Marching for Peace and Justice on March 19? Worthwhile or waste of time?

[prolesunited]

March 19: The World Says End the War!

March 19-20 marks the two-year anniversary of the U.S. bombing and invasion of Iraq. After all of the death and destruction, and with the Bush administration claiming a mandate to continue their war, there's a new urgency and a stronger determination within the global antiwar movement to bring the troops home now.

LOCAL ACTIONS NATIONWIDE
UFPJ calls on supporters of peace and justice in every corner of the country, in communities large and small, to organize local protests against the war on Saturday, March 19. These can take many forms: vigils, rallies, marches, nonviolent civil disobedience. We especially encourage creative efforts to put the spotlight on the institutions of militarism at home by organizing actions outside military bases or military recruitment offices.

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=2688


So, is there an event in your area? Will you be taking part? Since there's still time left, will you be planning something?

What do you think the value of protest is? Does it ever do any good? What potential for harm is there?

[Warpy]

1. Peaceful demonstrations

show other people who may be isolated in rural or even far flung suburban areas that they're not alone. They're useful, if for that reason alone.

It's when the fascists overreact to peaceful people assembling for their rights that we start to win.

[ultraist]

7. I agree, and they show the WORLD that many of us oppose this war

That puts pressure on the current administration in a few ways. Open public discourse including protests make it more difficult for them to pretend to the world they have a mandate and to spread their propaganda in our country.

It's important to speak out and not let the Bush lies be the only thing being heard here and across the globe.

I'm going to DC.

[prolesunited]

9. All the protests I've taken part in have been peaceful

There are idiots in every crowd, but I think there has been a major emphasis on keeping things peaceful. I have actually scene the crowd step in to isolate those who were acting inappropriately.

Although everything I've done as been peaceful and that's certainly what my intentions are, it is quite unnerving to be confronted by a phalanx of cops in riot gear.

This was from last year in Chicago

http://homepage.mac.com/prolesunited/PhotoAlbum77.html

[pretzel4gore]

12. we should have posters saying 'we want tax cuts!' to show the police

saying 'fire all 'public service' NOW!...the poor cops wouldn't know what to think (maybe they wonder if neocon bs has infected the peace of progress movement!)

[DireStrike]

19. In NYC, outside the RNC, we shouted for a raise for the cops

and/or a contract, among many other things we chanted. "Fox News Sucks" as we passed the big Fox News sign. It was fun and peaceful.

[ultraist]

20. cool photos! loved your site

[prolesunited]

25. Thanks!

I will be posting more photos from the March 19 protest in Chicago. I just hope the weather cooperates. It can be so iffy here in March. I'll be there regardless, but it does impact turnout.

[ClintonTyree]

2. My daughter and myself will be participating.................

I think it will do some good. If not for protesting, the US might still be in Viet Nam today. I want my voice heard, and since it can't be done in the ballot box anymore because of all the cheating, this is the only way to do it.

I think there will be some GIANT protests that weekend, and many, many smaller ones throughout the US and the rest of the world.

Hey, we have to do something!

[Coastie for Truth]

3. I'm not going in San Francisco or Berkeley - I am going in Palo Alto

I was specifically uninvited by two ANSWER Parade Marshals in San Francisco last year.

International ANSWER is once again attempting to hold a large march and rally in San Francisco to co-opt the anti-war movement into opposing the existence of Israel.

Naturally, despite the actual anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, March 20th, falling on a Sunday, ANSWER has decided to hold the rally on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, as is ANSWER's custom.

In the past several weeks the Palestinian Authority has come back to the negotiation table following the death of Yasser Arafat.

Recent public opinion polls of Palestinians in the territories show that most agree with recognition of Israel and giving up the personal "right of return" of fifth generation descendants of Arabs who left in the War of Independence, in exchange for reasonable compensation

Despite this, ANSWER persists in calling for the annihilation of Israel and insists on this being a prime focus of their protests, and not the war in Iraq or our moves toward Iran and North Korea.

So, I shall be at the Rally in Palo Alto on Sunday.

I do not go where I am not wanted.

I protested the Viet Nam War -- while still on Active Duty -- and have the Article 88's to prove it.

[AnnInLa]

4. I marched in the Jazz Funeral for Democracy in New Orleans

on Inauguration Day. I don't know how much good it did overall, but it sure "did me good" personally. I had been depressed since the election, and the march, with its good fellowship, inspiring speakers and attention from the local media, really raised my spirits and renewed my determination to keep fighting to take back my country. My son, a "gun guy" went along to keep his eye on "old mom" and became inspired and starting flashing the peace sign all over the place and singing and yelling. I was pretty amazed that he had that much energy, frankly, but it was a welcome change from his "who gives a shit" attitude. So, it did both of us "good." If you have never participated, please try it....you will be renewed as well.

If you live in the South, please consider coming to the anti-war protest march on March 19th in New Orleans. It is being organized, in part, by the Louisiana Activists' Network. http://www.newdemocracyrising.com/march.asp
and all of the peace organizations will be represented.

I lived thru the Viet Nam era, and know that the demonstrations had a huge impact on the public. Am just hoping that these demonstrations do the same job they did then.

[Swamp Rat]

14. It was cathartic for me. I REALLY loved seeing so many true patriots in my

hometown. :)

[AnnInLa]

17. How come (?) I didn't meet you, Swamp Rat?

Were you at the gathering the night before the march? (I forgot the name of the bar.) Yes, it was cathartic, and I was so impressed with your city, with all of the people who came out to cheer us...what a blue reception we had!

[Swamp Rat]

21. I was busy filming the event and the night before I had class, and

I had to leave immediately afterward to go to another class, so I didn't get to party at all... I made up for it during Mardi Gras! :)

[mwb970]

5. Maybe I'm crazy, but...

If we can make it a big enough event, I think parts of the MSM are more ready to cover it than they were for the pre-Iraq War protests. (Not just KO.)

What if there were to be a demonstration in EVERY American city, with at least 10% of each city's population participating?

[shadowknows69]

6. we all need to be in DC

when there is a million of us on Shrub's lawn they won't be able to ignore us. United we get press. Divided we are invisible.

[mwb970]

13. On the other hand...

Local events get local coverage. A single event can be ignored by the MSM and nobody will know of it.

[prolesunited]

27. I agree

I think we are more effective if there are events in communities nationwide. It's much harder to ignore.

In the minds of many, it's easy to dismiss the dissent as a West coast or East coast "liberal" phenomenon. We need lots of protests in the heartland. It is much harder to dismiss your neighbors.

Please think about organizing one in your area through existing peace organizations, unions or churches.

Here are some resources for organizing
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?list=type&type=3

[K-W]

8. Unless you have better options, its definately worth it.

Its not like anyones letting you on TV to express your dissent, and protests are far from useless in getting your voice heard.

[Neecy]

10. oh, f'sure

I participated in last year's protest in Kansas City, and while there weren't a lot of us there - maybe 100, 150 - it felt right to stand up and be counted. We got a few idiots who flipped us off or screamed pro-Bush obscentities out their car windows, but we got far more thumbs-up and waves from passing motorists. I think it's just as important to show up in smaller demos across the country, and not just the big ones in DC and NY.

Being silent in the face of evil is simply wrong. I hope everyone takes a few hours to participate in our democracy (what little is left) next month.

[Disturbed]

11. It's important in one aspect .

The rest of the world must be made aware that not all of the U.S. citizens are on board with the Bush Junta.

[shadowknows69]

24. good point

except in my town. Last years protest I was the only one to cover it as an independent journalist.

[gratuitous]

15. It's always worthwhile to do the right thing

Let go of the result; follow your conscience. That way you have no regrets, come what may.

[bigtree]

16. worth it

worth it worth it worth it worth it . . . we can't rely on Congress to carry our anti-war banner these days.

[ultraist]

22. I agree, we need to take it to the streets and MARCH!

[jonnyblitz]

18. sad to say I am not so ambitious with it all like I was prior to

the election. I guess I need to regroup or something. :shrug:

[prolesunited]

29. Believe me

I know the feeling. I was just shellshocked after the election and told myself I needed to back off a bit for my own sanity. But, the injustice and insanity of everything that has been taking place has reeled me back in — for better or worse, I have yet to decide.

[joefree1]

23. Marching in Los Angeles! LA and OC DUers go here ...

Sat. March 19, 2005, 12 noon, Hollywood
Assemble at Hollywood & Vine
Beat Back the Bush Attack!
U.S. Troops Out of Iraq!

No to War & Occupation!
From Iraq to Palestine, Iran, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cuba,
Syria, Venezuela, Korea, the Philippines & Everywhere!
More information here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=141x7546


For more pictures of the last march in Hollywood go here:
http://ediablo.com/LAprotest3-21-04.html

[prolesunited]

30. Good to see that you're still around and active

:hi:

[joefree1]

32. I've never stopped

Too much fun fighting the right.:evilgrin:

Whens the last time you visited my web site? :hi:


Download the free PDF letter size art here:
http://www.ediablo.com

[goodhue]

26. worthwhile

[G_j]

28. March 19 in Fayettetville NC

March 20 in Asheville NC

It is very important to let people know that we are still here.
Will it change Bush's plans? Of course not.
One reason we are doing this is to let our fellow citizens know the world sees the US war policy as unacceptable.
I surely hope Eurpoeans don't outdo us again. We must also send a message to the rest of the world that there is US oppostion to the neocon's perpetual war agenda.

[prolesunited]

31. Anyone else taking part?

I would like to believe more DUers were interested in this. :kick:

[Tinoire]

33. Definitely and definitely worth it! Going with a solid group of DUers n/t

[prolesunited]

34. So, who's planning

on joining you this time? The SF DUers certainly are an active bunch.