From: lastrefuge.geo
To: againstslaughter@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 12:05 PM
Subject: [againstslaughter] Vigil viisitors and comments

The doors opened, the people started coming and there was never a moment free to take a breath and relax from 2:45 till after 9:00.  People came in ones and twos, in family groups, sixes and sevens, and all at once carload after carload. They came to talk, to listen, to see, and stayed to sign the petition, cry and hug. Purple ribbons are the attire of choice in DeKalb and at the college today.

We divided up areas and made sure everyone that came got to speak to as many of us as they cared to, answered questions, offered Kleenex, and listened to anger and disgust, and pain emote from people.

They were old, young, in the middle. Vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and probably a carnivore or two came. College students, residents, church groups, and a ladies reading club, each had heard about the vigil in a different way. Some not till yesterday morning when they read about it in the DeKalb Chronicle, others weeks ago, or days ago from this email group or that neighbor. They heard and came. For each that showed up there were 100 more that had head, cared and would think but had other pressing matters that prevented their coming that day. Horse owners, animals lovers. TB trainers, rescues,
people with love in their heart heard the plea. Surprisingly there were no loud dissenters at the vigil itself, they had gotten bad
information and were sitting near the plant thinking the candles would be lit there. I hope they enjoyed the cold dark as we lit up the center of the town with our lights.

Speeches went well, all got a round of applause and Daniel's speech received a standing ovation when I read it. There were many that came hoping to meet Daniel and upon hearing my promise that he would be there when horses were safe, pledged to do all they could to make that day happen soon. Daniel you have many people hearing your voice, more than you might realize.

Angela spoke eloquently about the trouble in her town, and with Gail beside her and other townspeople joining in made it clear this was not ousiders agitating, it was the town itself wanting to stop this abomination.

Tom, Jamie, and Jennifer left afterward to do long drives home, I hope the light and life of what they offered and did warms their trips. They went out of their ways to be there and it was deeply appreciated.

Next post, the Tiger prowls.

Carol