We have returned alive, and without court date looming over us, from the health care protest in Jackson today.  I personally am glad to be out of that hot sun, and that no one had to be arrested today.  The sheer number of people there amazed me tremendously, considering we showed up around 4 for a rally that officially started at 3:30 and all four corners of the intersection were packed.  We’ve put together a short little video containing some of the highlights of the day.

My favorite things that didn’t make the video had to be this elderly woman who wanted to convince me my Grandma would have to go in front of a panel every five years.  I attempted to tell her otherwise, but she just wouldn’t give in.  Of course she liked me because I helped her realize her sign was mistakenly in favor of health care.  Originally it said, “I trust my doctor, but I trust Schauer.”

Aside from constantly being accosted by people who wanted to prove we weren’t from the district, today was an enlightening experience.  I realized these are nice people, but they really need to stop watching Glenn Beck and his fear mongering.  It really was the main constant among the anti-health care protesters.

Update: I forgot to mention this last night and I hate to pick on this poor nice lady, but her sign wasn’t made by her.  Like most of the signs being used by the opposition, they were created by a small group of well dressed men. The same men who liked to point out our signs were paid for by OFA.  So, we’re the bad guys for getting our signs pre-printed by a union shop… Our protesters helped put good people to work.