A grassroots email about the reasons to go to Kennebunkport next week

[unhappycamper]

I received this listserv post this morning.


There has been an a lot of questions on this listserv about the implications and the importance of this protest if Bush does not show up to his vacation house. I think this raises questions about why protests are important and what are the immediate goals of protests. These are important questions and it would be great to hear what other people think abuot this.

First of all, we need to be clear that the reason that Bush may not be in Kennebunkport is because he has heard about the protest. He is trying to run away from the fact that not only the majority of Americans are against the war, but a large number of them have concluded that we need to take matters in our own hands and protest. His administration is crumbling - just look at the resignation of Karl Rove - which means he is weak, but he, his administration and all of Congress have given us no sign that the end of the war is near. For this reason, our presence en masse is a good start to hopefully an on going campaign of pressure to end the war. (On the bus to Kennebunkport we should talk about what kind of local actions and national actions we want to be part of as a next step out of the Kennebunkport rotest)

Secondly, I would argue that one of the most important results of a protest like the one in Kennebunkport is that it raises our confidence. There is not a large antiwar movement, but the number of people against the war is remarkable. 66% of Americans are against the war, yet it does not feel like that just walking down the street. A protest like this will raise expectations of what is possible and those attending will begin to ask the important questions of why is the US in Iraq and what can we do to end the war.

Many of these questions will be featured at a meeting the JPantiwar group is holding this coming Monday. Agustin Aguayo will be coming to speak about his experience in Iraq and his decision of becoming a war resister.

There is an email anouncement going around about the meeting.
Monday, 8/20, 6:30pm Central Congregational Church on 85 Seavern St in JP
www.jpantiwar@ yahoo.com

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. It is very important that veterans be there

Hard for the MSM to spin the demos as merely being old hippies on the march. Plus I'd like to see Bush look at one of those vets in the eye. Won't happen, because he would run from them. It is important that he be met by demonstrators wherever he goes.

[unhappycamper]

2. Veterans will be leading the march.

It should be a fun three days.

[livvy]

3. Want to be there in spirit? Let me know, and I'll put your screen name on my poster.

Any ideas on how many are expected? I know the campground at "Camp Casey" is full, and they have opened an alternate campground, "Camp Alex", to hold the overflow. I don't know how full the second campground is, but the website is still offering reservations.
Anyone interested should go here:
http://www.kportprotest.org/

There will be at least two of us from Michigan coming. Also Spartan61 is planning to be there. I plan to give her a call when I know what time we will get into town.

Any further thoughts on a DU gathering? It doesn't seem that many from here are planning to come???

If anyone would like me to put their screen name on a poster, I'd be happy to do that. I plan on making a sign with something along the lines of "Democratic Underground members want out of Iraq now!" (Other suggestions would be welcome!) Someone had a similar sign in DC in Sept. '05. I really liked it...sorry I can't remember who had the sign.
If you would like me to put your name on a poster, just let me know through this thread, or PM me.

From the website above:

WHY MARCH IN KENNEBUNKPORT?

The unseemly and arrogant image of President Bush and his father waving to photographers from his cigarette boat, oblivious to the fact that there are fathers here and in Iraq who will never see their sons again, warrants a response from people of conscience! While Bush and his cronies dine on lobster and anesthetize themselves on fine wine, Iraq is disintegrating into something resembling hell on earth. We cannot sit idly by and hear stories of suffering, torture and senseless loss of precious life. We wonder, how can they?

Should war criminals and war profiteers be allowed to escape Washington for a quiet vacation, removing themselves from the daily reminders of the horrific consequences of their decisions? We are compelled to organize and march to deliver our message of ending the war and occupation directly to President Bush and the people in power who make the disastrous policies and those who profit from them, especially while they are on vacation!

"It is high time that we participate in actions where our leaders feel the power of the people and the people feel empowered." Jamilla El-Shafei

Join us if you can!

[unhappycamper]

4. Camp Alex may still have a few spots.

When are you coming in? There's supposed to be a dinnah Friday night with entertainment.

If you're having problems with accommodations, PM me. I know a few folks up there who have opened their homes.

[livvy]

6. We will be at Camp Casey and plan to attend the dinnah, and breakfast on Sat.

We should be getting in town sometime in the afternoon on Friday. It depends on how far we get on Thursday. We're hoping to get over half way to Maine on Thursday so that we only have about 6 hours or so to go on Friday. Total trip is about 16 hours.
After about 3 hours in a car, I'm usually hanging my head out of the sunroof or window, "barking" at the passing cars, so this should be a challenge. I've got a wonderful travel companion, a ton of CD's, a harmonica (deity of choice, please help my travel companion), and I'm looking forward to some great scenery, so these things should help.
I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Must get back to doing the Election Reform Thread. I have strayed several times this morning already. :spank:

[WinkyDink]

5. Dang! I just got BACK from there---and missed Dubya's motorcade by minutes.

Ocean Street---where Walker's Point is---had 2 checkpoints to pass on our way to our motel, and "no stopping in between". At night, no driving past WP at all.

[livvy]

7. Kick: Looking for names to include on poster.

Stuff moves so fast in GD, I don't know if anyone has seen my offer. Think maybe I should make a separate post?:shrug:

[Sinistrous]

8. I would be honored to have you put my nick on your poster.

Sinistrous

[livvy]

9. I'm honored to include you....thanks!

[unhappycamper]

10. I think that would be an excellent idea.

:thumbsup: