One HCP student was able to go to a rally at the national mall in DC.  Freshman Jorja Rose decided straight away that she was going to go once she found out about it.

On October 30, 2010 The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, led by Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Originally it was planned to be to separate gatherings (Rally to Restore Sanity and March to Keep Fear Alive), however they were merged together later on, when Stephen Colbert allegedly forgot to get a permit.

Rose and her parents are big fans of both “The Daily Show with John Stewart” and “The Colbert Report.” In fact, her parents were the ones who told her about the two gatherings.

“My mom came in and told me about it months before….and said we had to go,” Rose said.

The trip to the rally proved to be a difficult one for Rose and her parents. It was more crowded than they expected-an estimated 250,000 by CBS using aerial photograph. Once they arrived in DC they had to take three different trains to get to the rally. From there they had to park ten blocks away and walk the rest of the way. Unfortunately, Rose was only able to get a spot far behind the stage.

“I was too far away to hear most of the [acts]…but I recorded it at home and watched it later,” Rose said

The rally mainly consisted of musical acts ranging from singers Mavis Staples to Yusef Islam.

“My favorite singer was Sheryl Crow. I’m a big fan, but I didn’t hear her, but I listened to it later,” said Rose.

Rose saw many funny signs made by fellow rally goers. She also took many pictures. She enjoyed the experience very much and felt that it was good for the show’s first time with a live audience that big.

“Overall I would give it an 8.5 out of 10,” Rose said.