An event featuring former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and
conservative commentator Glenn Beck on Saturday night brought out two very
different crowds.
Thousands of fans who paid between $73.75 and $225 for
tickets were gathering inside the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center to see
Beck introduced by Palin, the 2008 vice presidential nominee and a potential
2012 presidential candidate. The two are tea party favorites.
Outside the downtown center, about 60 protesters waved signs
and denounced Palin and Beck as intolerant fearmongers spreading divisiveness
across the country.
"We feel that they are inciting racism in what they do
and what they say and how they go about it," said Lynette Moreno-Hinz, an
Alaska Native who helped organize the protest.
Holding a sign that said "Freedom isn't just for
zealots," Brian MacMillan of Anchorage wondered where all the passion from
the right was during George W. Bush's presidency, when the U.S. economy began
its downward slide.
MacMillan also urged Palin and Beck supporters to ease up on
President Barack Obama.
"Give the man in charge his due," he said.
"He's doing the best he can."
Beck, a popular Fox News Channel personality, will donate
his speaking fee from the event, and Palin is not being paid for her
appearance, according to Christopher Balfe, president of Beck's media company.
The amount of the fee is not being disclosed, and will go to the Special
Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships and services to
families of military members.
The event originally featured only Beck, according to
Christopher Cox of Northern Stage Co. in Anchorage. Only later did Cox think of
adding Palin and she agreed to participate.
Earlier this week, Palin promoted the event on her Facebook
page, saying Beck could be counted on to make for an interesting and inspiring
night.
"I can think of no better way to commemorate 9/11 than
to gather with patriots who will 'never forget,"' Palin wrote.
The date of the event is a coincidence, Cox said. He didn't
know what Beck planned to talk about during the show.
Despite the steep price for admission, all but 700 of 4,500
tickets have been sold, said Therin Ferrin, with a private contractor that
operates the city's convention centers.
