12:51 e.s.t.: Rocco has called to let me know that he is in place in D.C. at the Rally. He states that there are lots of cameras and the people are starting to assemble. Please see post below for all background info. Rocco also posted on the rally at Moonbat Central.
Kamal Nawash, president of Free Muslims Coalition, addresses the crowd.
1:29: Rocco just spoke with a member of the Libertarian party who described Mr. Nawash as a "dupe of the neocons." She went on to state that the neocons will use his speech to boost their cause." "Their cause" was defined by her to be making war with Iran and Iraq. When asked for evidence of this she simply stated: "Just go on to some websites and read about it." Real specific, huh?
With representation such as this, no wonder the Libertarian party membership is in a downward spiral.
Rocco also stated that he has been handed a flyer with not only the Green party info, but also with Libertarian info as well. He asked if this was usual for the two parties, and was told, "no, only in cases of war." Photo will be coming.
2:11: Rocco calls in to let us know who he has seen walking around the crowd. First up is Walid Phares and he has run into some Protest Warriors. He also ran into Judith Weiss from Keshertalk. One of the PW guys was sporting a beret and this shirt in fatigues.
Too funny.
And last, but not least, is the great group from the unforgettable Communists For Kerry walking around the crowd.
Rocco promises pictures of them soon.
2:34: Rocco paraphrases from Walid Phares's speech: "All people in the Middle East are capable of living free and therefore are the same as everyone else in the world."
Rocco recorded the speech, so hopefully we'll be able to get a more accurate quote when the audio is available.
Here's Mr. Phares talking with a member of the Jewish community:
Kamal Nawash being interviewed by Al-Jazeera
You have to wonder with Al-Jazeera covering the event, the assumption is that this rally will be aired throughout the Muslim world - What will the response be?
Rocco also states that turnout is quite low at about 150 people right now. This is unfortunate, for what an incredible opportunity for Muslims to come out in force to make it clear that terrorism is not to be condoned and is not an acceptable part of their religion.
2:45: Rocco just informed me that he was able to get a one-on-one interview with Nawash, the rally organizer, and will be posting the audio within the next few hours.
Rocco Dipippo with Nawash:
4:00: Well, the rally is over and Rocco is excited to get the interview and pictures up on the site. He is working on getting the files up.
Ibrahim Abdul Mu Min, New York Chapter President of Free Muslim Coalition:
Funny-- CAIR wasn't able to make it to the rally today. Wonder what their beef with the Free Muslims cause could be?
8:41pm: Pics are obviously up now and Rocco is anxiously waiting at the airport, trying to get home. He will have a full, detailed after-action report on what he saw and the interviews that he was able to conduct. He will have audio available as well.
Thanks, Rocco, for the opportunity. And now, under threat of flogging from my master, I've been instructed to link to my site, KelliPundit, for all the mental and verbal abuse I've endured today. ;) --------------------------------------------------------- update: 5/15/2005 listen to a short interview with Kamal Nawash. Video of the Free Muslims event will be posted later today.
Welcome Instapundit readers! Please check back for the audio from the interviews.
Too funny.
