Did anyone go to an Oct 5th World Can't Wait Protest? (with pictures)

[Puregonzo1188]

I went to the one in DC today, and was just wondering if any other DUers went to any of the 234 protests? I took a couple of pictures, but only about 5, since I didn't realize until I got there my memory card was almost full. I'll try to post them later. If anyone else has any pics of any Word Can't Wait protests please post them.

Here are my pics





http://shutter11.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/01/001/7B/FE/76/DF/Lt+dfo4cSlNBsaYrcEXinPuVWj4LgskH0300.jpg

http://shutter15.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/04/00A/7D/A3/67/C4/3VRdlWpl602pBlpkno+F0b30n6RrFQUk0300.jpg




(edited to add pics)

[Javaman]

1. Yup, just got back. Austin, Texas. about 250-300 people. :) nt

[thecrow]

2. I wanted to go to the DC one, but I needed a ride

and I can't walk very far, so I didn't go :(
But my heart was there.
How was it? Did many people show up?
My son works in DC and he said he'd try to go for me.
:)

[Puregonzo1188]

4. I'm not good at crowd estimates, but the person I went with

said there was about 250-300. It wasn't a massive turnout, but it was a pretty good crowd and the speakers where excellent. I am definitely glad I went.

[StellaBlue]

3. I did - Austin, TX

Steps of the state capitol from 5:00pm.

About 200 people, slightly stronger than normal DPS presence, shockingly decent live music, only two hippie drummers in sight, lots of 9/11 conspiract/truth movement people. No big name speakers, no loud chanting, shockingly small protest by Austin standards.

Good signs I saw:

War
Profit
Treason
Torture
9/11 Inside Job
Bush
Murder



King W
Abdicate Now!




(Dont Mess With Texas logo with:)
Don't Mess With Human Rights




Live free or die!!!




9/11 was an inside job




LIAR, LIAR

(and friend with a stick with a cowboy with his pants on fire on the end of it)





(T-shirts:)


RIP Bill or Rights



I miss Habeas Corpus



Anti Tyranny Officer



Militiaman (on a hat, with a rifle under it - NOT a freeper type)



(picture of * and state outline:) Giving a great state a bad name since 1948

[Javaman]

11. What was your opinion of the speakers there?

Not to be a wet blanket, but I just got the feeling that the speakers, although they believe in the cause, just didn't have the oooph to fire up the crowd.

Personally, I think the order of the speakers could have been better.

I have no problem with the new age stuff, I find it interesting sometimes, but when the flower child woman started her schtick, I saw only about 1/3 to 1/2 half of the crowd involved. I guess maybe that's good. but the other half seemed like people who wanted a powerful speaker, I am on of them. I think a lot of people at that point were just being polite and were just waiting to get through that part till the speakers took over.

The sound system, left a lot to be desired, I couldn't hear or understand half of what was said, because it wasn't either powerful enough and/or the speakers don't know how to speak to large audiences so all I heard was, I hate to say it, disconnected mousy voices.

We are on the verge of something big here and we should have orators that can properly address our concerns in a clear and powerful way.

Each and everyone of these demonstrations that I have attended, it appears as if the turn out is less and less. :( I don't think it's from lack of interest per say, I think it's from lack of powerful speakers.

Many of the speakers have great information, but when one of the speakers, (one of the first guys up, that spent time in Iraq) states that he's not much of a public speaker, to me, that's shooting himself in the foot.

I stayed about 1 1/2 hours then left. Frankly, I couldn't take anymore. I signed the petitions, spoke to a few folks, but all in all, I got the impression that most of the people that attended were die-hards and very few were new seekers. Maybe because it started at 5, people jump in their cars and drive home and only realize when they are in the middle of traffic that they forgot all about the protest. :shrug:

The capital is a nice venue (historical, seat of government and all that), but personally, I would hold it at city hall, more central and more visible. When held on the capital steps, it's so far removed from the publics view that even if there were a few rubber neckers that where interested, they really wouldn't see the demonstration from the road.

I hate to say it, but I feel a bit sad and underwhelmed by the events yesterday.

My two cents (well maybe more like a quarter)

[texpatriot2004]

5. There wasn't one here but I am glad others were able to go nt

[bigbrother05]

6. Went to one in San antonio

about 200+ people, we all met in front of a park and then marched to the Federal building,
pretty peaceful, no speaker, but a bullhorn. Got lots of Honks, and peace signs.
Felt good to get out there, got some DVDS, haven't looked at them yet. have pics will post later

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Very poor turnout here in KC

I am too embarrassed to post the pics. :cry:

[PaganPreacher]

12. Two friends went to the KC protest- had a great time!

My friends Kathleen and Cathy called me from the KC protest at about 5:15 pm. They said they were having a great time.

I hope you enjoyed yourself too, even with the low turnout.



The Pagan Preacher
I don't turn the other cheek.

[NYC]

8. NYC, approx. 3,000 people.

Cynthia McKinney was one of the speakers.

[confuddled]

9. Tried to attend the one in Albuquerque

Wasted about four hours plus gas driving there and back, trying to find a parking place and walking to and from the protest. By the time I got there, they had left on their march downtown - nowhere in sight - and I was through. Caught a brief glimpse of the group which looked to be well under 100. The WCW site reports over 100. This was held at the edge of the University of New Mexico campus and I expected a much better turn out.

Regret to report that I was disappointed/discouraged/disgusted. I really cannot understand the level of apathy in the face of all of the cumulative and recent outrages. Is there any explanation? Is there a problem with WCW? Are people cowed by the potential of being labeled/arrested? Am I over-reacting to what seems to me a horrible situation. Are people just too busy trying to keep their heads above water. What is going on? I really don't get it.

In any case, looks like I can quit sharpening my pitchfork tongs; the revolution will not be.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

10. Here's a thread on the Minneapolis protest, complete with pictures

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=160x21664

:-)