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This is my report on today's pro-recall and anti-recall events at the Capitol in Sacramento.
Ultra-right activists pleaded for a turnout of "thousands" via radical talk radio and their political networks across the state for their Capitol demonstration for the recall of Gov. Gray Davis, who was reelected only this past November. The problem for them is, only about 200 turned out, all of which appeared to be hardcore racists, anti-abortionists, homophobes and fundamentalists. "Free Republic" had a tent, along with various Republican groups, the Libertarian Party and the racist American Independent Party. One man held aloft a giant portrait of a mangled fetus. (I thanked this man for showing up--then told him his picture would be great for an anti-recall commercial!) One man carried a sign decrying "sodomy" while others railed against "Gay Davis." Before this meager crowd loser Bill Simon, failed state controller candidate Tom McClintock and car thief Darrell Issa spoke. These three have gubernatorial aspirations.
Across the street, about 50 anri-recall activists organized by labor and the Democratic Party (including myself) maintained a sprited presence, gaining a positive response from many passing motorists. When failed 2002 candidate Bill Simon spoke, our chant was simple: "Loser! Loser! Loser!" Other anti-recall favorites: "Issa steal a car, not an election!" and "We won, you lost! Get over it!"
Driving home, a local right-leaning AM radio station spoke of "pro-recall and anti-recall demonstrations at the Capitol," indicating a successful bid for media attention by our forces. Local stations interviewed anti-recall activists (including myself!).
We are very motivated to defeat this attempt which Gov. Davis correctly described as a "hostile takeover by the right." It's all out for October 7th, as Democrats, labor and all progressives unite to defeat this anti-people power play. Now is the time to start organizing!
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