Gold9472
03-25-2010, 12:29 PM
My Fondest Memories Of Camp OUT NOW
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs489.ash1/26727_376460912361_569547361_3756911_8024861_n.jpg
Camp OUT NOW
Jon Gold
3/25/2010
It's very hard to remember everything worth mentioning during the first week of Peace of the Action at Camp OUT NOW, so I'm going to do my very best to tell you about my fondest memories.
On Monday, my Aunt took me with her on her job. She has the same job my Grandfather had, so it was kind of surreal to go with her. What she had to do didn't take very long, and then she took me to the Washington Monument.
Admittedly, I was thinking I would see at least 50 tents sprawled out across the lawn of the monument. It's unfortunate that that wasn't the case. We drove around, and I saw the purple and blue tents known as Camp OUT NOW. My aunt dropped me off, and I lugged my stuff over to the site.
I said my hellos to the people that were there, and quickly asked where to set up my tent. It was the first tent to be put up.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jontent.jpg
Joshua Smith took this picture of me in front of my tent.
Joshua Smith was the second to post a tent, and then Harry was the third. There was a heavyset woman there from the Park Service Cindy Sheehan named "Officer Buzzkill." She drove up to the camp in her car, and parked on the sidewalk two or three days in a row, I don't remember. She made sure to take as many pictures of the ground and the people as possible, and she was also responsible for the Police telling us to take down our personal tents within hours of posting them. It was a disappointment not being able to post the tents, but it also gave us an opportunity to be warm in the church.
Cindy was an inspiration from the moment I saw her until the moment I left on Tuesday. I remember first seeing her arrive at the camp, and her face lit up like it usually does. Very few people I know have a kinder, more glowing smile than Cindy Sheehan. She wrote on my tent, "1st Amendment Tent," and signed her name at my request.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/cindyjoncamp.jpg
Ward Reilly took this picture of Cindy and I on Monday.
Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers spoke on Monday night about Healthcare in the United States.
It was cold on Monday, and rained Monday night. Joshua, and Robby and maybe someone else, I don't remember, had guard duty for the camp on Monday night. The rest of us were taken to the church.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/vanride.jpg
Joshua Smith also took this picture of us in the van going to the church.
Staying at the church wasn't so bad. I was banished from the populated area because I am a BAD snorer. George was bitten by a rat. Other than that, it was nice to be warm, and nice to have a bathroom. Thank you to St. Stephens for allowing us to stay there.
Tuesday morning we had our Press Conference (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/camp-out-now-press-conference-3162010/). The Associated Press, PressTV, and VOANews were in attendance that I know of, and several independent media reporters. I was interviewed by PressTV.
On Tuesday night, Col. Ann Wright (Ret.), and Ray McGovern spoke about Israel and Rachel Corrie. I had the honor of introducing Ray. Unfortunately, after I introduced him, he was no where to be found, so we had to wait a little bit. Hopefully Josh can edit in my introduction with Ray's speech. :)
Malcolm, Tim and myself stayed at the camp for security on Tuesday. We stayed warm by putting our heads under the lights. It was FREEZING out. I tried to fall asleep on the stage, but a police officer came to wake me up. You were not allowed to sleep on the grounds. The "po po" showed up on a regular basis. One day about 15 po po on motorcycles showed up to "supervise" us.
After Tuesday, the weather just became phenomenal for the remainder of the week. Every day it got a little warmer, and made the stay at camp that much more fun. I even played frisbee with Ward Reilly.
I had brought my megaphone, my first megaphone, to the camp, and occasionally went on a little rant on the sidewalks of Camp OUT NOW. I'm not very good with one, but I loved to ask people to "raise their hands if you think the wars should end." Handing out flyers for Camp OUT NOW was fun. It gave you a chance to talk to everyday people.
We were unfortunately limited in music, but the music we did have, seemed to be perfect for the camp. Bob Marley, the Beatles White Album, and Bob Dylan. Will Covert brought his iPod one day, so we were briefly treated with The Band, but that was short lived. Robby played something that I really didn't pay attention to. :) Sorry Robby.
One night, we held a candlelight vigil on the lawn of the Monument for the fallen. We gathered in a circle, and randomly mentioned people's names. The name I mentioned was 9/11 victim, and husband of Lorie Van Auken, Kenneth Van Auken. After the vigil, people placed their candles on the ground to form a peace sign. It was really beautiful.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/robbyvigil.jpg
Robby Diesu at the vigil.
On Wednesday, I ordered three pizzas for everyone from Pizza Boli's for lunch. We also started preparations for the memorial. Each plaque had to be cleaned, so we spent the better part of a day doing that. It was very difficult not to get depressed. It helped to talk about other things as we were doing it.
Camp OUT NOW ordered two porta potties for the week. They were not meant to be public, so it was funny when people would stop by camp and say things like, "I very much support what you're doing, can I have a key to the bathroom?" Individuals who supported the war occasionally stopped by to talk to us. They were entertaining. In a sad, delusional kind of way.
Wednesday night, around 11PM, we went to bullhorn the White House. I gave Cindy my bullhorn, and she started a chant, "B-A-R...A-C-K... HOW MANY KIDS DID YA KILL TODAY?!?" The po po told us that we weren't allowed to bullhorn near the White House that late at night, so we verbally started. What can only be described as a provocateur walked up to us and started screaming about waking up the President, and how unpatriotic we were. He asked if anyone served in the military (thinking no one did), and it was funny to see three people raise their hands. He got into Cindy's face, was ranting an raving, and then eventually threatened to put a bullet in her head. I called him a stupid f*ck, and he called me a n*gger. I was walking toward him, and the cop stopped me. It wasn't one of my best moments. He apparently knew some of the officer's names, so that's why we think he was a provocateur. It was nice to see Connie (the woman who lives in front of the White House on the sidewalk as a protest).
It's important to note that each night, Food Not Bombs fed us. I especially loved their soups, but all of it was delicious. They even had some tasty chicken one night. Thank you to Food Not Bombs.
One time during the day, I tried to get people to play, "War Crimes Trivia." It eventually turned into a conversation about 9/11, and a lot of people were asking me questions. At the end, they applauded, and that was cool. I didn't expect it.
Several times through the week, we had what were called "teach-ins." We learned what an "affinity group" is, and what you should and shouldn't do when getting arrested, among a multitude of other things.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/pollyrobby.jpg
Polly Miller and Robby Diesu conducting a "teach in."
Thursday was the night that I got to speak about 9/11. I got to speak right after Cindy gave her talk. I talked a little bit about my history in the 9/11 Truth Movement, how the media has portrayed 9/11 Truth Activists, what I consider to be the "real 9/11 Truth Movement," I did my best to demolish the 9/11 Commission (from memory, with a few notes jotted down), how 9/11 Truth has always been "anti-war," and how Cindy understands that. Someone showed up to be supportive of me, and had a lot of nice things to say about me. Thank you to whoever that was. The Q&A was fun.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jonspeaking.jpg
Me giving my talk about 9/11 Truth.
After Cindy and I spoke, we had a concert. A LOT of people from Funk The War showed up, so it was crowded, but very hard to get people to dance.
Friday was fun fun fun. We went to protest John Yoo at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The van ride was the most fun. At least for me. Ann Wright was our driver, and in the van, there were other notables like Cindy Sheehan and Michael Ferner (the President of Veterans for Peace). We played road games, and the conversations were just great. The protest itself was also great. People like Cindy Sheehan, Ann Wright, David Swanson, Debra Sweet, and Ray McGovern spoke. We eventually made our way to where John Yoo was talking, but they would not let us in the building. I started a chant, "SHAME ON YOO," and everyone joined in. On the ride back, I got to speak with long-time 9/11 Truth musician Vic Sadot.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs406.snc3/24590_379459835285_684595285_4288997_7043666_n.jpg
Cindy speaking at the Yoo Protest.
When we returned from the Yoo Protest, the memorial on the lawn was finished. It was an absolutely amazing sight to see. I got out of the van, and was really astonished. Thank you to EVERYONE who was responsible for putting up that memorial. You did a service to everyone that has died because of these wars, and should be very proud of yourselves.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/memorial.jpg
One of Bill Perry's pictures of the memorial.
Cindy decided to buy 20 pizzas for everyone. We had a lot of fun, and the pizza disappeared REALLY fast.
Saturday was the day of the rally and the March. Before the march to Lafayette Park from Camp OUT NOW started, we held a service at the memorial. A police helicopter flew overhead, and it was hard to hear people. I met a family who lost their son because he committed suicide after serving. Soldier suicides are just horrible.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/cindylessin.jpg
Cindy Sheehan and Nancy Lessin at the service.
The march from Camp OUT NOW to Lafayette Park was an honor for me to participate in. I got to march with Veterans for Peace. I gladly gave Bill Perry my megaphone, and he used it for cadence.
When we got to the park, I started handing out flyers for Camp OUT NOW. Quite a few people came up to me to say hello.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jonflyers.jpg
A pic Bill Perry took of me handing out flyers.
Joshua Smith came to me, and asked me if I wanted to join Cindy on stage. I quickly said yes, and he gave me a few more passes, and asked me to find other people to join us. I gave one to Will Covert and Missy Beattie. Thank you Josh for that experience.
At the rally, I met long-time 9/11 Truth Activist Erik Larsen (http://911reports.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/war-protest-arrests-eight-put-their-bodies-on-the-gears-of-the-war-machine/). We talked for a bit, and then joined Cindy and Josh for lunch at Cosi's. That was the last real food I had before the events after the rally took place. You can read about that here (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/whose-streets-our-streets-between-1pm-and-4pm-with-a-permit/), and here (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/a-dog-for-three-days/).
As I said in my article above, seeing our friends waiting for us in the court room was certainly one of my fondest memories.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/friendscourt.jpg
Our friends waiting for us in the court room.
After leaving the court room, George took all of us out for Ruby Tuesday's. I had the Lobster Tail and Steak, and it was mmm mmm good.
The fondest of all my memories has to be the amazing people I met at Camp OUT NOW. Joshua Smith, Polly Miller, Robby Diesu, Malcolm Chaddock, Debra Sweet, Lori Perdue, Missy Beattie, Ward Reilly, Will Covert, Michael Ferner, Kevin Zeese, Margaret Flowers, Ann Wright, George, Toni, Christian, Michael, Tim, LeFlora, and so many others I'm sorry to say I just don't remember the names of. All of you are responsible for an absolute good, and I am thankful to have met each and every one of you.
My fondest memory is being able to spend time with my peace mom, Cindy Sheehan. I love you very much, and I thank you for asking me to participate in Camp OUT NOW. It is an experience I will never forget.
STOP THE WARS, AND BRING OUR TROOPS HOME... NOW!!!
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs489.ash1/26727_376460912361_569547361_3756911_8024861_n.jpg
Camp OUT NOW
Jon Gold
3/25/2010
It's very hard to remember everything worth mentioning during the first week of Peace of the Action at Camp OUT NOW, so I'm going to do my very best to tell you about my fondest memories.
On Monday, my Aunt took me with her on her job. She has the same job my Grandfather had, so it was kind of surreal to go with her. What she had to do didn't take very long, and then she took me to the Washington Monument.
Admittedly, I was thinking I would see at least 50 tents sprawled out across the lawn of the monument. It's unfortunate that that wasn't the case. We drove around, and I saw the purple and blue tents known as Camp OUT NOW. My aunt dropped me off, and I lugged my stuff over to the site.
I said my hellos to the people that were there, and quickly asked where to set up my tent. It was the first tent to be put up.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jontent.jpg
Joshua Smith took this picture of me in front of my tent.
Joshua Smith was the second to post a tent, and then Harry was the third. There was a heavyset woman there from the Park Service Cindy Sheehan named "Officer Buzzkill." She drove up to the camp in her car, and parked on the sidewalk two or three days in a row, I don't remember. She made sure to take as many pictures of the ground and the people as possible, and she was also responsible for the Police telling us to take down our personal tents within hours of posting them. It was a disappointment not being able to post the tents, but it also gave us an opportunity to be warm in the church.
Cindy was an inspiration from the moment I saw her until the moment I left on Tuesday. I remember first seeing her arrive at the camp, and her face lit up like it usually does. Very few people I know have a kinder, more glowing smile than Cindy Sheehan. She wrote on my tent, "1st Amendment Tent," and signed her name at my request.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/cindyjoncamp.jpg
Ward Reilly took this picture of Cindy and I on Monday.
Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers spoke on Monday night about Healthcare in the United States.
It was cold on Monday, and rained Monday night. Joshua, and Robby and maybe someone else, I don't remember, had guard duty for the camp on Monday night. The rest of us were taken to the church.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/vanride.jpg
Joshua Smith also took this picture of us in the van going to the church.
Staying at the church wasn't so bad. I was banished from the populated area because I am a BAD snorer. George was bitten by a rat. Other than that, it was nice to be warm, and nice to have a bathroom. Thank you to St. Stephens for allowing us to stay there.
Tuesday morning we had our Press Conference (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/camp-out-now-press-conference-3162010/). The Associated Press, PressTV, and VOANews were in attendance that I know of, and several independent media reporters. I was interviewed by PressTV.
On Tuesday night, Col. Ann Wright (Ret.), and Ray McGovern spoke about Israel and Rachel Corrie. I had the honor of introducing Ray. Unfortunately, after I introduced him, he was no where to be found, so we had to wait a little bit. Hopefully Josh can edit in my introduction with Ray's speech. :)
Malcolm, Tim and myself stayed at the camp for security on Tuesday. We stayed warm by putting our heads under the lights. It was FREEZING out. I tried to fall asleep on the stage, but a police officer came to wake me up. You were not allowed to sleep on the grounds. The "po po" showed up on a regular basis. One day about 15 po po on motorcycles showed up to "supervise" us.
After Tuesday, the weather just became phenomenal for the remainder of the week. Every day it got a little warmer, and made the stay at camp that much more fun. I even played frisbee with Ward Reilly.
I had brought my megaphone, my first megaphone, to the camp, and occasionally went on a little rant on the sidewalks of Camp OUT NOW. I'm not very good with one, but I loved to ask people to "raise their hands if you think the wars should end." Handing out flyers for Camp OUT NOW was fun. It gave you a chance to talk to everyday people.
We were unfortunately limited in music, but the music we did have, seemed to be perfect for the camp. Bob Marley, the Beatles White Album, and Bob Dylan. Will Covert brought his iPod one day, so we were briefly treated with The Band, but that was short lived. Robby played something that I really didn't pay attention to. :) Sorry Robby.
One night, we held a candlelight vigil on the lawn of the Monument for the fallen. We gathered in a circle, and randomly mentioned people's names. The name I mentioned was 9/11 victim, and husband of Lorie Van Auken, Kenneth Van Auken. After the vigil, people placed their candles on the ground to form a peace sign. It was really beautiful.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/robbyvigil.jpg
Robby Diesu at the vigil.
On Wednesday, I ordered three pizzas for everyone from Pizza Boli's for lunch. We also started preparations for the memorial. Each plaque had to be cleaned, so we spent the better part of a day doing that. It was very difficult not to get depressed. It helped to talk about other things as we were doing it.
Camp OUT NOW ordered two porta potties for the week. They were not meant to be public, so it was funny when people would stop by camp and say things like, "I very much support what you're doing, can I have a key to the bathroom?" Individuals who supported the war occasionally stopped by to talk to us. They were entertaining. In a sad, delusional kind of way.
Wednesday night, around 11PM, we went to bullhorn the White House. I gave Cindy my bullhorn, and she started a chant, "B-A-R...A-C-K... HOW MANY KIDS DID YA KILL TODAY?!?" The po po told us that we weren't allowed to bullhorn near the White House that late at night, so we verbally started. What can only be described as a provocateur walked up to us and started screaming about waking up the President, and how unpatriotic we were. He asked if anyone served in the military (thinking no one did), and it was funny to see three people raise their hands. He got into Cindy's face, was ranting an raving, and then eventually threatened to put a bullet in her head. I called him a stupid f*ck, and he called me a n*gger. I was walking toward him, and the cop stopped me. It wasn't one of my best moments. He apparently knew some of the officer's names, so that's why we think he was a provocateur. It was nice to see Connie (the woman who lives in front of the White House on the sidewalk as a protest).
It's important to note that each night, Food Not Bombs fed us. I especially loved their soups, but all of it was delicious. They even had some tasty chicken one night. Thank you to Food Not Bombs.
One time during the day, I tried to get people to play, "War Crimes Trivia." It eventually turned into a conversation about 9/11, and a lot of people were asking me questions. At the end, they applauded, and that was cool. I didn't expect it.
Several times through the week, we had what were called "teach-ins." We learned what an "affinity group" is, and what you should and shouldn't do when getting arrested, among a multitude of other things.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/pollyrobby.jpg
Polly Miller and Robby Diesu conducting a "teach in."
Thursday was the night that I got to speak about 9/11. I got to speak right after Cindy gave her talk. I talked a little bit about my history in the 9/11 Truth Movement, how the media has portrayed 9/11 Truth Activists, what I consider to be the "real 9/11 Truth Movement," I did my best to demolish the 9/11 Commission (from memory, with a few notes jotted down), how 9/11 Truth has always been "anti-war," and how Cindy understands that. Someone showed up to be supportive of me, and had a lot of nice things to say about me. Thank you to whoever that was. The Q&A was fun.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jonspeaking.jpg
Me giving my talk about 9/11 Truth.
After Cindy and I spoke, we had a concert. A LOT of people from Funk The War showed up, so it was crowded, but very hard to get people to dance.
Friday was fun fun fun. We went to protest John Yoo at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The van ride was the most fun. At least for me. Ann Wright was our driver, and in the van, there were other notables like Cindy Sheehan and Michael Ferner (the President of Veterans for Peace). We played road games, and the conversations were just great. The protest itself was also great. People like Cindy Sheehan, Ann Wright, David Swanson, Debra Sweet, and Ray McGovern spoke. We eventually made our way to where John Yoo was talking, but they would not let us in the building. I started a chant, "SHAME ON YOO," and everyone joined in. On the ride back, I got to speak with long-time 9/11 Truth musician Vic Sadot.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs406.snc3/24590_379459835285_684595285_4288997_7043666_n.jpg
Cindy speaking at the Yoo Protest.
When we returned from the Yoo Protest, the memorial on the lawn was finished. It was an absolutely amazing sight to see. I got out of the van, and was really astonished. Thank you to EVERYONE who was responsible for putting up that memorial. You did a service to everyone that has died because of these wars, and should be very proud of yourselves.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/memorial.jpg
One of Bill Perry's pictures of the memorial.
Cindy decided to buy 20 pizzas for everyone. We had a lot of fun, and the pizza disappeared REALLY fast.
Saturday was the day of the rally and the March. Before the march to Lafayette Park from Camp OUT NOW started, we held a service at the memorial. A police helicopter flew overhead, and it was hard to hear people. I met a family who lost their son because he committed suicide after serving. Soldier suicides are just horrible.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/cindylessin.jpg
Cindy Sheehan and Nancy Lessin at the service.
The march from Camp OUT NOW to Lafayette Park was an honor for me to participate in. I got to march with Veterans for Peace. I gladly gave Bill Perry my megaphone, and he used it for cadence.
When we got to the park, I started handing out flyers for Camp OUT NOW. Quite a few people came up to me to say hello.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/jonflyers.jpg
A pic Bill Perry took of me handing out flyers.
Joshua Smith came to me, and asked me if I wanted to join Cindy on stage. I quickly said yes, and he gave me a few more passes, and asked me to find other people to join us. I gave one to Will Covert and Missy Beattie. Thank you Josh for that experience.
At the rally, I met long-time 9/11 Truth Activist Erik Larsen (http://911reports.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/war-protest-arrests-eight-put-their-bodies-on-the-gears-of-the-war-machine/). We talked for a bit, and then joined Cindy and Josh for lunch at Cosi's. That was the last real food I had before the events after the rally took place. You can read about that here (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/whose-streets-our-streets-between-1pm-and-4pm-with-a-permit/), and here (http://peaceoftheaction.org/2010/03/24/a-dog-for-three-days/).
As I said in my article above, seeing our friends waiting for us in the court room was certainly one of my fondest memories.
http://home.comcast.net/~gold9472/friendscourt.jpg
Our friends waiting for us in the court room.
After leaving the court room, George took all of us out for Ruby Tuesday's. I had the Lobster Tail and Steak, and it was mmm mmm good.
The fondest of all my memories has to be the amazing people I met at Camp OUT NOW. Joshua Smith, Polly Miller, Robby Diesu, Malcolm Chaddock, Debra Sweet, Lori Perdue, Missy Beattie, Ward Reilly, Will Covert, Michael Ferner, Kevin Zeese, Margaret Flowers, Ann Wright, George, Toni, Christian, Michael, Tim, LeFlora, and so many others I'm sorry to say I just don't remember the names of. All of you are responsible for an absolute good, and I am thankful to have met each and every one of you.
My fondest memory is being able to spend time with my peace mom, Cindy Sheehan. I love you very much, and I thank you for asking me to participate in Camp OUT NOW. It is an experience I will never forget.
STOP THE WARS, AND BRING OUR TROOPS HOME... NOW!!!