Several environmental organizations sent press spokespersons to the "energy citizens" rally organized by the oil industry in Springfield today. I went for the Sierra Club and gave several interviews. We decided not to stage any sort of counter-demonstration and things went smoothly.
However, I did manage to get banned from the event for trying to speak with reporters.
At one point, before things began, I went into the ballroom where the rally was held to look for any reporters we may have missed. I asked one of the cameramen behind a table labeled for press if he was with a network but the entire row of cameras were set up by the event organizers.
That's when someone from the event staff started asking who I was and who I was with. I explained that I was looking for reporters. He kept pestering me about who I was and what I was carrying so I finally gave him a copy of the press statements I had with me. He walked off and started talking down into a microphone in his shirt. I looked around a little more, and after not spotting any new reporters, left the ballroom.
I was wondering if they would overreact when event staff kept walking to the doorway and talking while looking in my direction. Eventually, another person walked up to me after talking into his shirt. He told me I wasn't allowed to re-enter the ballroom because I was distributing materials.
I pointed out that I didn't distribute materials to anyone other than the press release I gave to their staff person who asked for a copy. "Bob" replied that I was banned because their staff saw me distributing materials and that wasn't allowed by anyone other than the sponsoring organizations. I responded that I knew I had been seen because I gave it to their staff person who asked for it.
He finally made the odd statement that we both "knew what our roles were today." My role was to provide a differing viewpoint to the press. I guess his role was to prevent the distribution of accurate information.
Another press spokesperson had been standing next to me during this conversation. When he later attempted to enter the ballroom, without carrying any materials, he was barred from entry by two Sangamon County Sheriff's deputies. He had never distributed literature of any kind but they used that same excuse.
Be forewarned that the act of standing next to me is apparently enough to get someone banned from an energy citizens rally. I'm a little proud of that.
Rally organizer and oil industry lobbyists David Sykuta has been quoted in the local press asking people to study and fully examine the ACES bill. But, judging by their ban on outside materials for the press and public, they want to make sure the only thing you study is one-sided propaganda from polluters.
I wasn't too worried about missing anything at the rally. I heard some interesting stories about Cubs and Bears banners being waved around the room while a live band played. One person told me it was like a High School pep rally.
It was interesting to see who attended. I spotted State Representatives Raymond Poe and Rich Brauer along with Senator Larry Bomke. I'm told Aaron Shcock and John Shimkus sent representatives. I said hello to the county board member I ran against three years ago.
They even brought in the big guns from out of town. Robert Murray, CEO of "the largest privately owned coal company in America" was giving interviews. I recognized his name but I wish I had remembered more about him and his company before I left. I'm sure we could have had an interesting conversation.
It all happened at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is conveniently located near the I-55 exit for everyone they bussed in from out of town. It was an interesting day. I'll post pictures soon.