A brief report from the Des Moines protest

[MaggieSwanson]

I went to Des Moines today, with two of my favorite activist friends. We went to Nollan Plaza first, where there were about 120 people gathered. The had speakers, and Andy McGuire(sp?) from the Blouin campaign was giving a speech when we arrived.

It was an enthusiastic crowd, primarily Anti-* and Pro-Choice activists, but I wanted to get closer to the HyVee hall where the fundraiser was taking place. My friends and I walked about 8 blocks up the road and joined with a second group of protesters, some 67 (we counted)anti-war activists and some AFSC activists.

We stood at the side of the building under fairly heavy police scrutiny and held our signs up so the people inside could see them. We could see a table with appetizers and drinks, and people inside the event were taking our pictures.

After 30 minutes or so, my friend took off on a walk around the parameter of the convention center. I followed him, and around the corner we found a heavily police-occupied side road. There were snipers on the roof with binoculars, and a black SUV filled with burly men in black with - I kid you not - what looked like assault rifles.

Feeling fairly confident ( :think: ) that this was where * was planning to exit, I called a friend who was back at the other side of the hall and almost everyone from the group ended up coming over.

Sure enough, the pResidential limo exited out from that side. The crowd chanted "IMPEACH BUSH" and we held our signs high as the convoy drove past. * waved at us, the smug b*stard. :mad:

Earlier in the day I had asked my grandpa (a WWII veteran and a proud Democrat) if he wanted me to pass on any message to the pResident if I happened to be close enough to see him. Here is what I shouted... "My grandpa says that what he wants to say to you wouldn't be fitting for me to say!"

I called Grandpa from Des Moines and he was pretty tickled. :thumbsup:

Did anyone else make it? Since I left the main demonstration for a more in-your-face one, I probably missed you if you did. I was holding two signs today - my current favorite ("Rich Man's War - Poor Man's Blood") and "Who Dies for Bush Lies?" with a picture of a flag-draped coffin.

[Hardrada]

1. Excellent work.

Now I hope Cheney shows up for Nussle and we can jeer him too as he helps Nussle into the garbage can of history. Wished I could have been there.

[MaggieSwanson]

2. The last time Cheney was here for a fundraiser for Leach

I was able to get less that five feet away from his motorcade holding a sign that said "Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld: The REAL Axis of Evil".

Cheney has a palpable presence, very sinister. One might expect clouds of vapor to eminate from his vehicle as he steps out... :scared:

Funny, I didn't get that feeling at all from Commander Bunnypants today.

[Hardrada]

3. Maybe you saw a double?

Maybe they snuck the real creepy Shrub out in a laundry bag.

[Hardrada]

4. Also, hold up a crucifix the next time you see any of these

vampires and see what they do? I'll bet they don't have reflections in mirrors either.

[Debi]

5. Great job Maggie! n/t

[MaggieSwanson]

6. Thanks, Debi

I really intended to make the sign you suggested on a previous thread - the one about firing the leaker - but time got away from me and I had to make due. It would have been timely and perfect.

:hi:

[Debi]

9. Plenty of time - THAT isn't going away any time soon n/t

[rurallib]

7. Money not used for bail will go to Loebsack

Good job Maggie! Hope you scared hime away forever.

[MaggieSwanson]

8. Thanks, rurallib!

I knew you had my back...

:patriot: