Wednesday's national day of protest was a spirited affair in Sacramento. I attended most of the set-up before noon, recording video as I tried to control my production assistant, Keely, who was on a leash and trying to greet every other dog that was there. As others have commented the vibe at the midday event was surprisingly mild.

The signs and placards were more angry and pointed than were those folks holding them. There was a child holding a sign reading "Obama is the 4th beast". I'm not sure of the reference (and didn't ask), but I don't think I like it. It was, how do you say, uh, nasty.

I missed most of the speakers but heard the organizer, Mark Meckler, call the attendees "patriots" to great cheers. He also indicated his abject fear for the future of this republic.

The music segment was pleasant, a band and a female solo singer. Heck, it was a soft spring day in the capital of the world's sixth or seventh largest economy.

I just got a few moments more of video and my camera died (temporarily) so I decided to interview an attendee the old-fashioned way, face-to-face (cara-a-cara).

I learned a lot talking to Brian Weller. He is not affiliated with any group, but does have a website.

During our (low-tech) chat I was reminded that it is easy to lump other people into neat packages. To act out of fear and leave reason, if you have any, behind. To believe rumors, to jump to conclusions about people is a comfortable trap for most of us.

Mr. Weller was there to protest the erosion of our constitional rights. He feels the "country's been going downhill for the past 10 years" or so. He said that Bill Clinton was the worst president in US history.

I tried to pin him down on political affiliation and he said he was a conservative. I believe him. Thank goodness, he is not a "conservative republican".

We talked about some of his other concerns. He feels that there should mandatory conscription for everyone. Not necessarily military conscription. I agree with him. (Heck, I was drafted, don'cha know.) Weller is a Marine. (I don't think there are any ex-Marines.)

I asked if he liked libertarian (formerly Libertarian presidential candidate) Ron Paul. He said he hadn't made up his mind. There were pro-Ron Paul placards at the event. He said he really didn't care one way or another (my wording) about the current resident of the White House. His advice for Obama was to "get out (your) veto pen".

It was refreshing to talk to someone who is not a stereotype. We found common ground in a setting that I would think would not be conducive to such an occurence.

Brian Weller's claim that "80%" of the attendees were not against taxation so much as they are for "value" for their tax dollars, is in my mind an exaggeration. I doubt if the percentage would be that high.

His response to my last question was the best thing I had heard all day. "This Tea Party doesn't mean anything; it's the tea parties to follow that will make the difference."

That's the truth, regardless of your political leaning. Think globally; act locally.

Thanks, Brian.

Here is my video essay on the event.