The way I see it, CPAC is a long-running event where different clans of conservatives gather. As in any "big tent", there are bound to be groups/people who strongly disagree with other groups/people on any number of "policies". But at CPAC, like many olden gatherings of the Clans, people/groups do a good job of either avoiding their bitter enemies altogether, or engage them in organized discussions.
Putting aside the atrocity of Rumsfeld receiving this award. I am wondering why the planners would have put this ceremony immediately after Rand's speech? Does someone want us to make a scene? We already have a bad reputation as "troublemakers and infiltrators"; while some of that is a good thing for recruiting, CPAC is not a place for recruiting.
Again, will an organized "protest" play into the hands of some unseen player (like Brietbart...) Think about it...
This will be my third CPAC. Every time there are these "plans" to walk out on someone, or worse. Each time Ron Paul is forced to have to ask us to behave respectfully. I will have no part such a thing. Since he has had to say something in the past about these type "plans", I see no reason that, should such plans be carried forward, he wont be forced to ask us to behave, again. And, to me, that will be both embarrassing and counterproductive.
That said, I'll be watching Rands speech from wherever I end up, and will leave when he finishes, so I don't throw up...