Love in the afternoon

What a long afternoon, but it was worth it!
I have been going to marches and demos et. al for over 20 years now and today's "revolution" march and rally sponsored by the freedom community and the Paul Campaign was one I will not forget...

The march got off well; I caught it at its beginning, as it passed along Constitution avenue and 9th street. Fell in at the back and pushed my bike towards its end point, at the west lawn on the Capitol grounds. Spoke to many unnamed faces in the crowd, engaging in dialogue with as many as possible; I wish I had more than 4 constitutions to give out along the route, but I had left scores of copies at home, believing the organizers as they had said were to have that angle covered. I will not make that mistake again...

Overall, I was surprised at the March's energy and composition; for a first time attempt it got off to a great start.

Then, came the marathon of speakers--shit loads: who did not speak to this robust crowd, which began to wilt in the 90 degree heat, though hardly a typical DC July scorcher . Unfortunately, I saw more people carried away by the heat, than at any other event on that green lawn. 2 hours max should have been allotted to the speakers with an extra 15 allotted to the "star", candidate Paul.
But chalk that up to first time "jitters"; in time they will not make this mistake...
Suggestion: move it to the north Capitol side: 'standing room' fit for the crowd, which could relieve itself along the fountains and the tightly manicured grove of trees. Also, The Union Station, a frequent destination for many seeking aide this afternoon, is closer by 1/2.

Well after Kokesh departs to cheers, he is followed by a good natured and wise man who quickly pays homage to Candidate Paul whom he knows and respect. he also respects the crowd realizing they are tired in waiting and they wanted to FINALLY see the good doctor. He cuts it short allowing for the arrival of Representative Ron Paul.
At 3:45 or so, he speaks as if he was presiding over a small gathering of friends, and not a crowd which still numbered over 5,000.

As a DC political "brat" with over 30 years of watching this shit, I was impressed with his candid, good natured and humbled self effacing delivery; so different from the traditional politician or pundit whom usually scream and overwhelm the audience with the "importance" of their message. With Paul, it was as if he was giving us his doctoral diagnosis; many sound, somber, sobering recommendations.

Is he too good for ALL of this?
Is he tough enough?
god love 'em

Of all the multitude of mouths, today... the one whom elicited the most passion from me was from Mr. Adam Kokesh (who preceded the good doctor). He has come a lifetime since I first heard him speak last year in Lafayette Park on 9-11; he is getting that "vision thing", a term my friend Steve Michael(R.I.P) used to describe a person who had escaped the bounds of mere activism. Furthermore, like Steve, Adam also has the "will to power" which can be problematic because his will is so formidable but so is his heart.
Anyway...

He spoke about the spirit of this "time"; describing a revolutionary Republic which can only be healed after "We the people" awaken and then connect with each other. I felt myself in his words; I hope others did too.
Because no one can dare sleep at this hour of need.

Words like "renaissance", "new life", and "soul", rolled off his lips evoking the metaphysical challenge that too must be embodied in the politics of today. Our actions must be an extension of the new world we have to bring about; we will re-animate the spirit of the people as we reawaken the body by giving it back its "soul": I loved it!!!

Words like "passion" and "passionate", ones that I use and I believe best describe any successful act if it is to be done with utmost effect. And of course he used "love", the most powerful of all; this we must practice habitually because it will provide us the only "light", during the days of darkness and fear.
He spoke of "acting in love", as a force of good in resistance; as a "duty" as citizens. So bloody true baby!
He reminded the audience to not fear the government because in the "American" tradition the state should be "in fear of the people." (When he speaks like that, I do not feel alone anymore; like the day I saw the boy with that "great hat.")

He understands his mission: yeah team!
And no mountain of lies or collection of bullets can keep him down; I love his spirit.

Oh the life and the learning.

After Kokesh exits to applause, the stage is next occupied by Constitution party Presidential nominee Chuck Baldwin whom graciously spends just a fraction of his allotted time on his campaign preferring to use his self shorted time on Paul and his candidacy. I have MUCH respect for this man!
A Presidential politician giving up his time after waiting all day to a rival, even one who is a good friend is admirable; this speaks volumes about this man's character.

Lastly, Paul ends his speech reminding everyone that "a revolution has always been waged by a minority", thanked everyone... and then left the stage in an orchestrated "rush" fit for a rock star. Well being the old political veteran, I have to get my way through and get my "mark", so to speak. Here comes the good doctor, now.
I slide over 5 feet or so from my bike and watch as his entourage heads my way. "Move to the side" ordered the sentry who I dismiss realizing he would not dare infringe upon my "personal liberty" with the good doctor on his way. "Great here he comes," I move through the first level of cops and into his way as he climbs towards me; I offer my hand," Dr. Paul", he stops briefly looking up to see who I am and tiredly shakes.
"Got it", I thought as I climb on board the Schwinn and began racing up Capitol Hill; as I was about to leave the grounds, I passed through one of the barricades, heard a clicking sound and then ..."POP".

Fuck, flat tire!

Great.

Got off the old girl and pushed it AGAIN, 1 hour east to Minnesota ave. and E st. SE.

"There has got to be a silver lining to this" I thought over and over as I made my way to and then over the Sousa bridge, retracing the same steps of a similar man and bike 9 10 shit 11 years ago...
Some things change and always in the long run for the better; but my personal "struggle" here in Capitol City, seems to always stay the same!
And you know, deep down... I love every minute of it!