THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume II, Issue XLII



Road Trip!!!

The 'other' Weekly News Magazine [click to read] parodied US! [get it, American JOURNEY]?

Joe Klein boldly says: "Road trips are nourishment for the mind and the soul, if not the body (given the quality of roadside food); from Huckleberry Finn to The Hangover, they have been a classic American pastime. The trip exploded my personal Beltway Bubble, which turns out to be more a state of mind and a set of habits than an actual place. Driving 6,782 miles in four weeks, I was forcibly weaned from my usual engorgement of newspapers, magazines, blogs and books. I watched no more than 15 minutes of cable news per day but listened to music obsessively. I was cleansed and transformed, a news junkie freed from junk news, and able to experience Americans as they are — rowdy and proud, ignorant and wise."

But it's obvious from the above quote that poor Joe never found his way to such establishments as Rowes or Kathy's. He probably didn't ask the locals and simply picked the most 'local' looking place... [remember, Joe thinks we all look like 'Cooter' from the Dukes of Hazzard], too proud to ask the locals, and too proud to simply make the safe choice and go to Cracker Barrel, old Joe must have picked some real dives just off the interstate... but I speculate too much.

He could have saved his poor innards, and a lot of gas money. Joe, let me tell you about all the times the people came to you!



The People Come to Washington 09/12/09


Busses from across the country arrive in Washington for the 09/12'09 Rally...


And thousands of us begin to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.


You didn't have to listen long to hear what they were saying.


They gathered at the Capitol...


...from around our nation.


I didn't see anyone who looked like 'Cooter,' but 'Daisy' might have been there.

The People Come to Washington 12/15/09


Again, the message is clear.


Hands off my health care.

The People Come to Washington 04/15/10


Thousands gather at the Washington Monument.


Get the message?


They paid their own way to get there. They picked up their own trash.

The People Come to Washington 08/28/10,
The People Come to Washington 10/02/10


The aerial photographs speak for themselves. Consider the fact that all of us paid our own way to 08/28 and people were offered free transportation and meals for the 10/02 event. ht/Phil.

Remembering the Restoring Honor Rally


Arriving at the Lincoln Memorial for the Restoring Honor Rally...


...and the crowd stretches all the way down the reflecting pool to the World War II Memorial.


The crowd from the air... ht/Mike


...there are people crowded UNDER those trees as well.

More Photos [click to view].

Lynn Has More on the Rally [click to read].

Thoughts from the Side of the Reflecting Pool


Here I am at the rally. Photo by T. Barbour.

At today's Restoring Honor Rally, Glenn Beck pointed out the scar in the Washington Monument. Far down the reflecting pool, the mighty obelisk rises as a pure form of ancient architecture. Look closer and you see a change in the stone color, about a quarter of the way up the Monument.

That 'scar' marks the point where work was stopped as North and South fought the War between the States. This bloody conflict might well have ended the American experiment... but the Nation survived and became the great Nation we live in today. When work was resumed on the Monument, the builders went back to the original quarry but were unable to match the marble exactly. The change in color bears silent testimony to one of our most perilous times.

Beck asked the thousands listening to him to look beyond the scars of our differences and see the good that is in our Nation.

Joined by Governor Sarah Palin and Dr. Alveda King [neice of the great Civil Rights Leader], Beck led a call back to the foundations of good in our Nation... the sure step to do the right thing when no one is looking, the value of individual honor in service to one's fellows.

Aaron Copeland's 'Fanfare for the Common Man' played over the Reflecting Pool as the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity were celebrated. That piece had become a theme piece as I visited the Memorial on the July 4th weekend. It was on Xaver Wilhelmy's demonstration DVD played on the glass organ pipes! It was a nice departure from the 'Rocky' theme as I trotted up the steps of the Memorial to watch the morning light illuminate the shrine to Lincoln.

Now it became the theme for honoring people who exemplified the virtues.

Under the trees lining the Reflecting Pool, ordinary Americans came together to affirm the foundations of this country's greatness.



Vulpephobia
THYME Coins a New Word

Vulpephobia [click to read], n, fear of Fox. The President and Barney Frank are known to be Vulpephobic.

A Tocqueville Tour
Celebrating the Most Famous American Road Trip

Bob's photos celebrate the America that Tocqueville observed in the Nineteenth Century. He wrote Democracy in America [click to read], a look at American institutions and society that is still referenced today.

"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." -- Alexis de Toqueville


The Valley Railroad, a branch of the B&O, once passed through our area.


Torrey Furnace is an example of early American industry...


...as is Chapman's Mill...


...McCormick's Mill...


...and the town of Ellicott's Mills.


The first thirteen miles of the B&O railroad ended here.


B&O bridge cornerstone in Ellicott's Mills, dated 1829.

A Blessing for the Czar...

Instapundit Picks Up Mike's Post for 'Best of 2009'


The Czar of Transparency, the Boob Czar and the Green Czar.

Here She Is, South Florida Tea Party's 'Boob Czar' [click to read] along with the 'Czar of Transparency' and the 'Green Czar.' They were at the September 12th march on Washington.

It's Not About You, Barry!

Since You Were Not Watching Anyway...

I hope you enjoyed the Bulls game. We enjoyed the game we were watching last night. OK, it's NOT about you, Mr. Obama. Let me tell you who it IS...

The Governor's race in Virginia and New Jersey... there was passion there as the people went to the polls. You went in for Corzine and in the end you were in the game briefly for Deeds, but for most of this one you were on the bench! We were in there playing the entire game.

Remember when we all came to town on September 12. You know, "We the people," well, we were concerned about things like the Constitution and limited government. You were in Wisconsin, I think. Here's why we came: We'd like to see the greatest sanctuary of freedom the world has ever known remain just that. We want government to facilitate solutions for healthcare compensation without simply taking it over.

We're smart enough to know that government spending can't pull us out of a recession and ultimately prolongs the misery. We want Washington to do its Constitutionally mandated functions [such as defense] extremely well and leave the rest of our lives alone. We have read enough to know that government policies and regulation have actually made things worse in many cases.

No, Mr.President, it wasn't about you at all... but your policies got plenty of attention!


On September 12, citizens march down Pennsylvania Avenue past the First Amendment carved in stone.




The people came seeking to be represented by their representatives.

And it wasn't just about Republicans beating Democrats. New York's 23rd District race proved to be a One Million Dollar Learning Experience [click to read] for those who would place party affiliation above standing for their core beliefs. The Conservative movement that the MSM so gleefully pronounced dead mere months ago just roared loudly!

More to Come: Congressional House Call Tomorrow

Come to Washington, DC for a national “Congressional House Call” on the steps of the Capitol with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Dr. Tom Price, and many, many more Americans from across the nation. November 5th, 12:00 noon.

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


This WWII Veteran's sign says it all.

Several generations of patriots representing World War II and every conflict since were present at the march. I rode on the bus with a gentleman who served towards the end of the Vietnam war. Today he is active in helping fellow Veterans and I think he represents thousands more I was unable to meet. We stood shoulder to shoulder at the West Front of the Capitol to reclaim our great country. As I reminded someone yesterday, blood has been shed in opposition to far less oppression than the imposition of socialism will ultimately cause.

Shouldn't our present activism be seen merely as our grateful service to those giants... those great generations who went before us? The preservation of the free Nation they won for us?

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


They packed it in, they packed it out. Protesters left the Mall clean and trash cans overflowing.

An Appalling Lack of Curiosity...

Charlie Gibson was 'unaware' of the protest. He "went sailing" that weekend as hundreds of thousands of everyday citizens made their way to Washington at their own expense to participate in the march. He also was 'unaware' of This Story [click to read] involving ACORN officials counselling an undercover investigator in how to set up a brothel with underaged illegal immigrants and keep the money 'under the table.' Charlie, you MUST be ready to retire!

John Stossel is Leaving ABC [click to read]. Now I don't have ANY reason to watch. ABC excluded Stossel from Obama's heathcare infomercial anyway. He'll be doing an hour show on Fox now. But I've picked on ABC and Gibson long enough. The New York Times [click to read] is also showing an appalling lack of curiosity about ACORN according to Michelle Malkin.

Sean Hannity was mentioning the young filmmakers who outed ACORN and he used the term: "Citizen Journalist." I like it! I know some citizen jounalists too! Lynn [SWAC Girl] is one, David Karaffa [Augusta Conservative] is too. Fishersville Mike, Yankee Phil, please accept your new title compliments of Mr. Hannity. With the old media on life support, 'blogger' just doesn't cut it anymore.

America is awakening. Who is telling her story as she does?

The Media Ignores This at their Own Peril [click to read].

Pictures! [click to view]. There were a LOT of us in Washington Saturday!

Richmond Tea Party at the March [click to watch].

Citizen Journalist Lynn Mitchell [click to read] has these kind words.

Citizen Journalist David Karaffa [click to read] has created some good video.

Conservative Woodstock [click to read] from Looking at the Left.

Photograph of the Crowd [click to view] by Michael A. Beck.

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." –Samuel Adams

Charlie Martin's Updated Crowd Estimate [click to read].

Charlie Gibson was "Off Sailing in Maine" [click to read] "purposely oblivious to all of this" -Fox

Michelle Malkin Previews 'Obamacare' [click to read] and it isn't pretty!

Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


Here's the 14th and E Street traffic camera looking down Pennsylvania Avenue. ht/Michelle Malkin

Michelle Malkin on the Numbers [click to read].

Reason TV at the March [click to watch] from Yankee Phil.

Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


"It is the duty of every patriot to protect his country from its government." -- Thomas Paine





Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


"Yes I Am" his sign says. He 'greeted' us as we entered Pennsylvania Avenue.


South Florida Tea Party sent the Czar of Transparency, the Boob Czar and a Green Czar to replace Van Jones.

Conservative Creativity

Did I tell you we had fun? I don't think I saw a single Brooks Brothers suit [well, maybe the guy running for Congress from Arizona]. The signs were fun, the costumes... you just have to see for yourself! South Florida Tea Party [click to read] sent a whole contingent of 'Czars' and they're going viral as I write. Merylee Golden of the South Florida Tea Party references Saul Alinski's Rules for Radicals [click to read] and writes:

"She's been twittered and tweeted across the Nation! We sure did make Alinksy proud because we covered about 4 Rules at one time which is a fabulous testament to how well Alinsky works no matter what side you are on."

There was a guy dressed as a tea bag, a Congressman in jail stripes and the grim reaper [who had a line of senior citizens waiting to be photographed with him].

Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington


The crowd surrounding the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

"Prepare to witness great and mighty miracles in your life time."--Glenn Beck

The West Front of the Capitol was already packed with people when we arrived. we managed to find this spot near the reflecting pool and behind us people continued to stream in. Every one in the crowd was motivated by their own concern, anger and love of country to make the journey.

I never saw the speakers' platform. We barely were able to hear the speakers but I especially remember the car dealer from New York who spoke about how the government takeover of the manufacturer had led to his dealership being taken away. Three decades of strong sales and good service to the community was dissolved overnight!

Now we were faced with the government controlling healthcare and an even larger share of the economy. Social Security and Medicare are bankrupt, the Post Office is losing money too. The language of HR3200 provides for expanded role for government in your health care and your health care decisions. Cap and Trade puts more tax burden on industry as it tries to compete with the world. Patrick Henry's worst nightmare seems poised to become reality. The American people have gathered on the National Mall to say "enough!" [to be continued]

SWAC Girl Can't Stop Writing About It Either [click to read].

London Daily Mail Estimates Crowd at One Million [click to read].

"The size of the crowd - by far the biggest protest since the president took office in January - shocked the White House." -- London Daily Mail

A Lady from Australia comments: "After all the first 'tea parties' were ridiculed in by many actors, politicians and the so called main stream media when they hit out the first time, they can't be ignored now. I think that there are many Americans who now regret the way they voted."

Pajamas Media on 'How Big Was The Crowd?' [click to read].

Looking Back: 9 Principles, 12 Values [click to read]. Glenn Beck plants the seed.

Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington...


Pennsylvania Avenue! A marcher shares the moment on his cell phone.

The avenue was packed with thousands of marchers! We were able to squeeze in behind a large group of Texans [is that redundant]? Sam Houston and Bigfoot Wallace would be proud! Our voices echoed off the large buildings lining the way. Someone started the song:

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine!

O Beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

-America, The Beautiful Lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates - 1913

We only sang the first stanza. Only 'dangerous' [1.] home schoolers can remember the whole song. They read things like the Constitution too. It was enough to stir my soul. We were on our way to the Capitol!

People pulled out their cell phones and called friends and relatives at home. the feeling in the air was just too big to keep to yourself. I phoned my wife. Every one of us represented many more who wanted to be there. A friend of mine in Williamsburg called me!

Around us were people representing every state in the Union. They were all doing the same thing. The great dome grew closer!

[to be continued]


Clouds breaking over the Capitol.

Next [click to continue].

America Waking on 09/12/09

A Journey to Washington Begins...


It is very early in the morning.

My day began pretty much as it always begins, just a whole lot earlier. Our founding Fathers spent a lot of their energy in prayer and I dare do no less. History is going to be made today. The American people are awakening and it is time to stand up for what we hold dear and believe in.

We are not sure how thing will go for us. We've heard that there may be some organized opposition to our march. We need to be ready to represent a higher good.


Lynn Mitchell rallys the troops.


We're ready to go!

As we arrive at the pick up point, Lynn Mitchell is there organzing people to get on the buses and caring for hundreds of details. There are six buses and about 250 riders. She has a waiting list of fifty more who want to go.

There are at least three generations of the Karaffa family on board, two of whom represent the medical profession. There are people of all backgrounds. One thing unites us, a love of liberty that presses us to preserve it. I sit down next to a gentleman who programs the cookie maker at Mckee Bakeries in Stuart's Draft.

We're on our way!


David Karaffa of Augusta Conservative.


"That's a rising sun."

The sun rises as we pass Massanutten Mountain. We're travelling up interstate 81 picking up people in the great Valley of Virginia. We line up the buses in Strasburg and ride into Washington as a convoy!


Entering Washington.

As we cross the Potomac we become part of a great convoy of busses headed into the city. I'm told every charter bus in the state of Ohio was chartered today. Later I'll meet a family from Flint Michigan who rode all night to be here. At 4:00pm they repeated the long journey in the other direction. I tell them my Father grew up in Bay City.


The SWAC Girl bus!

We're dropped off a few blocks from Pennsylvania Avenue and make our way to the march. There are people everywhere! Everyone is converging on the Freedom Plaza area for the start!


Our exercise today sure will!

We reach Pennsylvania Avenue and a wall of people! Their chants reverberate off the buildings lining the way. Excitement is in the air... [to be continued]


Faces of Freedom: Ready to march!


Entering Pennsylvania Avenue.

Faces of Freedom: Lynn's Pictures from the Bus [click to read].

More Pictures from the Bus [click to read].

Next [click to continue].