Washblog

I've participated in countless local protests since early 2003, but don't feel the need as much the past few months. Seems everyone knows by now the Iraq occupation is FUBAR, and the Bush administration is too. I almost didn't go, but in the end could not come up with an excuse not to, with time to spare on a dazzling Indian summer day.

Left: Me with my "Defective Product" sign next to "I Miss America," a young woman in a fetching red frock, glittery shades, and feathered tiara, carrying an "Impeach" sign.

The day's theme was not only anti-war, but covered all aspects of the adminstration's offenses: brazen lying, pre-emptive war, illegal spying, electoral fraud, anti-reproductive choice, torture, theocracy, etc. If I weren't familiar with the truth of these charges, they'd sound exaggerated. They're not.

The rhetoric from the four speakers I heard was highly satisfying. I especially liked the Mexican-American speaker: "Can you believe Democrats falling all over themselves to defend George Bush from being called `Satan' By Hugo Chavez at the UN?  That's an insult to Satan, isn't it? Although Evil, he is at least intelligent!"

We got plenty of approving reactions from onlookers (in Capitol Hill naturally) some snapping pics with tiny camera phones; although many downtown shoppers looked dumbfounded, as though they had never seen a demonstration.

One or two years ago there would've been some outraged looks, counter-protests, thumbs-down, drive-by hecklers, but on this occasion I saw almost none.

Left: But these two hanging out at the park rally alerted my Repub radar. Their inappropriate dress and disapproving scowls say they're infiltrators. What do you think?

I decline to chant when marching. My natural personality is introverted; although I overcome that to be part of a crowd, chanting is outside my comfort zone. But I suppose someone has to do it. We were supposed to chant things like "Drive out the Bush Regime, join us, join us!" although a cohort of young men reverted to the ever popular "Make love, not war!" One young NION woman near me had an exceptionally penetrating voice--an asset when trying to be heard over background noise--but her nonstop cries relating the Bush regime's crimes, reminders of worldwide protests, and exhortations to join us became irritating to me--I couldn't help it--although I agreed.

I was glad I went and made my agreement public.

More pictures, including the Backbone Campaign HERE