Report from November 5 Pelosi Rally

I was able to sneak out at lunch and catch a bit of the (November 5) rally. Overall it was amazing to see how many people decided to come on a whim. There were folks from all over the country and several busloads from the Palmetto state.

By the time I got out to the lawn I would say close to 7,000 people were gathered -- chanting “Nancy” so as to invoke her presence. Needless to say, Pelosi never showed. A group of about 20 House Republicans instead made an appearance, welcomed the crowd with the Pledge of Allegiance, and began the “discussion” on health care reform -- or lack thereof.

The mood of the crowd was interesting: They were clearly upset but no one was acting enraged or angry. A general air of concern -- there were families with children, elderly folks, as well as significant groups of twenty-somethings; all coming together to fight this bill. As the buses unloaded the masses kept coming -- all with the same goal: Stop this bill. It was phenomenal.

While there were a few “Public Option Now!” signs (clearly planted) most everyone sported their American flags and “Don’t Tread on Me” gear. A true conservative momentum has begun and this event exhibited the amount of energy coming from the American people.

It was interesting to take part in the actual rally, but even more intriguing was talking with constituents when they came in to thank Senator DeMint. Constituency held no reason for visit, as people came in from California, Ohio, Michigan ... even Illinois -- all to thank [Sen. DeMint] on his stance. Furthermore, they are upset by not only this health care bill but with a number of issues. They spoke on the length of bills, the inability for Congress to read and comprehend the legislation as well as the popular notion of “cramming” these bills down the throats of Americans.

Along with health care, Cap and Trade held significance within today’s discussion as another hot-topic issue.

Overall, people are upset and they’re no longer willing to sit back and watch. People took off work, packed their bags (and in some cases, children) and stood together to fight for their freedom -- battling one bill at a time.

Randan Swindler is a 2009 graduate of the University of South Carolina and a staff assistant in the Office of U.S. Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina.