The Washington, DC Rally,

Press Conference and Congressional Meetings

The Capitol Building and the Reflecting Pool

Greetings! This rally was MUCH improved from our last effort.  We are making progress. First of all, the weather! It was a stunningly beautiful day - the rally and speakers with the tree-lined dome of the US Capitol for a backdrop was a great scene. It's perched on a hill, so there was a slight haze and the trees around it and a gloriously sunny day - picture perfect!  
 

William Penn House

The press conference was held at a Quaker Friends meeting house called The William Penn House. It proceeded well. Sharon Weinberger, the Washington Post reporter was there and a friend of Mary Ann Stratton's, Rodney Livingston, who is an independent TV news producer was also present. The speakers were Ted Gunderson, Dr. Robert Duncan, and Mary Ann Stratton. It was a well-attended event - around 30 or more TI's.

Rodney's edited video of the press conference is posted here:

FFCHS Press Conference

Sue Ann Campbell stationed at her video cam and Dr. Robert Duncan is speaking.

At The Rally Site

Everyone - including regular TI's - talked loud and clear about their issues and the topic.  Some people were curious and stopped by to listen. There were even a few hecklers (so I was told). They didn't interrupt the meeting though.

The ladies are interacting and sharing ideas.

Danuta, Krissi, and Jennifer at the National Botanical Gardens, which are adjacent to the Capitol Building.

The Memorial Service

One feature of the rally that was particularly impacting was the memorial service. This was given by Mary Ann Stratton in the words of the victims themselves. She spoke of one case that was especially chilling where the victim was dying of cancer and the fiends turned up the machine on her and fried her to death. Incomprehensible cruelty… There was also a moment of silence. I hope that many will see the videotape of this segment.  

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge Gordon Ormand and the members of the Congressional Committee - Ted Gunderson, Robert Duncan, Mary Ann Stratton, Jim McCue and Krissi Stull and the Action Committee members - Barbara Bryer, Janice Lanham, Ann Baker, Delly Pelc, and Sheila Epstein for their dedication in making this rally a success.

Also thanks to Danuta, Kevin Brunner and others who handed out legislation and other information to congressional representatives in their offices.  One TI, who prefers to remain anonymous on the Internet, actually handed Joe Biden, a long-time Congressional member and presidential candidate some material.  She says he received it and said he would read it. 

And special thanks to Krissi Stull who was gracious and well-spoken as Mistress of Ceremonies for the two rallies. 

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH