A Well Deserved Word of Thanks...

Back in the spring of 2007 when our protest was in the planning stages there was a lot of interest, but it was anybody's guess if it would really take off. One never knows how these things will turn out. I'm happy to report these many months later that we are growing in both numbers and enthusiasm. Many thanks to each and every one of you who go the extra mile to make it happen every week - you know who you are.

It was important to me that we meet at the same time and place every week for just an hour for a couple of reasons. I wanted our group to become a fixture in the neighborhood, and I think we have achieved that. I also wanted it to be easy for people to participate. An hour a week is reasonable. Everyone is so busy with their families, their work, their lives, and my goal was for us to become a weekly presence, a constant, so that folks would always know where to find us and would feel welcome whenever they were able to make it. I wanted to be approachable and accessible. I believe we've achieved that as well. If you can't make it for a while for whatever reason, know that we're happy to have you back any time. We all do our part, and sometimes we can give more than at other times, but there is one person who has consistently given his all from the beginning.

Meet billyb

Bill was all in from the start. He took it upon himself to make dozens of professional quality signs for us. Then he took it up a notch, and using his considerable carpentry skills, built our trademark "ENOUGH" sign which he assembles and disassembles every week. On cold days he sets up propane heaters, and when we wanted to build a snowman he was out snow blowing the night before. He shovels and salts to make our area safer. He comes early to hang the American flag, and his van is loaded with just about anything one might need: extra gloves, a staple gun, even a pooper scooper to avoid messy accidents in the grass. He's always a step ahead of the rest of us. Bill has literally spent hours of his time and invested a considerable amount of money to ensure that things go smoothly each week. When he learned that Dennis Kucinich would be dropping by he made thirty extra signs in short order, in anticipation of the large crowd. That's commitment. And then there's the pictures. Week after week he documents the protest and the people, without which this blog could not exist. More than anyone else, Bill works incredibly hard for all of us. Next time you see him, pat him on the back. Better yet, give him a hug...he really likes that! And be sure to also thank his lovely wife Nancy, who is responsible for processing all the photos, and of course, putting up with Bill!

Nancy and Bill

Enjoy this week's pics, and think spring!
Click on any photo for a larger view.