he brought it up the hill into our sight.
The police presence was minimal, mainly to help the various delivery and work trucks navigate through our crowd. The officer nearest me was smiling a lot, which was in stark contrast to the grim expressions the police had last week.
There were lots of media around, conducting interviews and taking pictures as we chanted “We LOVE the Danes,” and other slogans.
When Hitchens arrived, there was already a considerable group gathered. He was modest about his presence, quietly speaking to everyone near him, letting the group honor Denmark in a free and spontaneous manner.
The only time he addressed us as a group was at the very end, when he stood upon one of the white rocks in front of the embassy, speaking briefly about the importance of defending Free Speech and thanking us for showing our respect and support. He mentioned that maybe there needs to be peaceful assemblies in front of other embassies as well.
With that, he told us he had promised the Danish embassy that we’d depart at 1pm … And since it was that time, we, in groups, and as individuals, slowly began the trek down the street.
(photos by G.F. Spicka)
"Stand by Denmark ...
... Stand for Liberty"
"We are all Danes now!"
"Lego my Freedom of Speech"
"Kierkegaard Rules"
Where?
Was?
the?
A.?
C.?
L.?
U.?
posted by George - the Other @ 11:35 AM
1 Comments:
Good report.
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