The Glenn Beck Hope Restoration Minstrel Show banned attendees from carrying signs, knowing from past Tea Party experience that a public relations disaster always ensues when the loons get creative with a piece of cardboard and a set of colored magic markers. And they were trying to appear non-political and super-ultra-tolerant on the anniversary of MLK’s “Dream” speech, so the signs had to go. (Also banned: guns, toy guns, and explosives.)

But a courageous few souls managed to resist this brazen censorship and smuggled signs past the Beck Gestapo. That’s how strongly they believed in their messages.

(Credit: Philip Cloutier.)

Here’s someone who isn’t buying Glenn Beck’s praise for Martin Luther King, Jr.

We also had a few neo-Confederate types who don’t seem to be the usual audience for an event invoking the name of Martin Luther King.

(Credit: Philip Cloutier.)

And here’s a counter-protester with a funny sign, and an anecdote from photographer Eric P.

“Go Back to Puerto Rico”

This guy was standing with a small group as the people exited the Smithsonian metro station to go to the rallies. One Glenn Beck rally-goer approached him and said “I’m not a racist, but you should go back to Puerto Rico”.

Naturally, having been born & raised in Puerto Rico, I found that comment’s ignorance both amusing and sad at the same time.