Posted on 03/26/2003 10:01:08 AM PST by bedolido
aking their cue from protesters in San Francisco, who shut down that city's financial district last week with a wave of raucous street blockades, marches, and sit-ins, activists in New York—including many from more mainstream groups—are calling for widespread civil disobedience in midtown Manhattan this Thursday. Their aim is to disrupt "business as usual."
(Excerpt) Read more at villagevoice.com ...
Jersey/Metro News
Protesters lay on Fifth Avenue, halting traffic
By ERIC TUCKER
The Associated Press - 3/26/03 11:50 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Sixteen people protesting about the Israeli military and the U.S.-led war with Iraq lay down in a busy Fifth Avenue intersection on Wednesday, halting traffic for blocks before being carried into police vans.
The protesters, chained together by handcuffs, doused themselves in mock blood and chanted the refrain, "Occupation is a Crime, Free Iraq and Palestine," unfazed by the honking buses and jeering spectators crowded around the corner of 47th Street and Fifth Avenue.
The activists were protesting what they called unfair treatment of the Palestinians by the Israeli military. They said they feared that the war would divert attention from the conflict in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, allowing the Israeli military to conduct violent acts unnoticed.
"It's important to know, as the chant goes, there will be no peace without justice," said Ryan Senser, 28, a freelance tutor who helped organize the protest. "The Israeli occupation is a constant provocateur of violent Palestinian resistance."
Some passersby, angered by the disturbance as well as the cause, yelled insults at the activists and pointed fingers in their faces. Some called the protesters "cowards" and "losers," telling them to get a job and take their protest to Iraq.
The boos quickly turned to cheers as police moved in to break up the protest. The first activist to go limp and be carried away was a young woman who blocked traffic in an orange traffic-control vest adorned with a sign that read "Stop."
"They should all go to the West Bank and be left there," said passerby Michael Lagana, 33, shaking his head. "They're cowards, every last one of them."
"I think they're a bunch of morons," said Monica Nathans, 28, as she turned away from the scene. "We're fighting a war against terrorism. They're not Americans."
Yet not everyone disagreed with their message -- or even their methods.
"It's a dire time right now," said Pam Galpern, 34, who works for a non-profit legal aid organization. "I think dire acts need to be taken."
The 16 protesters were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction of government administration, police said.
The First Disruptor I encounter gets physically Disrupted.....
And homeland security, practically guarenteeing an opening for another terrorist atack.
Lberals are total idiots.
I would have run up and kicked one close to the middle in the stones......
Mass Civil Disobedience Against War!
Thursday, March 27th 2003 7:45am
New York City, New York
An ad-hoc coaltion of anti-war groups is planning a massive non-violent civil disobedience at 8 am on Thursday, March 27.
The group agreed to target the media/government collusion that is promoting this war to further corporate interests. The Rockefeller Center area was chosen as the target since many media and corporations have offices there or nearby.
The plan is for a massive die-in on 5th Avenue at Rock Center, with coordinated actions planned by affinity groups throughout the city. Spread the word as widely as possible - a flyer will follow shortly. A website is being established at www.M27coalition.org tonight.
The action will take place near 5th Ave. and 50th Sts. There will also be space for a legal protest at the action. A pre-action meeting is planned for Weds evening, March 26, location to be announced. Spread this email to all your lists! More to follow.
Location:
Rockafeller Center, 50 Street & 5th Ave. 50th Street & 5th Avenue New York City New York
Contact:
Mark Milano
info@m27coalition.org
212-475-4889
Sponsored By:
All anti-war groups in NYC and many individuals represented!
http://www.M27coalition.org
This NYer has the right idea
No, dear, it means we had a legitimate debate and you didn't get what you want, so you're going to throw a temper tantrum. It's called being a sore loser. With an attitude like that, it's a disgrace you're a kindergarten teacher.
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