The "survivor statements" were made by using this sign-up form, which limited them to 250 characters. Joan Hyder got around that by filling it out twice! (=  All have been invited to write longer essays about their experience.  And if you weren't there but would like to comment on the issue of the corrupt relationship beween Wall Street corporations and Congress (and what we're gonna do about it), click here.

A big thanks to everyone who found a way to exercise free speech by writing to us, writing for us, commenting, sharing, or, like the people listed below, braving an ice storm. We are thankful to everyone who accepted our invitation to demonstrate how much they care about this country and the people in it.

Survivor statments to date:

David Matarasso • New York, NY
I survived the ice storm by seeking shelter at the make-shift indoor rally.  Intended to walk the 2 blocks to Second St. NW but kept going in ever increasing circles.  Freezing, hopped in cab, warmed up listening to heart-felt citizen intervention speeches.

Ann Kusnitz • Arlington, VA
I was there at the Citizens Intervention rally and I was truly humbled by all the citizens working out there for our country, even in the bitter cold.  I enjoyed the indoor portion of the intervention as well and would like to see Dylan's song [Times They Are a Changin'] become our rallying song.

Linda Eastman • Livonia, MI
I was amazed and energized by the dedication of all involved. I helped by holding an umbrella over the live streaming video cam for a while. Favorite moment: when one of the speakers led us in an impromptu chorus of "Singing in the Rain!"

David Delano • Williamsburg, VA
It was cold as hell! But Sandee and I were warmed by the camaraderie. It was great to meet Annabelle. Jessica English brought tears to our eyes. Loved the Rally despite the AWFUL weather!

G. Dillon Culbreth •  Creston NC
Stuck with the program – met a BUNCH of REALLY GOOD PEOPLE FACE TO FACE – Stayed sober at Hamiltons (running out of coffee??) doing my presentation from the heart instead of the head and hearing a lot of people with BIG stories.

Don Manning • Southworth, WA
I can't properly describe what this event has done for my inspiration and determination to help make a difference. Thank you all for what you did and continue to do. I look forward to helping my fellow "citizens" however I can.

Suzanne Simnick Thurman • Los Angeles CA
My friend, Jeanne, and I arrived (braving the elements) about twenty minutes before our scheduled speaking time.  We were told to come back in an hour and a half, because so many Speakers had showed up, they were running behind!  We didn't get to speak.

Joan Hyder • Worcester, MA
After a 10 hour ride from Massachusetts, in inclement weather, Rick K and I arrived in DC. God was on our side not only for a safe arrival, but in finding a hotel room that provided a shuttle to Union Station. We quickly took the room and hopped on the shuttle. My experience was collectively informative and positive. I found everyone's deliveries both interesting and educational. I look forward to the next open forum.

Don Child •  Ocean View DE
I had to leave early, but what I heard really resonated. Yes, it was cold and it was wet, and it was GREAT!

Jessica English •  St Paul MN
My D.C. hostess loaned me long underwear & a raincoat to throw over my own wool coat, hat, and mittens.  What I wasn't prepared for was the overwhelming positive energy, great speeches and friendships that were cemented in a love of country so strong!

Greg Jerrett • Muscatine IA
Although a bigger crowd would have been nice, I feel no regret about showing up and doing my part. And I WILL go again in the future and I WILL do everything I can to take our democracy back from the corporate greedheads who've disenfranchised all of us.

Theresa BrownGold •  Doylestown PA
My family and I hauled nine portraits on a handtruck in the rain to the stage. The paintings represent the uninsured, under-insured and dying. I wanted the country to see who cannot access healthcare.
My frozen fingers wouldn't bend.  I couldn't grip my notes. The sleet  and snow soaked my notes making the pages stick.  We knew the 3 ½  hour drive to the event would be OK but why on earth would we brave the drive back into a rare snowstorm just for a few minutes at the microphone? Why??? I just had to speak up. So many are suffering and too broken to tell of the horrors of trying to access healthcare in the US. It was worth every frozen second. Thank you thank you!

The photos above depict the struggle we went through to hold up the "Intervention" sign designed by Billy Moyer of the Backbone Campaign.  It was windy, and, although the rain had not yet frozen, we sure felt like we were! 

The videos below were shot after the open-mic had been moved inside, but a number of speakers decided to return to the Capitol to get their speeches in just before the sun went down.