Posted on 03/19/2008 1:17:56 PM PDT by SmithL
From San Francisco to Berkeley to Washington, D.C., peace activists plan demonstrations across the nation today to mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war.
More than 600 events are scheduled.
Anti-war activists say their goal is to use the occasion to renew interest in the conflict when many Americans are focused on the troubled economy and the presidential election.
"We want to make sure that this war is put back into the American consciousness as an issue," said Bill Hackwell, spokesman for the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism coalition, or A.N.S.W.E.R.
"This has been a social disaster for the people of Iraq and the people of the U.S.," he said. "We say this war has to be brought to an end right now."
The A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition plans a rally at 5 p.m. today at the Civic Center in San Francisco, followed by a march to the Mission district, beginning about 6:30 p.m.
It isn't known how many people will show up, but the police department is bringing in additional officers.
Police will permit people to express their opinions but will prevent protesters from blocking streets and impeding traffic, said Sgt. Steve Mannina.
"We're planning on keeping the streets open," Mannina said.
Direct Action to Stop the War and other groups will gather for an "unhappy birthday" event at 7:30 a.m. in San Francisco, said spokesman Blake McConnell.
The group is encouraging anti-war activists to stage impromptu protests later in the day at the offices of Sen. Dianne Feinstein and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, federal agencies and corporations that do business in Iraq.
The group's Web site suggests sit-ins, hanging banners on buildings and protesters handcuffing themselves to desks or doorways.
"We do know that it will be direct and nonviolent," McConnell said. "How that will manifest itself remains to be seen."
Several events are planned in Berkeley, including a gathering of anti-war groups at 11:30 a.m. across from Berkeley High School. Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed nearly four years ago in Iraq, will speak.
The group will then march to the Marine recruiting station for a 12:30 p.m. rally.
Berkeley police plan to have 50 to 60 extra officers on duty to help with crowd control.
The major events in Contra Costa County took place last Saturday when several hundred people marched from the Walnut Creek BART station to a downtown rally.
On the same day in Richmond, two dozen people were arrested for trespassing after a daylong protest at the Chevron refinery.
A small group of peace activists plan to gather at the Lafayette crosses today from 5 to 8 p.m. Peace groups also are encouraging people to voice their opinions during a Department of Energy hearing at a community center in Livermore on nuclear weapons and the future of the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
Local families with relatives serving in the war, meanwhile, are planning a "support the troops" rally Saturday at the Marine recruiting office in Berkeley.
"I support the war because it's the road toward peace," said Lisa Disbrow, a member of the Lafayette Flag Brigade whose son is serving stateside in the Army.
Trying to teach old hippies new tricks.
A.N.S.W.E.R.
Commies on Parade
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
THE SIXTIES ARE OVER! THE SIXTIES ARE OVER! THE SIXTIES ARE OVER!
These people just want the attention. If they knew how stupid they looked to the people who are actually witnessing the dawn of peace, they might find something else to protest.
There is something really sad about old hippies - but funny.
The left always speaks as if they were extremely important people who ran society.
They’ve always had that tone -— that of people totally in commmand of the media and society.
Even when they’re living in Mom’s basement and unemployed.
In the meantime, our best and brightest are gaining victory and giving the Iraqi and Afghani people a chance at the freedom we all take for granted.
This should be required reading for everyone on both sides of the Iraq war issue.
jobs? they must be taking time out from their jobs as general motors ceo’s,diesel mechanics, homemakers and other useful forms of American societal contribution....NOT LIKELY
The people involved here are more than just old hippies. Many are paid anarchists who truly desire America’s demise. Others are simply useful idiots and various loser types that need something to give their lives focus and meaning.
All of this has come from people who are actively subversive to our way of life and they’re financed by true marxists who want to control every part of our lives.
I know, I’m preaching to the choir.
“More than 600 events are scheduled.”
How exciting to write that “600 events are scheduled”. “Yeah man, we are really making a difference”
Average attendance at each “event”: 13.6
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