Report on STEP IT UP, CONGRESS! rally 4/14/07

We had a surprisingly large, enthusiastic, and positive crowd, and a meeting many people told me was successful and fun. One participant counted 80 people in the audience. Discounting the probability that some came from other towns, 75 out of a population of 2100 is pretty respectable: over 3.5%. I have been at Town Meetings here when no more people turned out.

It was a beautiful, sunny day but a stiff cold breeze was blowing off the harbor, so we moved to the nearby Pamet Harbor Yacht and Tennis club, where there was a sheltered outdoor spot for the speakers and performers, some benches for people who needed them, and a less windy area still with a beautiful view of the harbor and bay for the standees. Our STEP IT UP, CONGRESS! CUT CARBON 80% BY 2050! was displayed just behind the speakers and performers. Two earth flags flew in the breeze, and two large swans swam by in the harbor

Here’s the program, which took just about an hour starting shortly after 10AM:

Introductory remarks Bob Holt

“Wake up, America!” Peter Donnelly
(original song)
Presentation and prayer Rev. Alison Hyder

Rap performance Sally Brotman
(original)
Address State Rep. Sarah Peake

2 songs (one original) Jon Arterton & James Mack

Call to action Bob Holt

Another song Peter Donnelly

Brief remarks Billie Bates

Sing-along: everyone, led by Jon, James, Peter, Bob, and Alison

It was all informal and relaxed; no one got too cold, and many remarked on what fun it was. A couple of reporters were there interviewing people, and a videotape was made for broadcast on a local TV station.

[see original report, now on line]