Portsmouth Rally 2.26.2011

Report from the field – Portsmouth:

I arrived at 10:55 with a sign that read: “Support Right to Work”. I was noticed by the union crowd of approximately 200, but nothing was said. Ten minutes later two York County Constitutionalists appeared. Their signs we a bit more provocative and the unions started to chat and give us the evil eye. A couple more Patriots came and we stood quietly. After about 40 minutes the unions started to explode. They were as nasty as anything I’ve ever experienced. I stated numerous times “Do not engage”. The rage on the other side built up to crescendo. The Portsmouth Police fanned out and monitored the other side. We didn’t back down and the union got louder and more intimating.

The unions were approximately 250 strong at full strength. By that time we had approximately 12 Patriots. We heard it all. “Teabaggers go home”, typical union chants, etc. We didn’t waver or engage. Soon after, some Patriots began to give it back with chants. The union people finally crossed over the street and surrounded us. Typical intimation. We stood our ground and maneuvered to keep our signs out front.

After about 90 minutes, they began to cool. Lack of oxygen no doubt. Some continued to scream at us and we began to fire back with facts. Their disposition changed immediately. It continued to be semi-hostile, but it was over at that point. One of our members actually talked one union member down such that he was on our side. I wondered how many of these good people actually have been to a Tea Party. We were last to leave as I assume the unions went on a mandatory break.