Rick Waldroup
Well-known
Let me start this by stating that this post is in no way meant to start a flame war about the war in Iraq. My personal opinion is that it is wrong, but that is just my personal opinion. The wife and I decided to drive down to Crawford, TX to check out the scene of Cindy Sheehan's Camp Casey- the site of the anit-war protest. I simply wanted to document the event, just as I have done many times over the last 30 years. I have shot KKK marches, other anit-war protests, etc.
Crawford is about 75 miles from our house in Granbury TX. I loaded up my Bessa R2 and R3A with Fuji Neopan 400 B&W film. I put a Konica 90mm lens on the R2 and a 40mm Nokton on the R3A. My wife brought along her Nikon Coolpix. Altogether, I shot about 6 rolls of film. I also brought along a Bessa L with a 25mm lens on it- but used it very sparingly.
When we first got to Crawford, we parked downtown and visited the folks who had set up a camp in protest of Cindy Sheehan's camp. To tell you the truth, we had no idea what to expect. The first thing I noticed was that I really felt sorry for the people who live in this very small ranching town of about 900 people. The media was everywhere. And by media, I mean media from all over the world. The media, protesters (both pro and con), and visitors like ourselves outnumbered the entire population of the town many times over. It really was a circus like atmosphere.
After visiting (and shooting many photos) with the pro-war people, we boarded a shuttle bus from the Crawford Peace House and headed out to Camp Casey. When we arrived I was dumbfounded by the magnitude of the camp and the determination of the protesters. We stayed well into the evening and I chatted with many, many people. My wife even pitched in and helped in the mess tent prepare that evening's supper. We stayed and had dinner and then caught a ride back to town. I shot many, many photos as did my wife. Once I get some work prints made up in the darkroom, I will post a few.
What struck me was the passion both sides felt about this issue. And what made me very proud to live where I do was that these folks have this right to stand up for what they believe in. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. Even though I did not agree with the pro-war people, I listened and I learned that they are just like everyone else and they are deeply concerned about their country.
The same can be said about the war protesters as well. These people were not a bunch of kooks or whackos , as some right wing radio personalities protray them. They too, deeply care about their country.
On the way home that night, my wife and I both felt rejuvinated- almost felt 20 years younger. Our adrenaline was pumped and it was exciting to see the democratic process in action. I am not trying to steer this thread into a political discussion. I am simply telling you of our experience that day. You know how sometimes when you are shooting and you can just tell that you are nailing the shots? That was what it was like. I will try to post some shots soon. Thanks for reading this very long thread. Best regards, Rick
Crawford is about 75 miles from our house in Granbury TX. I loaded up my Bessa R2 and R3A with Fuji Neopan 400 B&W film. I put a Konica 90mm lens on the R2 and a 40mm Nokton on the R3A. My wife brought along her Nikon Coolpix. Altogether, I shot about 6 rolls of film. I also brought along a Bessa L with a 25mm lens on it- but used it very sparingly.
When we first got to Crawford, we parked downtown and visited the folks who had set up a camp in protest of Cindy Sheehan's camp. To tell you the truth, we had no idea what to expect. The first thing I noticed was that I really felt sorry for the people who live in this very small ranching town of about 900 people. The media was everywhere. And by media, I mean media from all over the world. The media, protesters (both pro and con), and visitors like ourselves outnumbered the entire population of the town many times over. It really was a circus like atmosphere.
After visiting (and shooting many photos) with the pro-war people, we boarded a shuttle bus from the Crawford Peace House and headed out to Camp Casey. When we arrived I was dumbfounded by the magnitude of the camp and the determination of the protesters. We stayed well into the evening and I chatted with many, many people. My wife even pitched in and helped in the mess tent prepare that evening's supper. We stayed and had dinner and then caught a ride back to town. I shot many, many photos as did my wife. Once I get some work prints made up in the darkroom, I will post a few.
What struck me was the passion both sides felt about this issue. And what made me very proud to live where I do was that these folks have this right to stand up for what they believe in. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. Even though I did not agree with the pro-war people, I listened and I learned that they are just like everyone else and they are deeply concerned about their country.
The same can be said about the war protesters as well. These people were not a bunch of kooks or whackos , as some right wing radio personalities protray them. They too, deeply care about their country.
On the way home that night, my wife and I both felt rejuvinated- almost felt 20 years younger. Our adrenaline was pumped and it was exciting to see the democratic process in action. I am not trying to steer this thread into a political discussion. I am simply telling you of our experience that day. You know how sometimes when you are shooting and you can just tell that you are nailing the shots? That was what it was like. I will try to post some shots soon. Thanks for reading this very long thread. Best regards, Rick
