This Memorial Day, dedicated members of Columbus911Truth.org participated in the Powell Parade, which moved through the main streets of downtown Powell, an upper class suburb north of Columbus.
This is a village that donated over three times more to Republicans than Democrats in the 2004 elections. The same Powell that Bush visited a year ago to help with a DeWine fund raiser. And yes, Republican Congressman Pat Tiberi was in the parade as well. Did I mention it’s a predominately Republican town??
The highlight of our display was a seven foot tall reproduction of the 9/11 Commission Report, complete with the required holes throughout, some VERY LARGE (e.g. two planes – three buildings = one has to wonder.)
The book rode in the bed of a pickup that was adorned with banners all around. The left and right sides featured Bush’s very fitting quote:
“We must speak the truth about terror. Let us never tolerate outrageous conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September the 11th.”
The back banner read:
“You will know the truth and the TRUTH will set you free. - John 8:32.”
The front banner read:
“9/11 Truth will end this war.”
The truck/display was preceded by:
“Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave? O’er the land of the free? And the home of the brave?”
Obviously we weren’t short on banners. They were all made possible by a generous donation from a 9/11 Truther in Toledo, along with an amazing deal given to us by Signs Columbus. The materials used to build the Commission Report were paid for by another generous donation from a member of our own group. (I would love to name these two individuals, but I won’t until I get their permission.) And of course, the book didn’t build itself— the design and physical labor was provided by Aaron, Sherry, myself, and lots of Red Bull!
There was only a little bit of trouble in the beginning before the parade started. The main organizer came over to let us know a veteran had voiced concern over our being there. She said we couldn’t include anything anti-war (don’t think too hard about the lack of logic of that request.) While Sherry talked with the organizer about our already-agreed-upon involvement (we had approved registration like everyone else) and our refusal to take ourselves out of the lineup, a man walking by with his little Boy Scout son overheard the conversation. He stopped and said “Censorship? No, let them stay!” It was wonderful to see such support, he even went so far as to suggest something about a court order. Fortunately it didn’t get that far and we were able to clear up the concern.
Along the parade route we passed out as many flyers, DVDs, CDs, and Deception Dollars as we could, although the pace was faster than expected (intentional or not?) The crowd was for the most part very accepting, with only a few strongly opposed to our presence. One man said to me “can I have a few more flyers? So I can throw them all away? You people disgust me, you shouldn’t even be here.” Little does he know— comments like that are easily overshadowed and outnumbered by many grateful thumbs up and “I’m with ya!”
Over all, our group was extremely satisfied and motivated by our efforts and we definitely look forward to doing more parades in the future. This was only the beginning of a very active summer!
We really think all 9/11 Truth groups should be doing this. It’s a great way to work yourselves into the community and engage hundreds of people in a short amount of time. Our work (and ultimate success) really depends on involving ourselves in the many small communities that make up our nation.
We will win this.
