GOP demonstrators in L.A. protest Obama policies

September 15, 12:44 PMLA Headlines ExaminerTad Cronn

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More than a thousand conservatives gathered to protest President Obama's policies Saturday in front of the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard, one of many rallies across the country to coincide with a massive march in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by a coalition of GOP groups, the "9/12" gathering brought together grass-roots and other political groups from around the Southland to hear music and listen to speakers who oppose Obama's policies, which many conservatives believe are moving the country toward socialism and away from its founding principles.

Only one bullhorn-toting liberal counterdemonstrator made an appearance. He was outnumbered by a small group of young women raising money to help the Iranian freedom movement.

Hundreds of sign-waving conservatives lined the sidewalk in front of the Federal Building, eliciting frequent honks of support and an occasional one-fingered salute.

The media turnout was light, with only two network cameras noted.

The complaints against the Obama administration were numerous, ranging from his massive spending on government intervention in the banking and automotive industries to the administration's current bid to control health care.

Contrary to media characterizations of rowdy, organized crowds of racists at town hall meetings this summer, the gathering at the Federal Building was a cross-section of grass-roots groups of all ages, social status and races from around the Los Angeles area.

The only sign of rowdiness came from the lone liberal demonstrator who was seen to try to pick at least two fights, including an incident in which witnesses said he shoved an elderly woman before bystanders and security intervened.

One demonstrator, Bill Rice of Thousand Oaks, had particular insight into liberal violence. During a recent Code Pink demonstration in his home town, his finger was bitten off during a scuffle with a liberal protester.

The injury has not deterred Rice from speaking out against Obama's policies. Carrying a sign that said, "No Biting," Rice said, "If they can silence me by biting my finger off, then they can silence you by biting your finger off, and pretty soon they'll just bite everyone's finger off. ...

"I'm just here to state my feelings in a calm, logical way. I'm just an American, like you are, who's afraid for his country--terrified."