Spokane7
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October 31, 2010 in City
Rally’s message in Riverfront Park: Keep sanity alive
Local attendees join in on D.C. event
Those attending the Rally to Restore Sanity on Saturday got wet watching from the steps outside the INB Performing Arts Center.
(Full-size photo)
After being bombarded by political attack ads from both sides in one of the most contentious elections in years, some Spokane-area residents are fed up with all the “insanity.”
Some 200 people gathered at noon Saturday at the Riverfront Park Floating Stage for the Rally to Restore Sanity, Spokane’s version of Jon Stewart’s Washington, D.C., rally. The event, held just three days before Tuesday’s election, was organized by Spokane Democrats. It combined comedy acts and political pep talks to send a message: Be reasonable. Take things down a notch.
Speakers and attendees called for civility and an end to the nasty rhetoric and hyperpartisan punditry they say has taken hold in American politics. Above all, they called for sanity from all sides. Using inside voices.
Stewart said the rally is for average people who do not have the time – or the attention-grabbing theatrics – to be heard in the political sphere.
“We have seen these folks – the loud folks – over the years dominate our national conversation on our most important issues,” Stewart said on the Sept. 16 edition of his Comedy Central program, “The Daily Show.”
Stewart called the rally “a clarion call for rationality.”
Groups around the country held their own versions of the D.C. Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.
Rallygoers in Spokane denounced scare tactics employed by some that create a climate of fear. And they laughed while they were doing it.
Several politically disillusioned people carried signs with slogans protesting the present state of American politics.
“No more ‘Us vs. Them,’ ” one read. Another: “Sane people unite!”
Rally speakers included state Sen. Chris Marr – who is locked in an ugly and expensive race against Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner – and comedian Paula Poundstone.
Although Stewart and his cohort Stephen Colbert refrained from taking political sides on their D.C. stage, there were political undertones at Spokane’s rally, where attendees seemed to be mostly left-leaning.
One person carried a sign that read “The only thing to fear is Fox.” Greg Youmans, 53, of Loon Lake, Wash., wore American Revolution-style garb and carried a sign calling tea-partiers hypocrites.
But despite the political undertones, the main message of the rally was not lost.
Jen Garrison-Stuber’s sign, which read “I may not agree with you, but I’m pretty sure you’re not Hitler,” was a big hit among the crowd.
Garrison-Stuber said we are wasting energy on arguing instead of working together to find real solutions.
“Politics are so shrill and I think people are talking past each other,” she said. “I think we need more moderation and more sanity in politics.”
Cale Lively carried a sign prescribing six tenets of a healthy democracy: reason, logic, debate, civility, clarity and dissent.
“I don’t think the principles are defined by party lines,” he said. “I think our country has lost sight of these things.”
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ZagChuck on October 31 at 7:42 a.m.
Insanity is a commitment to continue down a path of destruction. We’ve had Dems in complete control of our state budget for the last 10 years, and in majority control for 38 of the last 40. Have they made the state budget better?
Last session they raised our taxes by nearly $1 billion dollars. Democrat Chris Marr was one of those responsible for the tax increases. Even after the tax increases, they increased spending so much we still have a budget deficit.
They’re simply not competent.
Their policies are simply unsustainable.
They must be replaced!
ZagChuck on October 31 at 7:43 a.m.
“Rally speakers and attendees called for civility and an end to the nasty rhetoric and hyper-partisan punditry they say has taken foot in American politics.”
But the keynote speaker was Democrat Chris Marr, whose commercial have contained some of the most despicable and blatant lies of the election cycle?? Their purpose is exposed as pure leftist rhetoric; a desperate bid for a few more votes.
Even with the Democrat Chris Marr, and Paula Poundstone, and a tie in to the national event; with the comedy central sponsored commercials, the Spokane Democrats were only able to draw in a crowd about 1/8th the size of the smallest tea party held here in town.
This is nothing more than another failed political stunt by the left, as they attempt to portray a grassroots movement.
liarsinnews on October 31 at 8:33 a.m.
Chris Marr is a low life pathological LIAR and I can`t imagine anybody believing what he had to say. If somebody does, put a tooth under your pillow tonight.
jessiepn on October 31 at 9:47 a.m.
Hmmm – ZagChuck and Dick Adams, I think you both missed the point of the article and of the rally. What part of “keeping it civil” and “toning down the rhetoric” don’t you understand?
You might well persuade me with the logic of your argument, if I could find it underneath all the yelling and name-calling. In the meantime, you’re generating a lot of heat and not much light.
CalJones on October 31 at 10:15 a.m.
So the most fiscally insane of them all - Chris Marr - was allowed to speak at this event? Seems silly. We need a return to fiscal sanity, not what Chris Marr has given us.
amybiviano on October 31 at 10:21 a.m.
I was truly inspired by the large crowd of folks who attended the rally yesterday, despite the rain and cold weather. While the Spokesman states attendance at 200, KREM said 700, and my estimate was somewhere in middle.
Tea Party comparisons aside, please remember that even those who yell the loudest still get one vote apiece, just like the rest of us. This rally was all about reasonable discussion and giving people a safe space to air their own political views without being shouted down.
We had a good mix of comedians, politicians and business leaders. The open microphone allowed others to air their opinions, including folks who disagreed with the majority of partisan politics. When our citizens are able to engage and empowered to express their opinions, we all win. Disagreement makes us stronger.
Magnutt on October 31 at 10:48 a.m.
I attended the Rally in Spokane. I was happy to be able to attend a rally that reflected my sensibilities and to gather with like minded people to show the politicians, and the world, that this is a country of reasonable Americans, people who won’t be represented by the conspiracy nuts, the pessimists and the wackos that typically dominate the media’s political coverage. It was a chance for the “Busy Majority” to be heard from. This is serious stuff, but we were also there to have fun and share a few laughs. I think we accomplished this (especially on a national scale) in spite of the weather. Thanks to all of the organizers!
If your ballot is still lying on the counter, let’s get that thing checked and mailed off.
misjustice on October 31 at 1:09 p.m.
Peace Train versus Crazy Train?
http://c-span.org/Watch/Media/2010/10/30/HP/A/40153/StewartColbert+Rally+to+Restore+Sanity+andor+Fear.aspx
The Rally to Restore Sanity and or Fear was hilarious!
Remember to mark those ballots and get ‘em sent in!
; )
Dazzeetrader11 on October 31 at 1:13 p.m.
I suppose 50 losers standing around in the rain is the best we can expect..sigh…thinking everything is fine if ONLY we can spend more money and have a few laughs while doing it.
Marr…is the worst of the worst. Hoodwinking the people while giving speeches to the contrary. Obama anyone? I thinkwe should take this seriously. These left wing types are indeed wanting to spend more, punish people who’ve worked hard for their wealth and relaunch giveaways to those who don’t.
Daisy has a bit harsh last night and her post was removed. One thing is clear…the US and the St of Wash…cannot continue down the tax and spend pathway. Instead of preaching austerity when it’s needed, the Dem pols continue to assert that everything is just fine. If anything, they should be relieved of their duties for being out of touch. I’ll leave it at that…fix the craziness!
misjustice on October 31 at 1:36 p.m.
“Daisy has a bit harsh last night and her post was removed.”
OOps! Don’t ya hate it when that happens?
Were you past the pint of know return?
; )
misjustice on October 31 at 1:38 p.m.
Tax and spend, versus borrow and spend?
You be the judge.
; )
schleufer on October 31 at 1:43 p.m.
for those who say obama hasnt done anything.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/signed-legislation
he looks like a busy guy to me.
soccermomsusie on October 31 at 2:47 p.m.
Okay, I will be honest, there were twice as many people at this event compared to one of our tea party rallies.
HOWEVER, we outweighed them at least two to one.
I know we were more enthusiastic too. And that is what this election season is all about - not numbers but enthusiasm!!!!!!! and blessed girth.
Don’t forget, this Halloween, you have a chance to create your own zombie (a good zombie not a mean one). You can resurrect George W. Bush and all his outstanding polices by voting Republican tonight!!! Let’s bring W back to life!!!
VOTE AHERN, BUMGARDENER AND ROSSI - PUTTING THE W BACK INTO WASHINGTON!!!!
HEAR OUR VOICE!!!!
Lulubelle on October 31 at 3:59 p.m.
Gotta luv it when the right-wing hate mongers make your case better than any Sanity Rally can……….civility always brings out the worst in them…….and its not a pretty site. A frightened hateful bunch they are.
nslopeofw on October 31 at 4:33 p.m.
Lulubelle,
I don’t think they are a frightened hateful bunch. I think they are an ecstatic, judged by the losers, bunch.
Would you be frightened if all the MSM outlets were predicting your side having a positive landslide? Would you be frightened if all the MSM geared in on the loonies at your rally’s, while ignoring the loonies at the other side’s rally’s?
I’m guessing they are impatiently awaiting the changing of the guard, while watching the other side implode. While watching the other side’s bloggers try and find wrong with them, while ignoring their own side’s wrongs.
I took this quiz, http://www.okcupid.com/politics and found out i was neither Demo, or Repub. I’ve always thought i was a liberal repub/conservative dem, and found out i’m actually a staunch libertarian. Blew my mind. Try it, and read about the results.
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on October 31 at 5:06 p.m.
nslopeofw: I am a Socialist! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Bruce (aka thatoneguy) on October 31 at 5:14 p.m.
(Seriously though, apparently Socialist = social liberal + economic conservative. It said I have a highly developed sense of right & wrong, and a strong sense of economic fairness. If that’s what a Socialist is, then I can live with it.)
misjustice on October 31 at 5:19 p.m.
soccermom said, “we outweighed them at least two to one.”
Lol! True, true.
; )
Shazamm on October 31 at 5:26 p.m.
If your ballot is still sitting on the counter at this late date, it probably means that you can’t find the stomach to vote for the Democrats. My wife and I sent ours in two weeks ago with all “R”s. They may not be the best and the brightest our nation has to offer, but the worst “R” is heck of a lot better than the best of “D”.
pjc on October 31 at 5:40 p.m.
Paula Poundstone was there. Jeez, I hope there wasn’t any booze or small children around.
schleufer on October 31 at 5:52 p.m.
D for drive
R for reverse
Blondscence on October 31 at 5:59 p.m.
I missed it. I will be voting Red this time though. We simply have to stop this river of red blood that robs us of our future. US needs to rid itself of China. It will be very hard to do that. Obama’s done nothing in that regard.
I think the country should be braced for the conservatives. This group of new faces with new agendas willl ask more from the country than ever before when it comes to belt tightening.
Long overdue in my mind. The left seems to be talking big but does nothing except pile on more debt. It’ll be tough but the programs giving comfort to the left will be cut back. China’s a serious culprit as they leverage our dollars and wealth to their advantage throughout the world. Stop the money going to China. is one solution. Cut spending..another one. Lower taxes would help too (it’s the one thing that gets things moving again).
The left has had an unabashed party the past few years. This needs to stop. I hope it does stop with this vote.
Thayne on October 31 at 6:25 p.m.
Daisy, you count almost as good as Beck does, he insisted there were about twice as many people at his rally than the factual total. The 50 losers you talk about - was there a tea gagger rally no one knew about? I’m just curious because the Sanity rally had a few hundred.
nslopeofw - the frightened hateful bunch your talking about are the republicans - right? They’re the ones lying about things like the President’s health care initiative and trying to scare people. I laugh at all of the republitard attack ads that say it was the Democrats that voted for the TARP and other bailouts. Actually it was Bush’s regime that created the scenarios requiring the bailout. Maybe if GM had stuck to building cars and not buying bad mortgages they wouldn’t have needed bailing out. If Bush and his buddies hadn’t looked the other way when the wall street robbers were screwing americans the financial crisis wouldn’t have happened.
nslopeofw on November 01 at 12:56 a.m.
I guess the big point to make is the fact that the democrats have had for 2 years, control of the house, senate, and the POTUS. In that time great things could have been done. They weren’t. How can anyone vote democrat knowing this? Total control. Could pass anything they wanted. What did they do besides sink this country into massive debt? It’s sickening to think any party had that kind of control, and did nothing good with it. Why would anyone ever vote for them again?
ZagChuck on November 01 at 1:32 a.m.
@ Jessiepn,
“What part of “keeping it civil” and “toning down the rhetoric” don’t you understand?”
What is uncivil?
I said Democrat Chris Marr was responsible for tax increases… his record shows it…
I said Democrat Chris Marr has been lying blatantly during this campaign, his record shows that as well….
I know, you’re a liberal, so facts aren’t your friends, but it’s not name “uncivil” or negative, just because you don’t like it!
Furthermore making Democrat Chris Marr the keynote speaker of this event, after he has spent the most money in a state race this year on negative campaign ads ,is probably not the best way to send out a message about “toning down the rhetoric.”
In fact, it makes the opposite point.
MrNatural on November 01 at 9:40 a.m.
Great Rally…Great People…Great Purpose…I enjoyed being there…
Lets put an end to the Uncivil War…