Bush is extremely popular in Texas
Not so much as you may think
There is support for the troops, except for the CINC
Bush, military supporters rally at Capitol
By Tony Plohetski
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Sunday, March 2, 2003
To the chanting crowd Saturday afternoon on the steps of the Capitol, now is not the time for anti-war protests.
It is the time for unity. For patriotism. For supporting President Bush and the military.
Holding banners that expressed those sentiments, many in the crowd were quick to say that they do not necessarily advocate war. However, they think the nation should stand behind the president if he decides to invade Iraq in coming weeks.
"I'm not pro-war," said Andrew Phillips, a civil engineer in Austin. "I'm pro-America -- showing a united front."
Organizers said they decided to coordinate their "Rally for America" event to counter the city's vocal anti-war crusades. Ironically, a protest against war was being held simultaneously downtown several blocks from the Capitol. Several other anti-war activists also showed up at the "Rally for America," carrying signs supporting their beliefs.
The rally included the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers for troops and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The crowd carried signs that said things such as "Adios Saddam," "Let's Roll" and "God Bless the USA."
Rally participants stood about 12 deep in a semicircle around the Capitol steps. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper estimated that about 250 people attended.
A recent anti-war rally in the same location and on Congress Avenue brought about 10,000 people. Saturday's Capitol rally also was far smaller than the one Feb. 18 in Killeen, the home of Fort Hood. There, a rally to support troops headed for the Persian Gulf drew a standing-room-only crowd of military and civilian families to the city convention center, which seats 3,500.
Carol Hanle of Austin, whose son, Bo, is in the Navy, came to the rally to support her son and his comrades.
She said she believes Bush is trying to do his best to prevent war but understands the need to protect the United States.
"He believes Saddam is a threat to the entire world," she said. "He is trying to bring a peace that will last."
tplohetski@statesman.com; 445-3605 |
