Here's the West Coast's Liberty Bell inside the hall:
A shot of the bell's famous crack:
Patriots inside the gift shop (the original Independence Flag took up the whole wall):
George Washington and Betsy Ross:
The sweeties at the gift counter, in 18th century dress:
Heading back outside, I introduced myself to David Horowitz. He would speak in just a few minutes to kick off the event:
Still waiting, I went back inside the hall for a couple of more pictures:
Amazing historical authenticity:
The Declaration of Independence (at the time, a piece of work in progress, to borrow from POWIP):
Back outside, Mr. Rooster and Mama Hens:
Here's Mr. Horowitz:
Representative Michele Bachmann waits before being introduced:
She thanked Congressman Ed Royce quite graciously and enthusiastically:
Representative Bachmann gave a rousing speech. She came to California straight from Washington and the last night's SOTU. She reminded the crowd that this time last year the big talk was Joe Wilson's "you lie," while this week it's Samuel Alito's "not true," and she turned that into a little chant to fire up the patriots in attendence. She was especially emphatic in stressing the president's defiance of the American people. Passing healthcare was not about improving lives, it was about Obama's personal agenda:
Down in front of the podium, Congressman Royce came back up for a Q&A:
Michele Bachmann's a political goddess. Lots of folks crowded around as she finished speaking. She posed for just a couple of pictures, and then was whisked away by her escorts/handlers:
My picture with Representative Bachmann will have to wait. But to my everlasting joy, I met Opus #6 of MAINFO:
She took some pictures as well, from right down in front (I'm in the picture at left). It turns out Opus headed straight over to the Lincoln Club fundraising dinner. She's mobile blogging the event. See, "Michele Bachmann Speaks in Newport Beach," and "I Am Sitting a Few Seats Down From Chuck Devore in Newport Beach."
You've gotta love the O.C.!!
UPDATE: In a correction, I've posted the right picture of the Declaration of Independence above.
Fantastic photos, Dr. Douglas!
ReplyDeleteSince most of us aren't can't attend those events, your posts with the photos are the next best thing to being there!
Thanks!
That was fun! I like how the picture of us turned out. YAY!
ReplyDeleteHey, do you have a Google friend connect widget? I'd like to follow your blog.
Thanks Jan! It was really fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Opus! I've not really used the friends connect, actually, since I'm overloaded with Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail contacts, LOL! But I'll be over at your blog a lot now, so we'll figure something out!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, I am jealous that I could not attend this - way to go MA too!
ReplyDeleteI was just through Independence Hall in Philly about a week ago. It does look as though the buildings are identical, amazing. It looks as though it was a great rally.
ReplyDeleteDear Dr Douglas: If you want to see the Liberty Bell, or the place where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed, we have the originals here in Pennsylvania; you don't have to see faux copies.
ReplyDeleteDana: Is that a put down? Walter Knott loved America's founding institutions so much he wanted to make a copy of them close to home. Can't beat that patriotism.
ReplyDeleteDr. Douglas! Great pic of you and Opus!! I must say you two look mighty good together!! And, excuse my gushing, I am just having fun, but Representative Bachmann is hot.
ReplyDeleteRE: Dana is probably just having understandable pride of ownership, Donald. Knotts Berry Farm replica is great for kids. One lesson we need to learn from the need for replicas across the country is the deep hole made in our children’s curriculum when civics was no longer taught in the grade school. I wish that subjecta could come back into the schools, it would make your college level students better historically and politically mature.
Also, I need to buy a hat like yours! Is there somewhere online I could find it? Seriously.
Agree on the pic of you and Opus. David Horowitz looks a bit weary though. :)
ReplyDeleteRusty: Bought the hat at Kohl's. They usually put out a bunch of patriotic merchandise for the summer.
ReplyDeleteKreiz: Opus is a beautiful woman, and that's just from talking to her for a few minutes. Very sweet lady, and patriotic! Horowitz is just kind of laid back in person. The sun was blinding him as well. But very nice guy, and a real model for conservatives.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, everyone should see this-
ReplyDeleteMy readers will, as it’s linked at the Reaganite Republican…
http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com/2010/01/statist-varmints-on-run-now.html
I like the company you're keeping there in California, Donald. Could you send Michele Bachmann and David Horowitz to Virginia? Keep up the great work! ~Lynn Mitchell
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