Laura Ingraham at Code Red Tuesday

The Mailbox is Upright

But we rocked over the curb again as the bus pulled into the parking lot. Almost home. We're tired and we met some wonderful people, as always. We were all wound up after the rally and the bus was buzzing with conversation and commitment as we left the Capitol.

Finding our bus after our visit to Kay Hagan's office was a challenge. The pick-up location changed three times so we took the scenic route back (not by choice!) In the very very cold and damp air. We'll know to call the bus driver's cell phone next time to verify location.

Heard that one NC protester was on the bus headed for New Jersey! Pretty sure they found him before they pulled out but at least NJ is friendly to conservatives now and sent multiple busses. Again.
Can't find much in the MSM on the Code Red Rally. To be expected.

Crowd Estimates are 10,000

We are back on the bus and just pulling out. We all confiscated visitor logs and passed them through the lines to sign and get going. Hagan wasn't in her office and we know how futile it is to talk to her staff. Pretty sure our entire 500+ NC contingent signed a visitor's log. Very excited to hear the high turnout totals. It was packed. Will be interesting to see how low the MSM reports the turnout.

In Line, Finally Warmed Up

Have a better photo on the digital camera but this will work for now. We've moved about three feet since the last post!

In Line at Senator Hagan's Office

We will not get to sign the guestbook. The crowd is larger than any visit yet. It stretches the length of TWO of the Dirksen Building hallways. I think the entire NC group showed up. She's not here, of course. Maybe I'll send her office a photo for all of us who can't leave our comments. This is unbelievable! Shame it won't matter...

Jason's Sign, Side Two

He says the more important message.

On the Way to Kay Hagan's Dirksen Office Building

We are freezing -- temp has dropped drastically.

Senator Richard Burr, NC is Speaking and --

Says he and fellow Conservatives look at protesters as the Cavalry. And that he could hear us from the Senate balcony! CNN is reporting only a few hundred are here. There are 500 from NC alone! More like 7,000... or more.

Crowds are Gathering

Jason got to come with me and his sign is very popular -- will send that photo next. We were in front of the podium, about 10 feet out, and the TV crews asked us to keep signs down. We worked hard on them so we've moved to the side.

Jason's Sign Side One

Correction: Over 500 from EASTERN NC -- More from the rest of the state

On track for a 12:30 arrival at the Capitol. Already in Virginia. Fog isn't as bad but still raining lightly.

We watched a 30 minute preview of the Tea Party movie. Extremely well done and motivating. There are only a few people who haven't protested before and while we're all fired up, they're really excited. About half of us were at the 912 March.

We're not going away. But we're going to work hard to make all those who vote 'Yes' on this bill go away in November.

Over 500 North Carolinians Headed for Code Red

And those are just the charter busses that we know about! Great turnout for NC as usual. Just heard that the Capitol police have indicated they will not cooperate this time, for allowing us to roll up and keep our signs with us when we visit our representatives. I made mine out of fabric and it will come off the dowel and go in my backpack. Advance group in DC just called our bus captain (volunteer, drafted last night) and it's foggy in DC with drizzle.

Headed to the Code Red Rally in DC

About 90% of us wearing red. Lots of great signs and everyone motivated. It's rainy and foggy but not dampening our enthusism one bit. Excitement already -- our bus driver took out a mailbox (the official blue one) on the way out of the parking lot. Am sure it will make the news as an example of the unruliness and disregard for authority of the protesters.

Headed to the Code Red Rally Tuesday

Designed my sign tonight and just got it made. Permanent ink everywhere... but pleased with how it turned out. We made the Navy Jack, Don't Tread on Me flag to the left and that slides into the sleeve on the new sign, which means only one to hold. Fourth trip to DC since 912 and I'm learning the best way to protest! (Not that legislators are paying any attention.)

Will blog updates and post photos tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing Laura Ingraham again. She spoke at the Americans for Prosperity summit and was very, very good. Read that Obama has called the entire dem caucus to the White House Tuesday. Let me guess -- likely at 1:30 to avoid the rally and the throngs of angry, determined constituents who will descend upon the Senate office. Again.