Energized and Determined Stand
• End the War Now! We Are Deciding the Future
Energized and Determined Stand
End the War Now! We Are Deciding the Future
End the War Now! We Are Deciding the Future
On September 24th people around the world stood shoulder to shoulder against war and reaction, showing that another world is possible and that we the people are creating it! In the U.S., one of the most energetic and diverse gatherings of organizations and people took place in the massive Washington D.C. action. Large contingents from women's groups and veterans, military families and political organizations, unions and peace groups, youth and students against military recruitment and clergy against war, Koreans, Arabs, Venezuelans, Latinos, African Americans, mothers and daughters, seniors and many many people demonstrating for the first time all took their stand to end the war now.
The energy and determination was such that despite having to wait long periods as the front of the march emptied into the streets, and then wait again as more and more people arrived to join in, the chanting, defiance and spirit of resistance was unstoppable. "Troops Out Now! Out of Iraq! Out of the Philippines! Out of Korea! Out of Colombia! Out of Puerto Rico! Out of Afghanistan! Out of Louisiana! Troops Out Now! Jail to the Chief! Terrorist, Murderer, Liar, Coward! Impeach Bush! College Not Combat! Power to the Peaceful!
People poured into D.C. despite numerous train delays and difficulty getting enough buses. In groups large and small people arrived by vans and cars, buses, planes and trains, from Washington State, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maine and elsewhere. In creative ways, using signs, face paint, masks, costumes and more the people’s forces stood firm for rights and with full conviction expressed their anger against the war, torture, attacks on social programs, against military recruitment, the government's criminal disaster in New Orleans and against efforts to establish military rule here in the country. Signs reading “Bush: Fascist Gun in the West,” “Relief Not War,” “Failure Abroad and at Home” “Lead by Obeying the People” “Strengthen the People’s Forces,” gave expression to the drive of the people to block U.S. reaction and advance solutions of their own.
What stood out most strongly was the determination to step up organized efforts and the energy of the united organized forces present to persist in the fight for change. One could feel the strength of a common vision, of a united public opinion that favored all the peoples and stood resolute against war and reaction. As one the estimated 300,000 demonstrators made clear that they are a force to be reckoned with, a force taking matters into their own hands and firmly committed to winning a bright future for all humanity.
White House Sit-in
On Sunday, many of the groups from Saturday’s march networked and discussed plans for on-going work. On Monday, several thousand people again rallied at the White House. Hundreds were also prepared to get arrested as part of the fight to end the war now and hold Bush accountable for his war crimes. U.S. Park police were present with a SWAT team, those on horseback, and numerous others
The action began at the Ellipse, behind the White House, with protesters dividing into two groups and marching up 15th and 17th Avenues to the front of the White House. After a brief rally in Lafayette Park, all those prepared to get arrested marched together to the sidewalk in front of the White House. They began tying banners and signs with the names of dead Iraqis and Americans to the White House fence, a minor offense. Numerous groups participated, including Clergy and Laity Concerned, Code Pink, Military Families Speak Out, Gold Star Families for Peace and numerous other affinity groups.
As those standing on Pennsylvania Avenue chanted support, those on the sidewalk sat down in front of the White House. Police then began arresting participants, including Cindy Sheehan and many other women. The entire crowd began chanting Arrest Bush! Arrest Bush! Jail to the Chief! Bush is a War Criminal! More than 330 were arrested, with many planning to return for court dates as part of continued protests against the war. Dozens of people were also arrested at the Pentagon as they unfurled banners opposing U.S. aggression, saying War is Terrorism.
Throughout the hot and humid day, protesters remained spirited, demanding End the War Now! Jail War Criminal Bush!
