So I attended a war protest on Saturday...

[meldroc]

In my town, there's a weekly war protest at a major intersection on Saturday at noon. Having become drunk on rageahol when the Republican Torture Bill was passed by the House and Senate, I decided that simply sitting on my butt, ranting on web forums and raging to myself was unacceptable - I needed to take action. I picked up some poster board and markers, drew up a sign saying "MUSGRAVE VOTED FOR TORTURE" (ok, now you know my locality...,) went out and joined them.

It was quite an experience. There were about 15-20 protesters there, and across the street, there was about the same number of people demonstrating for the other side, with flags and signs saying "SUPPORT THE TROOPS". I held out my sign at passing cars, smiled and waved, and chatted with fellow protesters. For the most part, reactions were positive - lots of honks & waves & shouts of support, but we did get a few hecklers. There was one pickup truck full of rednecks that drove past, rolled down the window, and started yelling "WHITE POWER!!!" Then, another pickup truck full of rednecks drove up, stopped right in front of an 80-year-old fellow protester, smoked its tires loudly, then the occupants started yelling abuse "Why don't you support the troops! Traitors!", etc.

Despite the hecklers, I still declare victory - most people are generally supportive, I saw more protesters, and more anger against *.

I also gave $100 to Angie Paccione - she needs all the help she can get to replace Musgrave.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Good for you!

We do this 3 times a week here. It makes you feel like you did something positive.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. SUPPORT THE TROOPS -- OUTLAW TORTURE

That sign should start a discussion going.

[KarenS]

3. It's kind of 'freeing' somehow, isn't it??

Standing on the side of the street with a sign :)

I was doing the same thing in Longmont on Saturday afternoon!!!

Musgrave has got to go!!

[lazyriver]

4. Good work

I went to my first peace rally/march this Saturday too. I'll be going to every one possible from this point forward. I can't sit back and do nothing anymore.

Meeting up with the loud and raucous group and shouting anti war & anti * sentiments for a good part of the day felt damned good. The speaker from Veterans for Peace was great as were the other speakers and organizers. Seeing 1500 or so of my fellow Mainers give up a sunny Saturday afternoon in October in order to participate helped to reaffirm my faith in humanity as well.

It's time for escalating this war on war.