The trucker protest planned for this weekend, in addition to stating industry-related demands, is taking broad shots at President Obama and politicians in general.
Ride for the Constitution spokesperson Zeeda Andrews, interviewed Tuesday on Fox News’ “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren,” mentioned trucking “regulations” broadly in describing the convoy’s mission, but also pointed to the effort’s main purpose: “We want the president of the United States removed from office. He is a threat to our national security. He is a threat to our way of life.”
Andrews and co-organizer Pete Santilli, an online radio host, have distanced themselves from driver Earl Conlon, formerly the coordinator of the Ride’s bobtail convoy into Washington, D.C. Conlon told the Washington Post he lied to U.S. News reporter Steven Nelson about parts of the convoy’s intentions to maximize mainstream media attention.
The Ride for the Constitution movement was spawned from a Facebook page titled “Truckers to Shut Down America” that went viral following television commentator Glenn Beck’s mention of it on one of his broadcasts.
As reported via the Land Line Media Blog, original demands on the page included “remove Obama from office for crimes of treason and misdemeanors. We want Congressional hearing on Benghazi and Seal Team 6. Louis (Lois) Learner put in jail. No amnesty, remove all Muslims in our government that do not uphold the Constitution. Remove Eric Holder from office for crimes against the people and the Constitution. Last but not least is Fuel prices.”
The focus on Obama and other federal elected officials is part of a convoy, consisting of truckers and others, planned for Friday to roll through the District of Columbia. In addition to a primary rally point at the Doswell Truck Stop in Doswell, Va., the Ride for the Constitution Facebook page is also now promoting a gathering of drivers at the Wilco location in Harrisburg, Pa., on I-81, exit 77. Driver J.B. Schaffner, a signatory to the Ride’s manifesto, says drivers will be starting there at 4 a.m.
A separate tractor-trailer convoy is planned to circle the beltway Friday and get the attention of politicians and the general public by causing a traffic jam. Andrews and other organizers are calling for supporting actions outside of D.C., including truckers shutting down and the general public refraining from spending money Friday through Sunday.
