DC Protest on Inauguration Day 1/20/05

[serryjw]

Was emailed from a friend in DC ( sorry its so long)

quote........
by DC Anti-War Network
Email: info (nospam) dawndc.net (unverified!) 27 Nov 2004
RISE Against Bush
SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow
A Call for Anti-War Actions in Washington, DC, January 20, 2005

Every morning, the sun rises up, penetrating and overcoming the darkness of night. What once was dark becomes bright, changed by the force of the sun's rays.
Our world is in darkness tonight, plagued with war, poverty, environmental destruction, and attacks on many of the liberties that so many of us hold dear. The darkness over our world has grown yet darker with the election of George W. Bush to another 4 years in office.

In the dark of the night, we need only wait for the sun. However, in the dark of our world, we cannot wait. If we are to see a new dawn, we must take action now. The DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) calls on the people of the world to RISE Against Bush and SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow.

We RISE
· Against the needless slaughter in and occupation of Iraq;
· Against the assault on civil liberties, as represented by such acts as the Patriot Act and the immoral detentions at Guantanamo Bay;
· Against US support of the Israeli government's denial of human rights against the Palestinian people;
· Against U.S. overthrow of Aristide in Haiti;
· Against U.S. attempts to overthrow any other democratically elected leader, including Hugo Chavez in Venezuela;
· Against any U.S. military action in Iran.

We SHINE
· For a world that embraces peaceful dialogue instead of war;
· For a world where we respect the liberty of all beings;
· For a world that looks out for all those who are now oppressed, including the poor, women, racial minorities, workers, the disabled, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered, as well as the earth and its creatures;
· For a world that embraces social justice;
· For democracy and the autonomy of all people to have a full say in how they are governed;
· For each other.

The Call
DAWN calls for people all over the nation and world to converge on Washington, DC, on the day of George W. Bush's Inauguration, January 20, 2005, for peaceful anti-war actions.

While DAWN is coordinating with many groups for a day of actions, DAWN calls additionally for these specific actions:

1. A permitted nonviolent anti-war rally followed by a march to Bush's inaugural parade route;
2. A nonviolent civil disobedience die-in, following the rally, in memorial to the dead at the hands of Bush and his Administration.

DAWN also calls for organizations, affinity groups, and individuals to partner with us in organizing these two actions.

Next Steps
If you or your group or organization wants to endorse DAWN's call to action, please send an e-mail to [e-mail]. Write also if you wish to collaborate in the planning or offer financial donations or other material support.

Find out more information about DAWN's and other groups' actions at http://www.counter-inaugural.org, by participating in the DC Cluster Spokescouncil meetings (refer to website), or by participating in DAWN's weekly meetings. Check our website, http://www.dawndc.net for more details. Housing boards, events boards, working group information, and (soon) ride boards can be found at http://www.counter-inaugural.org. We will post updates of our actions, as they become available, to that website.

The new dawn begins with our rising up. It will take a lot of light to break through such darkness, but we can do it. We have no other choice. Join us on J20!

See also:
http://www.dawndc.net
http://www.counter-inaugural.org

----------end quote........

[intheflow]

1. I've already got my plane tickets.

You couldn't keep me away.

[ChiciB1]

16. Where are you coming from???

I'll check into getting tickets, but I have no idea where I will be able to find a "room at the inn!" Do you have any suggestions?? I have about 4 or 5 others who might be willing to come if I can convince them it's worth their while to pay the big buck to travel.

Is there any coalition from Florida coming up there that you know of???

I'll check other sites to see what's shaking. I joined PDA and all I see is a meeting coming up.

Thanks

[goclark]

2. Kick for discussion!

[jsmacdonald]

3. Thanks serry

I'm the friend in DC. Thanks so much for posting this. If you want to endorse, help with organizing, get the word out...we could really use some help.

I also can answer questions you might have about the organizing, whether it's our action, or any of the other actions.

[serryjw]

4. Nice to see you.......

I'll let you take over for Q & A!

[jsmacdonald]

5. UFPJ has endorsed this action

ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
==========================================January 20, 2005: Our Resistance Continues!
Protest the Inauguration of George W. Bush

On Thursday, January 20, 2005, George W. Bush will be inaugurated as president of the United States. For the millions of us who stand for the values of peace and justice, it is a moment to renew our commitment to resist the Bush Administration and its deadly policies of war and greed - and to show Bush, and the world, that our movement is energized, mobilized, and determined to keep fighting back.

United for Peace and Justice urges everyone who can to converge in Washington, DC on January 20. We encourage you to participate in the creative, powerful protest activities being organized by two groups: the DC Anti-War Network (DAWN - http://www.dawndc.net) and Turn Your Back on Bush (http://www.turnyourbackonbush.org). See below for more information.

We also urge groups around the country to organize local protest and/or educational events on January 20, to provide opportunities for all those who can't make it to Washington to take a public and visible stand for peace and justice and to invigorate our movement of resistance in every corner of the United States. Be sure to list your activities on the UFPJ website calendar at http://www.unitedforpeace.org/events

UFPJ also encourages everyone to wear a white ribbon on January 20, no matter where you are or what you are doing. In many cultures, white is the traditional color of mourning. We will wear white to honor the tens of thousands of civilians and more than 1200 U.S. servicepeople who have died in Iraq. We also honor all of the people in our own communities and around the world who have died as a result of the Bush administration's policies.

In their own words, here is what the organizers of the counter-inaugural activities supported by UFPJ have to say:

From DC Anti-War Network:

"RISE Against Bush, SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow: Every morning, the sun rises up, penetrating and overcoming the darkness of night. What once was dark becomes bright, changed by the force of the sun's rays. Our world is in darkness tonight, plagued with war, poverty, environmental destruction, and attacks on many of the liberties that so many of us hold dear. The darkness over our world has grown yet darker with the election of George W. Bush to another 4 years in office. In the dark of the night, we need only wait for the sun. However, in the dark of our world, we cannot wait. If we are to see a new dawn, we must take action now. The DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) calls on the people of the world to RISE Against Bush and SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow.

"DAWN calls for people all over the nation and world to converge on Washington, DC, on the day of George W. Bush's Inauguration, January 20, 2005, for peaceful anti-war actions. While DAWN is coordinating with many groups for a day of actions, DAWN calls additionally for these specific actions: (1) A permitted nonviolent anti-war rally followed by a march to Bush's inaugural parade route; (2) A nonviolent civil disobedience die-in, following the rally, in memorial to the dead at the hands of Bush and his Administration."

For more information, visit http://www.dawndc.net


From Turn Your Back on Bush:

"Turn Your Back on Bush is a new kind of event in an old tradition: direct nonviolent action. In the past four years, Bush has made it clear that dissent is unwelcome in his America, and his policies have created an atmosphere where demonstrators are corralled and their messages marginalized. Polls show that the majority of Americans disagree with Bush on numerous issues, but by refusing to talk to anyone but the most subservient press outlets and appearing only in highly staged events, he has cut himself off from all but his most ardent supporters. We want our audience with our President.

"On inauguration day, we will gather as citizens for the public events of the day and join the rest of the crowd. At a given signal, we will turn our backs. Until the moment we turn around, there will be nothing to distinguish us from the rest of the crowd. By leaving our signs and buttons at home, we will avoid all of the obstacles that Bush and his supporters have used to keep anyone who disagrees with him out of sight. For this one moment we will speak as one and show Bush that winning an election does not mean he has the support of all Americans."

For more information, visit http://www.turnyourbackonbush.org

Jim
http://www.counter-inaugural.org

[oscar111]

6. DEc 3, Fri, SickOut to protest Stolen Election:foolish to wait till Jan.

Jan is WAY TOO LATE if you want a new election.

Jan 2O is for loosers. Quitters. Defeated types.

Just my opinion.

See thread, this forum,

WHEN'S THE DAMMED SICKOUT?

It is dec 3 and every fri. till swearing in, and longer if need be... according to another thread.

If you want a new election, the sooner you rally, the better. Judges DO look out the window at the street.

Do something now, and you will not have to protest... because KERRY WILL WIN THE NEW ELECTION.

[jsmacdonald]

7. all actions are good

though if you want my opinion, I believe that all actions that focus on this particular election as opposed to the general systemic problems (I mean, how many times does this have to happen before people understand it's more than a little bit of corruption) are still holding onto the false pretense that reformist tactics and attitudes can work.

And, that to me, is a sure recipe for defeat and a lack of optimism in the greater call of people to make more meaningful changes.

I'm for going to Ohio and whatever...because any action that brings us together in the streets is a good action...but, I can't say I appreciate your reasons for supporting one action and dissing another.

[jsmacdonald]

8. See my post here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=106&topic_id=11959&mesg_id=13723&page=

[jsmacdonald]

9. Counter-Inaugural: Malcolm X Park at 9 AM, January 20 - endorsed by UFPJ

The DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) RISE Against Bush / SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow Action will be January 20, 2005, at Malcolm X Park (16th and Euclid), starting at 9 AM, with a march on the White House at 11:15 AM. These actions are permitted. There will also be nonviolent civil disobedience die-ins, details to come.

Updated information

Download flyer

Donations

For rides, housing, and other events, please see http://www.counter-inaugural.org

[ChiciB1]

10. WRONG DAY! WRONG DAY! WRONG DAY!

Tell me WHY we want to be in D.C. AMONG ALL THOSE REPUKES on THEIR DAY!!

I say January 6th, check the thread!! I really want to PROTEST so so badly, but I just can't do this day! The press is going to MINIMIZE it and it won't pack the punch that's needed! Just MY opinion!

Please respond and tell me why I'm WRONG!

[alexisfree]

11. january 6th sounds more logical....

and nobody should be on DC on the 20th...makes more sense!!!

[jsmacdonald]

12. I was in DC on January 6 and January 20 in 2001

I'm a little perturbed why you think senseless reformist tactics are more worthwhile than building a social movement. Who the heck cares whether the date is January 6 or March 6 so long as people want to come together and join?

How dare you say "wrong day" "wrong day" "wrong day"...who are you to say? Most people are coming January 20; that's a fact; it's been a fact for a long time. But, instead, you decide there is somehow so much greater import to another mostly symbollic day that you would diss me and hundreds of others working on an action.

In 2001, I was in DC, outside the Capitol that day. Where were you and your friends? I can tell you that odds are, you weren't there. How do I know? I could count no more than 25-30 protesters outside that day, and 2/3 of them supported Lyndon LaRouche of all people. While Michael Moore lambasted the Democratic members of congress for not hearing the Congressional Black Caucus, the true failure was the lack of resolve of the Democratic (and everyone else's) rank and file.

So, how important can January 6 be? Come on...this ship has sailed. If people wanted to come out January 6, good for them. My group is even looking into it. But, the real action will be January 20, where people will not allow the Republicans to celebrate the disasters they continue to perpetrate on people. I don't need a special day to do that. But, a lot of people would think it cool if they could express themselves and their anger at those same Republicans on "their day."

There's no need to keep dissing actions; there's every need in the world to support each other.

But, frankly, I'm not at all sure why you think January 6 can be all that important. I was there on January 6, and I can tell you that even in 2001, January 20 was far more satisfying...why? Because, we didn't worry about winning over the supposed powers that be...we took much more compelling and direct action.

Jim
http://www.counter-inaugural.org

[ChiciB1]

13. It Could Be January 10th

or January 15th, or February 2nd... I don't especially feel it has to be the 6th. I think I've already stated the reason I felt another day besides Inauguration Day!

Please don't take offense, I mean no ill will and I applaud the fact that you are doing something! I happen to live in Florida, so maybe that will explain something to you. Katherine Harris is my Congressperson and I've just about had my fill of REPUKES. I don't want to "mingle" with them.

I did make a point that THE MEDIA is not likely to cover a Counter Event when they will be GUSHING all over The Idiot and His Cronies! Have you seen them doing otherwise these past four years??? Are they covering us now when we try to push our agenda on Voter Fraud???

But I wish you ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD. And I sincerely hope you make a BIG Splash. I understand there's going to be a March 3rd Protest too. I WILL be there.

And now to the other question about where I was in 2000. My mother-in-law lives with us and she has Alzheimer's and we were UNABLE to someone to care for her. This time around, it will only be ME who will be able to travel and my husband will have to stay at home because I'm going to do SOMETHING, one way or another.

[jsmacdonald]

14. Media coverage

There was NO media outreach done, and almost no one has my cell phone number; yet the AP went out of their way and found me, and look at this:

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6715130/

***excerpt***
The DC Anti-War Network is organizing a rally and march to the White House on the morning of the inauguration, getting the word out through the Web site www.counter-inaugural.org/ , which says, “Bush isn’t going away, and neither are we.”
***excerpt***
Still, organizers hope to attract a crowd.

“We got 80 percent of people to protest the Republican Convention in New York in the last week,” said Jim Macdonald of the DC Anti-War Network.
***excerpt***

In DC, unlike Katherine Harris's district, we outnumber Republicans by 10 to 1...this is not a welcome city for anyone who supports the atrocities of this Administration, and we should let them know it at every possible moment.

Cameras and press aren't my first aim; it's building a social movement. And, it's happening...let's work together...

Jim

[ChiciB1]

15. Okay....

I'll concede to your idealism! I certainly am an activist and never in my life have seen ANYTHING like what has happened in the past four years! I've refrained from using the word HATE, but its almost slipped out several times!

Perhaps you WOULD have to live among all these REPUKES to understand my perspective. Sarasota County has been REPUKE since FOREVER!! I haven't done the research, but I don't think we've EVER had a Democrat as a County Commissioner and I've lived here since 1978!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong... I just don't feel it's worth my effort to look into it. On election night while watching the county by county returns... I saw a close election between Jan Schneider and Katherine Harris UNTIL about 11:00 P.M! All of a sudden about 40,000 votes got dumped into the Harris column and it began happening in many other counties as well.

Because of this, I firmly believe this election was STOLEN again!! Having a brother as a Governor does NOT hurt! But they were much more "sly" this time around... they quickly shifted coverage to Ohio where it still remains. But from where I sit, Florida was screwed over AGAIN! I campaigned my heart out and the Democrats around here were really thinking we were going to rid ourselves of Cruella! We out-registered the Repukes and STILL she remains in office!!

Nuff said!

[corker]

17. n/t

http://www.answercoalition.org/