(Pictures courtesy of Orange Juice blogger Roy Reynolds)
UPDATE: Video of this event will be available at this link by 6 pm tonight.
A KFI AM-640 tax revolt tea party took place this afternoon in the city of Fullerton, CA. As I exited the 91 freeway onto Harbor Blvd heading north to East Commonwealth Ave. I immediately knew John and Ken’s KFI AM-640 open air program was going to be a packed house. In fact I had to drive six blocks to find a parking place as the city parking garage and surrounding areas were all full.
As I approached the KFI stage attendees passed several booths such as the HJTA booth where volunteers were giving out NO on Measure 1 A bumper stickers, the AFP blow up ATM machine where a man held a sign reading “I am not California’s ATM, a recall Assemblyman Jeff Miller booth, another area with volunteers signing up recall Arnold rolls and some fun games including John and Ken’s Political Traitor Shoe Toss where you throw a shoe at a picture of Arnold and the Legislature leaders who supported the tax increase. Another booth labeled a “flush-a-natar” dunk tank where I saw young boys getting a bucket of water dumped on their heads in the 68 degrees afternoon.
I arrived a full hour before the official program starting time of 3 p.m. and can report that we did not need John and Ken to get us pumped up. Several in the crowd, which grew to around 2,500 and counting, starting chanting “off with their heads, off with their heads” to huge participation from the many who drove from as far away as San Diego and Murietta to be part of this anti tax increase gathering. There must have been hundreds of man made signs. I take that back. Many of the signs were also created by the ladies in the standing-room-only area between the railroad track and the Slidebar Cafe.
George Collins, producer of Santa Ana Insight, drove up alongside me standing on his Segway Personal Transporter filming the crowd. Nice touch.
Let me give you a sampling of the signs “Schwarzenegger is a girly man, Taxes are way too high, somewhere, somehow, someone’s going to pay–us, Benedict Arnold Traitor, Total Recall Arnold, Raped by the state, Corrupt politicians–taxation without representation, No on 1 A, Recall Arnold, Sacramento is sick, Californian Leaders betray us taxpayers.”
One sign that was well received read “U.S. unemployment 8.5%.” The next line read “California’s unemployment 10.6%” with the final line reading “state workers unemployment 0%.” Another sign read “How do politicians spell pledge L-I-E” with another reading “born free, taxed to death.”
As John and Ken opened the live KFI radio broadcast we were asked “taxpayers, are you ready?” as we looked at their toilet plunger with a legislator face on the end. The crowd was then encouraged to chant “heads on a stick, heads on a stick” that did not require much urging. Another chant was “revolt, recall, repeal. Revolt, recall repeal.”
We did not need to be reminded that we pay the highest sales tax rate in the nation and the other tax increase just approved by our legislators. At one point Ken walked on stage with Arnold’s head on a sword which surely got the crowd’s attention.
We listened to a sound bite/cut familiar to me in which Governor Schwarzenegger, in 2006, stated “I will not raise taxes on the people of California.” This was followed by another chant of “liar, liar, liar.” We were told that our taxes will be increased $50 billion over the next four years.
Before one of the commercial breaks Fullerton City councilman Shawn Nelson was invited to use a sledgehammer and smash a VHS copy of Arnold’s Last Action Hero.
This was followed by Ken and John using a shredder to destroy a DVD of Arnold’s 1987 movie Predator to the enjoyment of the crowd.
(Picture courtesy of Steven Sarkis)
The down side of getting up to the fifth row from the stage was trying to leave. I briefly spoke to Fullerton Planning Commissioner, Supervisor Norby Exec Assistant Bruce Whitaker and CRA officer Steve Sarkis.
(Picture courtesy of Steven Sarkis)
On my was out I stopped by a man wearing a huge sandwich sign which read. “Pledge to my voters: I will not support a budget that includes tax increases.” Assemblyman Anthony Adams. Big Fat Liar. They were handing out cards reading RECALL Assemblyman Anthony Adams which reads that he “casted one of the three Republican votes that were needed to raise our taxes.” It has a web site reading www.RecallAdams.org.
(Picture courtesy of Steven Sarkis)
My last stop at the event was to stop at a booth with a long line of voters waiting to sign a petition calling for the recall of Assemblyman Jeff Miller. I picked up a flyer at that booth which opens stating “we do not want our leaders merely for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote. We elect them to fight on our behalf and protect the constituents from government abuse. Jeff Miller has FAILED to Protect Us.” One bullet point reads. “Miller voted to put an extra 2 year tax increase on the ballot after pledging “no new taxes.” It has a web address www.recallmiller.com
Heading to the street and my car there were hundreds of other people coming from all directions to catch part of this KFI broadcast that is still on the air as I finish this blog post.
Great weather, energized crowd, numerous signs and a great message from John and Ken that needs to resonate across our state.
UPDATE:
Click here to read the O.C. Register story about this event. They say that over 8,000 were at this tax protest.
If I didn’t have appointments set for today, I would have taken the train up there too.
Great coverage Larry! I could not be there as I had to work today.
I was there However, I would encourage you to check with the police dept. There were about 15,000. I only wish that there could have been more. It was interesting to notice that most of the media did not seem to show up. Could it be, that if they don’t report on it that it is there attempt to minimize what happened?
Glad you had a nice Nurnberg today. “2,500 and counting chanting off with their heads, off with their heads”. Very impressive. Yeah it was really comforting for us locals to hear an angry mob chant about beheading folks with whom they disagree. After your friends were done threatening my wife who was doing some shopping several blocks away, because of her Obama t-shirt, did your mob get all liquored up find a Bastille to storm?
Real classy folks, way to win over the hearts and minds of the public. Keep smashing stupid toys, chant about violane and imtimiating the locals.
I agree with Art. Great coverage, Larry. Revolt,Repeal, Recall! A lot of well behaved, yet angry, mostly middleclass folks looking for a venue to vent and a call to action. Folks mad as hell, and to borrow the theme from “Network,” mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. I noticed some other folks with other agendas, as well – hey, its a free country! I’m guessing that the cool white Bentley parked behind the broadcast booth belonged to either John or Ken. Those cars run about $300K. Hmmm – what would the new vehicle tax on that amount to? Never expect media coverage for an event hosted by talk radio hosts, even if it is a good thing. HEADS ON A STICK, HEADS ON A STICK, HEADS ON A STICK.
We were able to attend. The streets were OVERFLOWING with people. It was amazing and I even got to smash some Arnold movies!!!
I left a message on ABC news local . Where is their coverage?
I will be emailing LA times as well since I have signed up for about 2 years of delivery. I need to see them cover the event or I will stop my subscription.
I was there! It was wonderful to see people come together in a very upbeat way! I was surprised to find that it didn’t appear that any TV reporting was done. Gee, maybe all the real journalists were trying to interview Octomom…..again. Sacramento needs to take heed.
Fullerton police put estimates at 6-8K just after 5:00PM.
That’s impressive, a largely well behaved crowd practicing their civil rights. Pretty cool.
Even cooler were the kids hawking anti-tax, anti-arnold shirts at 20 a pop. I liked this because they were not chinese printed, mass produced shirts but some enterprising young person (NERAK??) making bank, and people happy to pay for a cool shirt.
This guys, spitting out all of thier venom may be on to something.
Yes, we were there too, though we couldn’t find a place to park, and finally had to leave.
We didn’t see any violence, or buildings or people being attacked. The folks all seemed to come from different backgrounds, ethnically varied, waving signs but not attacking anyone. The behavior seemed quite good, even with hundreds of drivers tied in traffic and jockeying for parking spaces. There were a lot of women, a lot of children, a lot of older people there. It was an incredible turn out.
One thing I didn’t see were any media trucks, or reporters with microphones walking around in the crowd. There were so many people though, that even if the media ignores this, the politicians themselves have to be aware of it.
My boyfriend and I drove all the way down from Hemet. I was very impressed with the crowd, subdued yet aware and yes, mad as everyone should be. I’ve witnessed more coverage of the Doo-Dah Parade then today’s rally. The other disappointment was the lack of petitions to sign for recalls for our particular a$$-clowns. There was only one petition table and that was for Jeff Miller. Thanks everyone for coming out and great signs!
Patricia, don’t be surprised if you don’t see much about this in the media.
But it was big. I’m sure somebody, somewhere, noticed.
My favorites were the couple dressed up as red and green crayons.
Awesome! There we SO many people, you could have packed a place twice as big! No violence, Figts, or anything else, I saw many families, and a good time was had by all. The excitement was there and palpable!
I was there and witnessed no bad behavior.
I agree with the “wheres the media?”
California taxpayers should be outraged with the lies and deceit. We elect these folks because of their fundamental beliefs. Small government and low taxation… sounds like a Republican to me.
The neo-cons will be useless to all true blue Americans.
Lets stop electing them, and I must give major kudos to Jon and Ken for their lack of partisanship.
Left-wing, right-wing they are connected to the same evil bird.
Actually, you got more people than showed. The streets were absolutely packed. We drove around for a long time looking for parking and had to give up. We saw the event only from our car. I’m sure a lot of people were in the same boat. Harbor was bumper to bumper crawling until at least 4:30.
Now we know why the Democrats always get the number of Republicans they need to pass what they want. The whole caucus is in the tank and they produce only as many quislings as necessary so as to fool us into thinking they are significantly different from the Democrats.
I actually felt like I was in America where all the People spoke English. Of course illegals would not attend because they’ll receive there welfare checks know matter what.
I was able to drive up from San Diego today. I’m still a bit angry and I’m going to stay that way until these idiots are recalled.
It was great to see the beginnings of what I hope to be a massive revolt.
Folks. As stated in my post hundreds of people were still arriving as I departed at 4 p.m.
It was virtually impossible for me to gauge the turnout. This is one where you can’t win as you try to avoid the spin cycle. As indicated above we hear numbers being reported ranging from 6-8,000 to 15,000. Whatever the number this was a peaceful demonstration while I was there.
There was another sign that I failed to include being worn by a 3-4 year old boy standing with his family that related to his generation eventually picking up the tab.
Why didn’t they hold this rally in miller’s district?
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The crowd was exceptionally well behaved, made up of all ages and all ethnicities. The numbers estimated between 8,000 and 15,000 depending on the time of day. There was lots of good information regarding our fraudulent representatives in Sacramento. There was little media coverage. The only other coverage I have seen is the Orange County Register, and a 15 second video on Fox 11. So it is good to know that there are lots of others out there with the same opinion and feelings as myself. Revolt, ReCall, Repeal! TOTAL RECALL!!!
I keep reading where there is basically no coverage of the event.
When the anti-war rallies were in full swing before we invaded Iraq, I happened to be in downtown Los Angeles at the time of one of those anti-war protests. It was immense. The crowds were so vast that there was no traffic on the various streets where the march was taking place. It tied up the bus routes and there were helicopters and police cars everywhere. It was peaceful, but it was very noisy and very large.
I looked for the coverage the day after and it was barely covered. The crowd estimates were so varied that it was impossible to approximate how many had been there. I know that there must be some kind of formula for taking an arial picture of a crowd and mathmatically estimating its size, but there was no attempt that I could find, to do that. In many ways, it was as if the event never took place, really.
I think the lack of coverage for crowd-driven protests – no matter what the issue- is deliberate. I don’t think authorities want to promote the idea that assembly is to be encouraged. I think from the standpoint of the local/state/fed authorities is that these assemblies are expensive, they have the potential to erupt with emotion, there are a lot of logisitical considerations like port-a-pots, parking, traffic control, protest route closures, police oversight etc. Did I mention expense?
The war rallies started getting better coverage when protest organizers dedicated volunteers to take pictures/videos of the crowds and to use counting devices to get an idea of how many participated. Posting the pictures and videos gave more of a real-life feel to the events and the viewer can see some of the essence of the events. I notice that Instapundit was asking for the teaparty pics from various places, and I bet they would be interested in any pictures/video from the anti-tax protest, too.
I’ve been watching carefully the coverage of the tea party events, but the crowds have been modest and that particular protest seems manufactured. Sorry, but I never bought the poor little stock trader rant about bailing out some homeowners, when the banks, insurance and other big business not only got huge bailout funds, but then immediately turned around and partied with those funds with obscene bonuses and extravagant “retreats”.
This anti-tax protest seems like the real deal. I am impressed that there were people who attended that drove pretty far to participate. People are angry, cornered and want answers and accountability from the leaders who have driven us into this ditch. Hopefully there will be coverage of yesterday’s event on the web. It may take some time to assemble individual contributions into a collection, if the organizers are committed to capturing the day for future review. Do not count on big media to do this. They wont.
Comment to Red Vixen:
I agree totally with your perception of the anti-war rally in downtown Los Angeles that occurred before the Iraq war inavasion. The lack of coverage made it seem to the average person that it didn’t happen at all.
I was watching Link television, (a cable program that covers world wide events) and saw the massive protest as it was happening. Their coverage was excellent, with areial views of the protest and interviews with both many average Americans and celebrities who were like minded in believing that there was a rush to war, when diplomatic venues had not yet been exhausted. I don’t know how many people were involved, but there was a virtual sea of people involved, probably close to a million people.
I noticed that it was just about time for the local news to air, so I changed channels to see coverage of the event on abc channel 7. I was shocked to see that they refused to cover the event, which was among the largest rallies that the city has ever seen.
I wonder if this this lack of coverage was typical of other major American cities that planned peace protests for the same day. If it was, I fear for the lack of information available to America’s citizens in this “information age”.
When is the next rally? I will attend that one, too. Hard working AMERICANS are hurting, and want ethical representation.
Welcome to the OJ Jean, TJ, Janet, joe, Robert, Mike, TK, bobby, Baxter, Oscar, judith, Alvin, dj, veronnica, Albert and Dave along with our regular posters. Thanks for jumping in!
Dave,
Thanks for the comments. I feel validated! 😉
I remember a lot of overhead helicopters and some had cameras so I was convinced it would be on the evening news. It was simply not covered that night in any comprehensive way. The internet was more clunky back then and average citizen participation was not nearly as active as it is now so I saw mention of it on blogs, but the back up images and full story were missing. Things do seem to be changing some….
I was pleased to see internet coverage of the McCain/Palin rallies. Not very well covered by the regular TV press, but people who supported that ticket as well as people who didn’t support the McPalin ticket would post lots of video and pictures. It is much easier to assess what was happening when you have verification of numbers by both sides as well as video to capture what was said and how the crowd reacts/behaves.
I, too, am worried about getting accurate information. There are so many news and publishing businesses closing their doors. Good information is critical to a strong democracy.
Again, welcome to OJ new & familiar readers/posters.
I didn’t have a chance to attend the protest during the day, but was anxious to watch the news coverage on the major networks at night. I was shocked that there was not even a mention of it on ABC and NBC.
Did they not hear about the event? They could not get to it because traffic was tied up around the area? They couldn’t find parking and didn’t want to walk for blocks with their gear? Or did their helicopters run out of fuel because of budget cut?
There appears to be a deliberate and collaborated effort by mainstream media to cover up these events so as to minimize the effect of these rallies.
The good news is, because of the internet, we don’t need media for coverage. What we need to do is to saturate the internet with blogs, photos on all sites, any protest video on Youtube. Post as much as possible. Let them know censorship does not work.
Then more of us can call of NBC/CBS/ABC(etc.) newsrooms and ask them why they did not cover, and sell them photos of videos of the event. They cannot ignore us forever.
We will no longer be a silent minority. As a matter of fact, we, who are fed up with outrageous taxation and uncontrollable government spending, double-faced representation, are not really a minority. Let’s show them!
There are a number of videos already posted. I have not looked at any yet, but here are the links:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=tax%20revolt%20fullerton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iv#
You know, I have a question for you guys who attended the event. How come John and Ken didn’t video tape it? Certainly they could afford to cover their own “revolt”. I’d like to hear what they had to say and see the rally on video. Any chance they will post it or have posted the day?
this was great .i hope that all who attended this event will renember to vote these bastards out of office . that is the only way you can hurt them . as far as media ,they hate this because they are in line with the unions and sacramento , if this was a immigrant rights rally code word for illegal aliens rally they would have been all over it .
Well, bless the OC Register for Sunday’s front page coverage of the event. This softens (a bit) my usual contempt for the Register.
Big Media, Politicians = Big pigs. Do not expect them to “promote”(in their opinion) to give us this information!. I now for sure the man on his segway will be put in this on the web very soon.
Hey, I was there … a liberal democrat! Never wanna miss a chance to schmooze with Americans coming together to push their government. But, you guys who came and couldn’t find parking … change your mindset and walk a few blocks. A recent study (Science News) showed adult obesity lowest in major cities depending on urban mass-transit systems: Boston, D.C., New York where walking 4 or 5 blocks to and from the “T” or the subway is a normal everyday thing.
SAHS teacher,
What were your impressions of the protest? I’d be interested to read your POV.
Hey Baxter, do you really expect us to believe your wife was harassed? You must be confusing us with the NO on 8 protesters.
Folks. In addition to today’s OC Register coverage, which by the way is the same reporter who covers Mission Viejo politics, you can read about the event on the Flash Report.
Sorry for my low crowd estimate but as stated earlier I left around 4 P.M. so that I could get the word out before the program ended. There were hundreds of peaceful protestors walking past me heading to the rallying point. At one corner a driver held up her sign at a traffic light indicating her increased tax burden would be around $400.
Thanks to all for jumping in. The Internet is the future vehicle for getting our daily news. The Orange Juice blog team will do our best to cover and post local events for your information and feedback.
Perhaps the networks were envious of KFI radio and chose not to give John and Ken any bump in their ratings. They surely were aware of the rally
This was a “feel good event” hosted by effective agitators(John & Ken), but as they made clear, it is up to us to do the work – hold our elected state legislator’s feet to the fire. E:mails, faxes, letters, phone calls, etc. Get the recall petitions going. Pester the mainstream media for coverage. This budget mess and the devious mentality and scheming culture of our elected representatives has been rooted in our state government for a long time. The legislature has been robbing (oop’s borrowing from)dedicated funds for years to artifically “balance” the budget. Why does California have some of the worst maintained roads in the nation? Borrowing from the transportation fund, year after year. The proposed 12 cent/gallon tax on highway fuel wold only have gone (supposedly) to repaying transportation fund $$$$. Other funds, like the boating fund, which is funded from taxes on recreational boating fuels, has been regularly looted over the years to artifically “balance” the budget. Ballot propositions, over the years, have been passed by public vote with no mechanism for funding them outside of the general fund. Everybody wants goodies, but nobody wants to pay for them. Vote NO on ballot propositions (They usually benefit only the special interests who could afford to get them on the ballot.) Prop. 1A. Now there is a catch 22. Vote for it and we are supposed to get spending caps – ah, but for the wonderful spending cap we are offered, we get two more years of increased taxes. What genius! Who says politicians are dumber than dirt? They really do think we are stupid sheep. Arnold had a golden opportunity, when we first elected him to take control, make tough choices, and get California on the right track. Instead he was an ineffective executive, a nonexistent communicator, and quickly became part of the system he vowed to change. Governor girly man. Even if he isn’t recalled, he has no future in politics. Gerrymandered districts: Just a way for the democrats and republicans to scratch each others backs. Term limits: It takes five years to learn the job? B.S. In the real world, on the job, you’d better be up and running almost from the get-go, or you’re out the door. The talk of a constitutional convention for California makes a lot of sense. John & Ken are showing the way. It is up to us to make the changes. REVOLT, REPEAL, RECALL!
I am reading a lot of great comments.
Why are there not more recalls being organized for all the other golbalist traitors? Manual Perez, Paul Cook, Brian Nestande, Hollingsworth, Benoit???
Patricia and I would love to participate.
What does it take to get it done?
Anyone ???
We are going to need a lot of rope 🙂
Welcome to Instapundit visitors! Feel free to post your comments and questions here 😉
–Rv
I also attended this wonderful gathering that was 99% white Americans who were well behaved and totally civil. It was like all of Southern California used to be before the Mexican invasion transformed so much of it into filthy stinking Mexican slums full of filthy stinking Mexicans.
Ken and John are not just doing this for publicity. They have rallied many people over their short span in California on many topics. Hoorah for them, they are akin to Samual Adams and Thomas Payne raising the knowledge of corruption in government for the masses. But, that being said, it is up to us to carry on the revolt. Regardless of party affiliation we must all send pink slips to our state legislators and remove ALL OF THEM from office,
The blatant cozy relationships that they all have with the state unions are screwing us into the ground. Enough is enough and we ALL have to band together and get non-purchased legistaltors elected. I suggest the Libertarian Party, but you can chose your own party.
Perhaps after the next election we can have a Tar and Feather departure party in Sacramento as these traitors are given the buns rush out of town.
Ken, please do not call me a liar. Is it really that difficult for you to believe that a woman wearing an Obama T-Shirt 2 blocks from the event and got caught up in the crowd would catch sh*t? They called us names as we passed and we heard repeated shouts of “F Obama” from dudes in trucks who were stuck on Harbor. It was very intimidating, as were the chants of “off with their heads” that we heard later coming from the event location. We were just East of Commonwealth, walking on Harbor, and Harbor was bumper to bumper with cars and foot traffic. We had nothing to do with the event itself, did not reply, and did not cross Commonwealth.
If it’s that important to you I’m also sure the tattoo/Piercing shop at 110 N. Harbor will remember a Mrs. Baxter who got a body piercing wearing the Obama shirt on the wrong day.
Sorry I’m not here cheer leading like everyone else, but I can back up everything I posted.
Ms Baxter,
Here is a video of some of the folks I think you are talking about. Some hispanic guy showed up and was interviewing them:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=tax%20revolt%20fullerton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iv#source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=tax+revolt+fullerton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iv&start=10
To Baxter:
If your body pierced, tattooed, Obama supporting spouse got hassled then you know what white women feel like in much of southern California everyday when they’re hassled, shoved, verbally abused, groped and in some cases spit on by “minorities.” If you don’t like white people, then go shopping in South Central, East L.A. or Santa Ana where you’ll feel more comfortable with other tattooed and pierced Obamaniacs and Zapatistas.
RV? My POV? 1) I love it when Americans unite to solve problems (remember … I’m a union man.) Most dangerous thing for a democracy is apathy. No apathy at the Slidebar yesterday. 2) Anyone wearing Obama-wear at an event like this has to expect a few cat-calls. It was a conservative event and there are always going to be the 5% who are a bit rude. But that’s 95% who were well-mannered though angry and passionate. 3) I had NO IDEA that downtown Fullerton had so many great places to eat — I’m going to make some more visits.
It’d be great if this site could point out that John and Ken aren’t part of the “taxation is theft” crowd that’s attracted to the other “tea parties”. And, it would be helpful to point out that most people there were probably protesting just against Arnold, the CA legislature, and so on. This protest was quite a bit different from the more Ayn Rand/”greed is good”/”I’ve got mine, Jack” rallies elsewhere.
And, if anyone wants to actually do something that would be effective, see the plan at my name’s link. It involves discrediting politicians on video by asking them questions to their face. Video of their response can then be uploaded to Youtube.
Discrediting one national politician over the stimulus would have a far greater impact than a thousand “tea parties”. Yet, those like Instapundit are just promoting worthless events instead of promoting things that would work.
P.S. For comparison purposes, the “tea party” in DC only got a few hundred people.
SAHS teacher,
I love downtown Fullerton. I am not much of a big crowds fan. The last time I was in a really large crowd was in Orange for their International Faire. Frankly, it was a crushing crowd and it was scary – we were literally trapped in the middle of the horde until we could make our way to the sidelines.
I think Larry did a great job of covering this event.
Baxter: Regrettably you and your wife were harassed and intimidated by some dumb asses who were probably drunk, as well. I generally avoid large crowds because the chance of coming across some looney or aggressive drunk. These jerks certainly didn’t represent any of the of the folks I encountered during the two hours I mingled in the crowd. Also, there is the possibility the the dumb asses who harassed you were not on Harbor Blvd. for the rally. They could just as easily have been on their way to the tattoo/piercing shop, just passing through, or just cruising for trouble.
Let’s NOT forget, Nationwide Tax Day Tea Party:
http://www.taxdayteaparty.com
I know of three that are taking place on the 15th and one in San Diego on the 11th.
Protesting is not the end, just the beginning…we have to write, call, fax, etc…and DO NOT STOP!
Also do not forget the Glen Beck We Surround Them Meetups Scheduled for many California towns(and nation wide) .
http://wesurroundthemmap.com/CA.htm
Friday March 13
This will be an opportunity for many folks to see what conservative values are and how we need to show the country what we stand for.
Please find one to attend.