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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Frederick Smart who wrote (365485)	3/3/2003 10:00:32 AM
From: JEB	Respond to of 769670

Supporting the troops, the flag 03/03/03 Mike Tobin Plain Dealer Reporter Some came to wave flags, some to sing patriotic songs and others to see a radio talk-show host. But all came to show support for American troops on the verge of war. Thousands of people jammed the West Bank of the Flats yesterday to be part of the "Rally for America," trying to keep warm in a light snowfall and eager to show their patriotism. "We came here to get together as a people," said James Nelson, 35. "It's the least we can do." Nelson drove from Toledo with his wife and two sons to be part of the 90-minute rally, organized by conservative radio host Glenn Beck and held in the parking lot of the Powerhouse, near the Nautica complex. Beck boasted to the crowd that they numbered between 5,000 and 10,000 people. Harry Gant, in charge of security at the Powerhouse and Nautica, estimated the crowd at 8,000 people. They carried flags of all sizes and roared when various speakers criticized France and Hollywood celebrities opposed to war with Iraq. They carried signs that read, "God bless our troops," and, "America: love it or leave." They tried to keep warm with coffee and doughnuts provided by the Cuyahoga County Republican Party. And many stressed they were not urging military action but supporting soldiers who might be thrust into combat. Frank Lucas, 72, said he got to the Powerhouse parking lot before dawn because he wanted to show his support for the troops. "When America is kicked around, we always rally," said Lucas, a Korean War veteran who lives in Fairview Park. "We were attacked on our homeland, but now we're rallying around the flag." The event was sponsored by WTAM AM/1100, which broadcasts Beck's syndicated show. Yesterday's event sometimes resembled a giant radio promotion, as four personalities from WTAM spoke to the crowd. Beck spoke longingly for what he called the simpler times of the 1950s, when his family would gather around the dinner table for long talks. He said the United States lost its way during the 1960s, when protesters spit on Vietnam veterans. But Beck said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have reunited America. "It seemed for a while that Norman Rockwell's America was dead," he told the crowd. "The Norman Rockwell America lives. We will unite with our troops and stand with our neighbors." The speeches were mixed with performances of songs such as "God Bless America" and local singer Rocco Scotti's rendition of the national anthem. Beck has held similar rallies in Texas and has more scheduled this month in Georgia and South Carolina. Ruth Ann Roush, who drove from Mantua with her children and other relatives for yesterday's rally, said she and her family came to "support our president." "We have to support our troops and thought it would be great for the kids to see," she said. cleveland.com