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Okie at the Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Posted on November 15, 2010November 20, 2010 by quentinhereandthere

For some while I’ve believed that the most revealing political show on television is, without a doubt, Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” on cable television’s Comedy Central.  At first blush, this is an absurd statement to make.  The Daily Show is, after all, a comedy show on a comedy channel hosted by a long running comedian.  But Jon Stewart’s wit and intellect, coupled with the show’s ability to strip issues to their core and reveal the underlying truth (often through parody and exaggeration) is a one-of-a-kind gem.  Though occasionally criticized – probably fairly – for leaning a bit left of center, the show owns no set allegiance and is quick to shine it’s revealing light on topics sensitive to political ideologues of either side.  Case in point… his “Working Stiffed”skit poking hypocritical fun at a Union in Nevada.

Beyond commentary on daily political events, The Daily Show is also a serious production with serious guests covering a long string of serious topics.  Republicans and Democrats alike wait in line to be interviewed by Jon, as well as major scientists, entertainers and authors.  Heck, in a two-week period Jon featured lengthy and thoughtful one-on-one interviews with both Condolezza Rice and Barrack Obama.

Why does the show draw such political opposites?  One reason only: it’s fair.  In between his often hilarious side jaunts and quick witted friendly jabs and instant self-deprecation, Jon asks real questions and allows his guests the courtesy and time to give serious and developed answers.  In a world where cable networks have joined sides, run to the fringe and focused on sound bites or hyperbole, The Daily Show is a small breath of fresh air; it tackles serious topics, allows for details and nuance, and wraps it all up in highly entertaining edgy irreverence.

So when Jon announced on a recent show that he was going to hold a Rally To Restore Sanity on the DC lawn, an obvious play on Glenn Beck’s Rally To Restore Honor that had taken place in the same location a few weeks earlier, I was searching airline prices within minutes.  When his Comedy Central colleague Stephen Colbert, in his own show immediately following Jon’s, announced a simultaneous and competing “Rally To Keep Fear Alive” … I knew I had to go.  This event immediately appeared to be this generation’s Woodstock for mildly disenchanted but fun-loving and optimistic middle of the road pacifists.  How can you possibly say no to that?

So with that, my airline tickets were purchased and on the late afternoon of Friday, October 29th, I was on my way to DC for a rapid fire two-day trip to enjoy the Rally on the 30th.  With a late arrival on the 29th I just grabbed a cheap hotel, but the following morning I got together with my friend and former Normanite, Allison Smith, her son, and her fiancée John.  We started the day out at a great local breakfast Diner and then headed toward the Mall.  This turned out to be a great place to have the advice of locals, because they knew where to catch a bus and roll right to the Lawn trouble-free.  I heard many reports later of a completely jam-packed Metro system, and some of my friends had trouble even getting there.

Fortunately for us, we made it to the rally just in time and found…the biggest crowd I’ve ever been part of in my life!  Size counts eventually put the crowd at 250,000 making it the largest DC rally this year by a factor of approximately 3.  Clearly Jon and Stephen had struck a chord with this event.  So, we tried our best to make it near the stage on 3rd street, or at least to the satellite stage on 5th street.  7th street was as far as I got, and I also got completely separated from Allison and John in the process!…something we all thought might happen. Fortunately we had a meetup plan for later.

Being four full blocks from the stage, you’d think there might be room for comfort.

No.

Every once in a while I could move a half-step; most of the time I could not.  It was truly a can of sardines.  I could only catch an occasional glimpse of the video screen, and had to wonder about the people behind me – the crowd extended for another four full blocks.  A few brave souls even took to tree climbing for a better view, which allowed me the opportunity to catch this wonderful video of some dude climbing a truly difficult tree.  It was painful to watch.  Catch the crowd with their impromptu “Yes You Can!  Yes You Can!”.  Awesome.

Click photo to start "Tree Climbing 'Yes You Can!'" video.

The rally itself was only three hours long and most of it was music and some silly skits between Jon and Stephen.  The Roots gave a full half hour performance, and were followed by one of the stars of MythBusters who conducted several crowd experiments – the best of which was a “wave” of vocalized “wooooo’s”.  But my favorite music performance of the day was a duel between Cat Stevens representing Jon, singing Peace Train, and Ozzy Osbourne representing Stephen, singing Crazy Train – ultimately resolved by the O’Jays with the song Love Train.  Adding to the start studded cast were Cheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Tony Bennett, and even a guest appearance by Kareem Abdul Jabar.

After a solid two and a half hours of fun, Jon took the stage to make a more serious speech.  Jon’s a comedian, and consequently is a pretty silly guy most of the time.  But every so often he gets serious.  One of the finest “serious moments” was his appearance on CNN’s Crossfire a few years ago.  Recruited to come on the show, be funny, and talk about The Daily Show – he decided to do anything but.  Instead he took the show to task HARD, and flipped in on it’s lid.  (click here for a video link)  One week later, in a classic television moment, the show was cancelled!  Another time on The Daily Show he took liberal financial expert James Cramer to the carpet for his role in hyper-sensationalizing serious financial topics right up to the brink of the 2008 meltdown.  So though it’s a rare occurrence, it’s not unheard of for Jon to show a serious side.

Jon’s speech lasted about 15 minutes, and had a few spectacular lines.  My favorites… “If we amplify everything, we hear nothing”… and, “We live in hard times, not end times.”  His point of it all seemed to be that times are tough, but people are good and resilient.  The noise is just noise, no matter what cable news channels say, and the overwhelming majority of Americans are good people that work hard and together every day.  (link to full video and transcript)  Ultimately the crowd in attendance was plenty of proof of Jon’s point.  After the speech a mood of happiness took over for the next several hours as the crowd hung out and slowly drifted away.

At this point I found Allison and John again and we just took in the atmosphere – taking lots of pictures, including tons and tons of rally signs.  The photo gallery below contains my favorites, and here’s a precious video of Allison’s son learning how to dance to an impromptu trash can and bottle drummer.

Click photo to begin "Allison's Son Beginning to Dance."

So what was the point of the rally?  I believe it was, more than anything, simply a demonstration that in a world that sometimes seems to have gone mad, things in reality are pretty normal.  When 250,000 people of all ages, shapes, races, persuasions, and size decide to come together for a celebration of civility our national situation must not be as bad as the TV and radio seem to want us to believe.  As for Jon himself, I’ve concluded that he’s a bit of  Mark Twain character for our generation.  A great author, funny man, and somewhat liberal observer of a mankind.  I’m glad we have him around.

So it was a wonderful weekend.  A nice Ethiopian meal and breakfast at the same Diner capped off the weekend and before I knew it I was flying home happy.  Many thanks to Jon and his 250,000 friends, and to my two friends Allison and John for a great weekend that I’ll never forget.

Let’s finish up with a photo gallery!
Click any image for a larger view, and to enter a slide presentation format.

 

John and Stephen Pumpkinized
John and Stephen Pumpkinized
I am Woman hear me ... speak clearly and succinctly while also acknowledging your opposing point of view
I am Woman hear me … speak clearly and succinctly while also acknowledging your opposing point of view
I many not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your ... ow! quit curb stomping me!
I many not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your … ow! Quit curb stomping me!
What do we want? MORE SANITY! When do we want it! MORE SANITY!
What do we want? MORE SANITY! When do we want it! MORE SANITY!
I must be dyslexic, my Rights Left.
I must be dyslexic, my Rights Left.
Things are pretty OK.
Things are pretty OK.
Don't tread on me ... and get the ?#!% off my lawn!
Don’t tread on me … and get the ?#!% off my lawn!
Nice Guy
Met this nice guy on the bus. He was bummed he missed the rally, but told me he liked my camera.
Washington Monument over changing trees.
Washington Monument over changing trees.
The gorgeous doors to the Department of Justice.
The gorgeous doors to the Department of Justice.
Patriot and national hero Nathan Hale.
Patriot and national hero Nathan Hale.
No guns in Theaters.
No guns in Theaters.
I really need a hug from a girl.
I really need a hug from a girl.
Drum Circle on Wheels!... with a sail.
Drum Circle on Wheels!… with a sail.
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
"I made out with Her"---> (as my friend Allison patiently poses for the camera)
“I made out with Her”—> (as my friend Allison patiently poses for the camera)
Join, or Don't.
Join, or Don’t.
Bad Spy from Spy vs Spy demasked... meets cute American Eagle.
Bad Spy from Spy vs Spy demasked… meets cute American Eagle.
It doesn't get more American than that haircut!
It doesn’t get more American than that haircut!
Allison gets interviewed.
Allison gets interviewed.
I could really go for a Glenn Beck grilled cheese about now.
I could really go for a Glenn Beck grilled cheese about now.
Bee Kind
Bee Kind
I am the silent majority ... can you hear me now?
I am the silent majority … can you hear me now?
My fear ate your flying spaghetti monster.
My fear ate your flying spaghetti monster.
Rally with Capitol in back.
Rally with Capitol in back.
Rally stage.
Rally stage.
Two things Americans hate: 1) Paying Taxes 2) Giving up things our taxes pay for
Two things Americans hate: 1) Paying Taxes 2) Giving up things our taxes pay for
Spy vs Spy meets Waldo
Spy vs Spy meets Waldo
I DETEST people who HATE
I DETEST people who HATE
Spy vs Spy
Spy vs Spy
Ninja Squirrel!
Ninja Squirrel!
No, seriously. Ninja Squirrel!
No, seriously. Ninja Squirrel!
Hardcore Moderate
Hardcore Moderate
Old Maids 4 Sanity
Old Maids 4 Sanity
Hide yo wife. Hide yo kids. Hide yo husbands. Cuz jihadist bedbugs are terrorizin' e'rbody.
Hide yo wife. Hide yo kids. Hide yo husbands. Cuz jihadist bedbugs are terrorizin’ e’rbody.
100_1196
The world is Nuanced; get used to it.
The world is Nuanced; get used to it.
This picture brings back the happy memories.
This picture brings back the happy memories.
Open Minds (no fear)
Open Minds (no fear)
Read. Think.
Read. Think.
"Free Bad Advice" ... from kids sitting on a porta-potty. Who could say no to that?
“Free Bad Advice” … from kids sitting on a porta-potty. Who could say no to that?
Socialist?
Socialist?
Let's use our indoor voices.
Let’s use our indoor voices.
Hitler is Hitler.
Hitler is Hitler.
media on the mall
media on the mall
Be Sane, not Inane.
Be Sane, not Inane.
Take it down a notch for America. I like pie.
Take it down a notch for America. I like pie.
Maybe
Maybe
Maybe Not
Maybe Not
We're here! We're steer! Get used to it!
We’re here! We’re steer! Get used to it!
Sensible Centrists
Sensible Centrists
Happy crowd.
Happy crowd.
Exaggerated Hyperbole - Stop This Bickering - Vote Moderate
Exaggerated Hyperbole – Stop This Bickering – Vote Moderate
Support The Right To Arm Be
ars - Bears With Guns
Support The Right To Arm Bears – Bears With Guns
9/11 was an OUTSIDE job
9/11 was an OUTSIDE job
End The Now!
End The Now!
Impeach Baracula
Impeach Baracula
Jesus on a traffic light
Jesus on a traffic light
Tree People
Tree People
Bacon for All! Regardless of ability to pay.
Bacon for All! Regardless of ability to pay.
More Tree Peeps
More Tree Peeps
USA!
USA!
Americans for ...oh, look - a puppy!
Americans for …oh, look – a puppy!
I hate crowds.
I hate crowds.
SANITY - Seeking All Non-negative Individuals To Yunite (the Y is silent)
SANITY – Seeking All Non-negative Individuals To Yunite (the Y is silent)

Want even more signs from the rally?
Here’s many more at funnyordie.com

Comments

comments

Category: Music Scene, Oklahoma culture, The Stage, Uncategorized

3 thoughts on “Okie at the Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear”

  1. Nicki W says:
    November 15, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    Awesome blog post. I love the signs! I think I am a hardcore moderate myself. And I fully support the right to arm bears!

  2. Alice Woodrome says:
    November 15, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    I like “Americans for …oh, look – a puppy! “

  3. Red Dirt Kelly says:
    November 15, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    If I were in a contest and all I had to do is respond to the question, “What is your favorite sign from the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear?” I would probably end up in one of those game-show bloopers segments years later as the “girl who looked like a deer in headlights, unable to answer a simple question with no competition whatsoever.”

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