US protesters say masses to demand end to Iraq 'occupation' this weekend

[diamond14]

US protesters say masses to demand end to Iraq 'occupation' this weekend
43 minutes ago


NEW YORK (AFP) - Anti-war protesters are planning mass demonstrations in 200 cities across the United States this weekend that will demand an end to the US "occupation" of Iraq (news - web sites), one year after US troops invaded Iraq toppling Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).


Organisers predict a big coast-to-coast turnout in protests planned for Saturday that will stretch from New York on the eastern seaboard to San Francisco on the west coast, and even hope to picket close to President George W. Bush (news - web sites)'s private Texas ranch in Crawford.


"Events from Anchorage, Alaska to St Petersburg, Florida, (and) Crawford, Texas," said Dustin Langley, a spokesman for the anti-war coalition ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism).


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/iraq_us_1year_demos

[arcane1]

1. hell yes! SF/Bay Area DUers are gonna be out there!

Bring it on, Bush!!! :bounce:

[WillyT]

26. Ya Got That Right, Baby !!!

We gonna be out in force!

:yourock:

[arcane1]

27. see ya there!!

with bells on!

(figuratively speaking, of course... though you never know w/Tinoire :P )

[WillyT]

28. LOL !!! --- So True !!!

Have you guys agreed on a meet-up place yet???

PM me, and let me know. I'll check in A\E as well.

Cheers!

:toast:

[DemBones DemBones]

53. Ma chere amie Tinoire wears bells? Must be to warn neocons

tand other repukes that she's around, Tinoire being a bigger threat to rightwingers than the average cat is to mice!

I toast all Bay Area protesters :yourock:

[shanti]

45. anything going on in sacramento?

n/t

[Sugarbleus]

50. Theres another one in San Jose

You can get an info flyer at:

http://www.southbaymobilization.org

Initial Endorsing Organizations: San Jose Peace Center, United for Peace and Justice in San Jose, South Bay Labor for Peace and Justice, SEIU Local 715, First Unitarian Church of San Jose, Green Party, Veterans for Peace, Justice for Palestinians, Mountain View Voices for Peace,Americans for a Palestinian State, Raging Grannies, and many more.....women's groups etc..

[TinaTyson]

2. Please yahoo vote this.

It is at 1.92.

[nicecakes]

3. Didn't Kerry say just yesterday we need to stay in Iraq?

Might want to get that out to the protest leaders. No need to derail the Kerry campaign before it really takes off.

[bif]

4. We need to get out. Kerry needs to get with the program.

[demdave]

6. I thought the program was to get a Dem in the white house.

How does protesting Kerry's position help this? Will the "get out of Iraq NOW" crowd vote for Kerry regardless? If so, then it doesn't matter but if not, it might not help calling attention to Kerry's position.

[FlemingsGhost]

8. The "program" is to stop the illegal occupation, dave.

Haven't we had enough of putting politics ahead of common sense and the general welfare of humanity?

[demdave]

11. And how do you do that with Bush in the white house for 4 more years?

All the good intentions in the world mean nothing if your candidate doesn't get elected. Ask the Kucinich supporters. He would back a full and immediate pull out, but he isn't going to get that chance.

[FlemingsGhost]

14. That's all you got?

Our leaders work for us, remember? It's called "democracy."

The will of the people should be expressed anywhere and everywhere... including the streets. Don't believe, me? Ask a Spaniard.

(on edit: typo)

[demdave]

16. Actually we are a democratically elected republic.

REPUBLIC, n.
A commonwealth; a state in which the exercise of the sovereign power is lodged in representatives elected by the people. In modern usage, it differs from a democracy or democratic state, in which the people exercise the powers of sovereignty in person.


If we were not we would have put slavery up for a vote, that from what I have read would have been voted down. Much like the current discussion about homosexual marriage, which the latest polls should 70% oppose.

With a republic the minority view has a protection against the majority. That is why you elect a "Representative". It is only their job to vote the way their constituency wants them to IF they want reelected. (One of the reasons I am against term limits...but that is another rant :) ).

As I recall, the Spaniards expressed their will at the polls. The demonstrations in the streets were to show support for the victims of terrorism.


Sooooo...I guess that is NOT all I got. :evilgrin:

[FlemingsGhost]

20. If I understand correctly, the crux of your argument is:

If folks take to the streets to speak out against Bush and the Iraqi occupation, it will only aid in electing Bush?

[demdave]

22. No, I was simply agreeing with the other poster about drawing attention to

Kerry's position. If you read my other post, I asked for clarification as to whether it would even matter. The response I got was that it wouldn't. So I guess there might be no harm done one way or the other.

[Just Me]

23. Have you ever considered that the peoples' power to speak,...

,...is separate from your divisive political arguments? Have you ever considered that the people are taking a stand for themselves without regard to the leadership? Have you ever considered that the masses just might have something to say about the status quo that all leaders should pay due respect?

[FlemingsGhost]

24. Please explain post #11.

I'm trying to grasp the connection between the protests, Kerry's candidacy and "four more years of Bush."

Thanks.

[Just Me]

37. Since I didn't post #11,...I certainly cannot explain it.

That poster's mind obviously works differently from mine *LOL*.

[demdave]

41. The original post that I responded to mentioned Kerry's position.

It warned of undermining his remarks that stated he supported staying in Iraq (I would assume Kerry meant until their is a stable government and with the U. N.'s help but I couldn't find any time frame on his website). It was proposed that the message to keep this in mind be given to the protest organizers so any bad press for Kerry could be avoided. The next poster stated that we had to put politics aside and not worry about any fallout. I stated that I thought it was important to get our man in the white house or all our good intentions don't amount to squat. I then stated several times, quite clearly, that this only made a difference if those same protesters and the people they are sending their message would be inclined to not vote for Kerry if his position is made known. The poster I asked said he would vote for Kerry regardless but would hope he would come around on his position. I then stated that, in that case, there was no potential harm.


You could have found all of this yourself if you had taken the time to read all the posts involved in this give and take and not just decided to laser in on 1 line.

[FlemingsGhost]

46. We are protesting an illegal war/occupation.

Not rally for John Kerry.

Some Republicans are sure to be there as well. Should we take the time to interpret and speculate the meaning of their attendance, or should we view their participation simply as someone against the U.S. occupation of Iraq?

[demdave]

47. I understand and I wouldn't question anyones presence.

What I did was respond to someones concern about incidental backlash toward the Kerry campaign. That is why I asked people if they would still vote for Kerry to try to gauge if this was an actual concern of merely a baseless concern.

At this time, I don't really see where the Kerry team would get any collateral damage from this.

[FlemingsGhost]

48. Re: Misdirection...

No worries, dave. My apologies if my inquires seemed hostile.

Intended or not, I often see folks at DU attach meaning or interpret events in a manner that only serves to undermine the original intent--thus creating "paralysis by analysis." It is a classic defensive debate technique, and I'm usually on it like a laserbeam.


Cheers.

[guajira]

36. If Kerry runs as Bush*-lite, he will be sending votes to Nader!!

Some of us want an alternative to B*. If enough people demonstrate against the Iraq invasion for oil, politicians will get the message.

[demdave]

42. Will you vote for Nader if Kerry doesn't amend his stand.

[Sugarbleus]

51. Also, the march and rally is about other things...at least in

San Jose. It's about money for jobs, education, Health care, Housing etc. There are quite a few "things" going on, not just an illegal war/occupation.

We hope that Kerry can straighten out the mess in Iraq and elsewhere but we also have some domestic problems too...mostly due to invading Iraq in the first place. It's an "anniversary" reminder of where this country, led by BushRoveCheneyRumsfeld, went totally off it's rails.

[bif]

9. I haven't heard anything about protesting Kerry's position

I'm going to be marching this weekend against the war. I'm voting Dem in the fall. Hopefully Kerry will come around by then. Period.

[demdave]

12. OK, I understand your position...almost. One last question.

If Kerry continues to say, as he did recently, that we must stay in Iraq, will you still vote for him?

[bif]

13. No. Then I'll vote for Nadar.

Just kidding. But once again, I'll be voting against Bush, rather than for Kerry. I ws a Dean supporter. I think in years to come, people are going to be saying, "Dean was right."

I think we need to get out now. Cut our losses. And make sure the Iraqis don't get screwed over. It's a total lose-lose situation.

[Sophree]

21. Dean's position

Is that we can't leave Iraq right now.

[Sterling]

43. F#$K Kerry

I will support him in spite of his lame ass but I will not pretend he is right when he is so clearly wrong.

[Ctuser]

18. you are so american blow the place

then go home. We need to get the the UN and the world in there and keep what ever of our troops are needed to help till the Iraqi's can form their own government. WE made the mess we should also pay damages for the mess we made.

[Kenneth ken]

52. that is pretty much

Dennis' position - UN in US out; but recognizing we do have the financial and moral obligation to fix -as best can be done - the mess we made.

[Tempest]

5. And with good reason

The U.S. put Iraq into this mess, it's our responsibility to get them out of it.

If the U.S. left, guess who would take up the vacuum?

Do you really want that?

The U.S. is stuck cleaning up Bush's mess, and there's nothing we can do about it.

Except mitigate the damage by bringing in the U.N. and working with them.

[nicecakes]

7. You're preaching to the choir here

I'm with the program...my concern was with the protesters rubbing against the Kerry platform of staying in Iraq instead of getting out of Iraq like the protesters are demanding.

[bif]

10. Bush should admit he fucked up big time

And he should be on his fucking knees begging for the forgiveness of the entire world. He should be pleading for the UN to help us out. but that'll never happen--he's too damn arrogant for that.

[diamond14]

15. let's support this weekend's protestors...these are Patriots...risking

their lives and limbs for OUR Democracy....I spent 5 months in a wheelchair from injuries suffered at the hands of police, while peacefully protesting in DC on March 23, 2003.....those of you who sit and watch should at least hold back on nasty vicious comments against those of us who risk our lives...and help keep others from attacking us and our sponsors....


when I came back from the October 25 th DC protests, there was simply a feeding frenzing of name calling and slandering of protestors (and their sponsors) going on on DU...it was horrifying and scary for me and many others...those attacks were totally uncalled for....

May good DUers block out and stop those who attack and slander the Pro-Peace people.....Protest is the highest form of Democracy...and as we take it to the streets again, may Democratic Underground take very pro-active measures to support us and protect us.....thanks....

[leftchick]

17. Please Stop Arguing and Rate this Article!!

for the protesting patriots! :)

[Barrett808]

33. Current rating: 3.65 with 324 votes n/t

[montana_hazeleyes]

35. right now it says 3.29

with 455 votes.PST time 3:45. Looks like they* are trying to vote it lower

[Just Me]

19. I am real excited about being in D.C. on Saturday!!!

I always am left with such inspiration when participating in these incredible marches for humanity.

[diamond14]

25. there are NO protests in DC on Saturday..we're going to NY (links)

you may still be able to get a bus ticket...we are all leaving early on the BIG PARTY busses....DC to NY.....leaving 5 AM to 6 AM....
arriving in NY in time for the noon protest.....come join us !


get your tickets here NOW....or join a local event in YOUR neighborhood....Gosh...even Colorado Springs (home of Fort Carson) is hosting a BIG protest....if they can do it, so can you....make a sign and STAND UP near a highway, a town-square, a landmark in YOUR town...let the world know that YOU are Pro-Peace...

http://www.dawndc.net/events/march20.php

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?list=sub&sub=31

http://www.internationalanswer.org/campaigns/m20/m20transp.html

[NYC]

39. Welcome to NYC, amen1234.

I won't see you in the large crowd, but I am glad you are coming. Welcome. :hi:

[diamond14]

40. Thanks NYC....there are a lot of us DCers on our way EARLY in the

morning....a WHOLE BIG bus caravan....we leave DC around 5 AM....and plan to join you at maybe 11 AM.....it's a party...caravans of busses leaving from Virginia, Maryland and DC multiple locations and sponsors....PEACE AND GOODWILL from OUR Nation's Capital to the BIG APPLE....we all stand up for PEACE on March 20th.....

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:


I'm carrying a BIG BANNER (about 16 feet across) with large letters for the Peaceful People of Wyoming....they sent it to me by U.S. Mail and I promised to carry it....so if you see it, come and help...I need all kinds of help to move this along....it takes 4 people together to carry it....I know good people will help, and maybe some DUers will help carry it and photo it....


the banner says:

STAND UP FOR PEACE WYOMING

here's their web page:
http://standupforpeacewyoming.org

[NYC]

49. I will look for your banner.

I hope to see you. :hi:

[DemBones DemBones]

55. Ha! Cheney will hate the Stand Up For Peace Wyoming banner!

If he remembers that he's supposed to be a resident of Wyoming. :evilgrin:

[Barkley]

29. L.A. DUers see ya Sat at Hollywood and Vine 12 noon!

I'm a volunteer with L.A. ANSWER and we inviting all DUers to join us in sending a loud and clear message to Bush to

Bring the Troops Home NOW!

The L.A. demo officially starts at 12:00 and will end up with a rally at Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland.

There will be a stage set up at Hollywood and Vine and pre-march bands will perform beginning around 11:00 am.

Ron Kovic (author of "Born on the Fourth of July") along with many other vets and peace activists are scheduled to address the demo.

Buses are coming from San Diego, Orange Co., Santa Barbara as well as the Inland Impire.

The march will also be joined by the California Teachers'Union who have Conference going on Sat. in I believe in Universal City.

Be sure and buy ANSWER buttons, T-shirts, bumper stickers etc.

And make a genererous contribution so that we can keep up these demos and get Our Troops Home NOW!

[Sterling]

44. My old hood,

Give em hell!!!

[Aidoneus]

30. occupation in quotation marks?

[prolesunited]

31. Gotta "love" the comments

on Yahoo stories:

"a lot of people in this country would love to bring this country down and they are mostly liberals who also are democrats.
They do have a right to protest but I think most Americans support our troops, our President and this most glorious and benevolent country that has always been on the right side of justice and goodness." <-- What do you think? Drugs or brain damage?

[WillyT]

32. I'm Goin With Dain Bramage, LOL !!!

:crazy:

:hi:

[leftchick]

38. oxy, jack and..

brain damage! :)

[anarchy1999]

34. I'm looking forward to DU being quiet on Saturday, because we will

all be on the street somewhere!

These from Veterans For Peace and Military Families Speak Out


SOME MARCH 20 ANTIWAR CADENCE


ONE YEAR AGO THIS VERY DAY
BUSH BETRAYED THE U.S.A.

A YEAR OF LIES HAVE COME AND GONE

TIME TO BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME



HALLIBURTON & BECHTELL
THINK THIS WAR IS REALLY SWELL
CORPORATE PROFITS ON THE RISE

SOLDIERS HAVE TO BLEED & DIE



HOW MANY MORE WILL HAVE TO DIE
BECAUSE BUSH & CHENEY LIED
MAKE THE CROOKS AND LIARS PAY
THIS YEAR ON ELECTION DAY



HEY, HEY UNCLE SAM

WE REMEMBER VIET NAM

WE DON’T WANT YOUR IRAQ WAR
BRING OUR TROOPS BACK TO OUR SHORE (or PEACE IS WHAT WE’RE MARCHIN’ FOR)



IF THEY TELL YOU TO GO

THERE IS SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW
THEY WAVE THE FLAG WHEN YOU ATTACK
WHEN YOU COME HOME THEY TURN THEIR BACK



WHEN THE G.I.’S COME BACK HOME
AND TAKE OFF THEIR UNIFORM
’SUPPORT OUR TROOPS” WILL SURE SOUND FINE
ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE



MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT
WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE TALKING BOUT
SONS AND DAUGHTERS, HUSBANDS, WIVES

BRING OUR LOVED ONES HOME ALIVE (or SOME ALREADY LOST THEIR LIVES)



FOR THOSE ALREADY DEAD AND GONE
WE WILL HONOR THEM AND MOURN

KEEP STANDING UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT

FOR THE LIVING WE WILL FIGHT



VETS FOR PEACE ARE HERE TO SAY

BRING OUR G.I.S HOME TODAY (or BROTHERS/SISTERS HOME TODAY)
WAR WILL MEAN THAT SOLDIERS DIE

WAR WILL MEAN THAT MOTHERS CRY



VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR

WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE MARCHIN’ FOR

BRING THE TROOPS BACK TO OUR SOIL

WE SAY NO MORE BLOOD FOR OIL




LIFT YOUR HEADS AND HOLD THEM HIGH
VETERANS ARE PASSING BY
TELL THEM WHAT WE’RE MARCHING FOR
FREEDOM, JUSTICE, NO MORE WAR



BUSH WANTED TO ATTACK

SENT THE ARMY TO IRAQ

GUNS TO SHOOT AND BOMBS TO DROP

ALL THIS MADNESS (or KILLING) HAS TO STOP



BUSH AND CHENEY TALK THAT TALK
BUT WE KNOW THEY’RE CHICKEN HAWKS

IF THEY THINK THEY’RE SO DAMN RIGHT (or CHENEY, RUMSELD, ASHCCROFT, POWELL

LET BUSH AND CHENEY GO TO FIGHT) BUSH’S CRAP IS SMELLIN’ FOUL)



DUBYA'S LIES SHOULD MAKE HIME CHOKE
HE MUST STILL BE SNORTIN' COKE

SADDAM'S SECRET POISON GAS

MUST BE SOMETHING RUMSFELD PASSED


SINCE BUSH SAID “BRING E’M ON”

HOW MANY MORE ARE DEAD AND GONE

WITH SOLDIER’S LIVES HE SURE ACTS BRAVE

BUT HE’S NOT STANDIN’ NEAR THEIR GRAVES



CHICKENHAWKS BEAT THE WAR DRUM
BUT THEY NEVER FACED A GUN
THEY WAVE THE FLAG FAR AND WIDE
BUT WHEN IT’S TIME TO SERVE THEY HIDE

[Dr Fate]

54. I hope they finally free my Mommy...

...I sure do miss her...

[Stockholm]

56. You go!!

Wish I could be there...