We got to Atlanta in plenty of time to see small groups of red and blue-shirted people making their way to the state capitol. As it turned out these people were various union members who had been bussed in from other states to take part in this rally.
The group that I was to meet up with, Restore the Constitution--III percenters, were supposed to assemble in front of Trinity United Methodist Church just down the street from the capitol. As I had thought (and planned for) to bring the usual 'accouterments' to this rally I had come prepared. The state of Georgia's laws are a bit different than NC's and a citizen is legally allowed to carry 'accouterments' (firearms) to political protests.
After waiting at the assembly point for a couple of minutes for the rest of the RTC'ers to show up I was approached by a Georgia State Trooper and we had a friendly and courteous conversation about the carrying of certain 'accouterments' close to the state capitol. I agreed with his (Trooper Ogle’s) rationale and decided for the time being to return the 'accouterments' to my vehicle for safe keeping. Later on I retrieved my 'accouterments' from my vehicle and carried them openly on the streets of Atlanta a couple of blocks away from the capitol at a smaller protest by RTC’ers in defense of our Constitution. This smaller protest was successful, although we were watched closely (observe and report) by Fulton County Deputies and Atlanta Police from across the street. Several passers-by came up to us and thanked us for standing up for the Constitution and our inalienable rights.
The several Tea Parties of Atlanta (South Atlanta Tea Party being one of them) met on a corner across from the state capitol. There were approximately 70 – 100 freedom-minded men and women, many of whom had fashioned innovative and colorful signs with pointed messages supporting the governor of Wisconsin and condemning unions for their greediness.
Sad to say that the anti-freedom forces numbered approximately 250 people, had professionally made signs, were well organized, and had been taught their ‘lines’ by community organizers quite well. It would seem from their behavior that they are determined to bring down the republic by any means necessary.
Despite this, the Tea Parties, the 9-12 groups, and the RTC’ers made up in enthusiasm what we lacked in numbers. I was proud to be a part of this group standing up for our freedoms and the republic in which we live. What I re-learned from the experience was that it is important to draw a ‘line in the sand’ and defend it or else it is all over with us as “these United States of America.”
Cross-posted at: https://www.teapartypatriots.org/
