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March 19th 2006: The US Occupation of Iraq Begins its 4th Year
From the open publishing newswire:
Just a few words to let you you that we here in Los Angeles want to send a shout out to all of you up there in Portland for your beautiful action, street theater and also to support those arrested in Monday's events. We here in L.A. can only marvel at what you accomplished and you should all be proud of you efforts which produced what we are being told is the largest march nation wide. "Mad Props" to ya! Having been part of a small affinity group here in L.A. in which 8 of us were arrested, it was a moving and deeply profound experiance which i am certain your arrestees also felt. We were held from approx. 2:00 until alsmost 9:00 that evening with one woman held until 10:p.m. related articles: [ War Protest Portland OR 03-19-06 | Sunshine at Last? | Citizens Demand Smith, Wyden, DeFazio Vote Against War Funding - 18 Arrested | Global Nonviolent Resistance Marks Third Anniversary ]
From the open publishing newswire:
The main idea behind this commentary is that with bold action comes bold results. Thus, if our war actions appeared more committed, elected officials would be forced to respond congruently. First, I want to recognize all the hard work that organizers, around the US had done on the protests last weekend. In particular, Portland was likely the largest action in the US and one of the largest in the World. That could not have happened without some awesome organizing. So, job well done. [ read more ] An Open Letter to the Anti-War MovementIt was heartening to see upwards of 20,000 students, union members, church people and others march through my city of Portland, Oregon this past Saturday. Anti-war activists did an amazing job organizing Portland's largest anti-war protest since the 2003 invasion. I am certainly not writing this letter to condemn large, permitted rallies. I believe that they could be an important part of a broader, campaign-based and tactically diverse anti-war movement. [ read more ] Your March Accomplished NOTHING! Now what?At this most recent march (and I know you were there), did you listen carefully to the calls to action: write or email your Congressman or your Congresswoman - who is an equal opportunity turncoat in her own, liberated right, vote, listen to Air Hysterical, join Code Pink or mArCh. There were no calls to shut this mutha fucka a.k.a. the country/guv'ment down, march on the Congress and take it over, don't let the bizness of INjustice proceed until WE the people are finally in charge. Even though the Declaration of Independence makes clear that a government injurious to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness MUST be overturned, you're suddenly dyslexic. [ read more ]
From the open publishing newswire:
On March 20th, a delegation of 19 Oregonians took the call for peace to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden's office where they engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience to urge the Senator to introduce legislation ending the occupation of Iraq. Members of the media were turned away when they attempted to enter the federal building where delegates were eventually arrested and charged with failure to comply with a federal officer. comment: I suggest we focus on funding for the war, and trying to get Congress to cut it off. Senator Wyden did vote against the original resolution authorizing the war. Since then he has voted FOR funding to continue the war. (As have Reps. DeFazio, Hooley and Walden.) We should try to pressure Wyden to vote against funding. This is the only real power Congress has to stop the war. Report from inside Wyden's officeA group of 19 committed peace activists came to the office of Ron Wyden to speak with him regarding his sponsoring of legislation to bring the troops home. The group was made up of a diverse collection of people, both politically and in age. They ranged from 20 to in their 60's. The group was almost evenly split between men and women (with a couple more women). While many in the group had differing political philosophies, we managed to stay unified in solidarity when it came to tactics. I.E. Peaceful, non-violent, and unified. related articles: [ brilliant activists taking it to congressional official's doorsteps | Report Back from Wyden Sit In | PLDN - protesters at federal bldg released | go to the federal bldg at 5:30 | PLDN - arrests at the federal building now | URGENT call Wyden now | Right now! about 15 folks occupying Sen. Wyden's downtown office ]
From the open publishing newswire:
I left the office today at 5:15. It was sunny, but cool. I walked up SW Third Avenue to the Edith Green-Wendall Wyatt Federal Building, where a mass act of civil disobedience was taking place. Early this morning, a group of about 20 peace activists entered Senator Ron Wyden's office in the building and refused to leave. They wanted to inform the senator that he needs to show more effective leadership. The action was supported by a small group of allies who maintained a vigil on the street corner outside beginning around 8:00 this morning. People had been phoning reports in to the Portland Legal Defense Network all day and the PLDN had published the reports on Portland Indymedia. I followed the story line through the day by clicking on the website every hour or so. I was eager to go down there all day. As a legal observer, I attempted to enter the Federal Building through the front door at 5:20pm. The doors were locked and three Federal Protective Service and Homeland Security officers stared lazily through the glass at me when I knocked on the window and signaled "WTF?" One of them gave me a rather ominous finger-across-the-throat sign to signal they were closed. Finally one of them sauntered over to the glass and mouthed to me that there was no freaking way I was getting in the building. [ read more ] related articles: [ PLDN - protesters at federal bldg released | go to the federal bldg at 5:30 | PLDN - arrests at the federal building now | URGENT call Wyden now | Right now! about 15 folks occupying Sen. Wyden's downtown office ]
From the open publishing newswire:
We then moved on to the building that houses the offices of Senator Wyden and Rep. DeFazio. We found their doors locked, even though there were staff inside each office. There were signs posted saying they were closed for the day, on the advice of some government agency. One of us talked to people in both offices on his cell phone, asking them to come out and talk to us. They refused. [ read more ] M20 Actions in Eugene
Their good (and reportedly longstanding) relationship with the Eugene police department worked out much to their benefit today; The doors were locked and everyone left inside the doorway was sited and released ( citing law: 41 CFR 102-74.390 by 10:30. [ read more ] [ The Rest of the Pictures from Eugene M20 | M18: Rally in Eugene ]
From the open publishing newswire:
Over 700 people gathered on Saturday here in Olympia to demand an end to the Iraq war. They lined 4th Avenue, from the bridge to Percial Landing, the major route through the city. People waved and honked their horns in support. Origami cranes with peace sayings adorned 4th avenue and the trees surrounding the fountain.
From the open publishing newswire:
After about an hour, the crowd had doubled. Someone came up and greeted everyone and there was some peace and love music. Because I was at the rally to support the end of the Iraq war and not peace I went to the back of the crowd and watched the anarchist cheerleaders (they were awesome!). A little while later I found the "bloc" and met some of the people from the Seattle Anti-imperialist group. The bloc had a banner that read "Fuck The Troops!" complete with a yellow ribbon crossed out, a circle A, and a circle E. Personally I thought this banner was great. It did not scape-goat our "leaders"; instead it called upon those holding the weapons to realize what they are doing is wrong. ] read more [ AUDIO FILE: Rally and March, March 19, 2006
This was an enormous event, both physically and emotionally. While standing at Broadway and Morrison, with the orange clad and black masked "detainees," the march stretched out away out of sight in both directions, north and south, while eastward I could see the vanguard of the March working its way north up 4th Avenue. Easily 30 blocks in length, probably more. We take so much for granted in this country. It's good to get out into the streets and demonstrate the fact that we appreciate our Civil Liberties, and when Bush comes to shove, we will stand up for them and resist their gradual disappearance. It's necessary to respond as a Community to any assaualt upon the sovereignty of the people, upon their institutions, upon their capacity to trust one another. ] read more [
From the open publishing newswire:
M19 Pics and Report I showed up a little bit late, around 2:00 or so. On the way into town on the MAX, I noticed something I never see on my way to protest: other protestors on the move! Comming in from suburbia, there were about 10 other people on the train on their way to the rally. All through town people were converging. When I finally arrived at the waterfront, I couldn't belive my eyes: there were thousands upon thousands of people; more than I had ever seen at a rally anywhere. My initial estimate was about 10,000-15,000 but people kept flooding the park while the speakers spoke so by the time we marched there must have been 20,000-40,000 people. [
Report from the M19 Rally and March As people spoke of the challenges we face, I felt that the speech was strong, eloquent even. Yet when it turned to what should be done about those challenges we face, it felt weak and stilted. I agree that everyone should vote, yet with the vote fraud that has happened the past two elections, there isn't even a guarantee that ones vote will be counted in the column that the person chose. No, voting is nowhere near enough. And what troubles me about suggesting people to vote, is that voting is far away in time. It is unsure, and far away. We need action that is sure and close. No specific action was called for other than vote, and give money. [ read more >> ] Spontaneous action in the burbs We knew that our friends and neighbors and fellow activists would be doing us proud in Portland today, so we decided to take our stand to a smaller town in the valley. We chose Canby and took our Peace flag and one that said "Imagine" and stood on the old log bridge overpass next to the Canby shopping center. Highway 99 runs just beneath it. At first it seemed pretty lonely up there. We stood and watched the cars roll by and then suddenly someone honked and flashed the peace sign. That gave us the needed spark to stand there longer. [
From the open publishing newswire:
The Oregonian sank to new depths this weekend marking the third anniversary of the U.S. War in Iraq. As hundreds of thousands marched around the world protesting peacefully against this war, The Oregonian led off its Opinion section with the huge type, "Crossroads or dead end?" Below were imbedded two, supposedly alternative views along the line of that heading, with a third innocuous title of an opinion piece on page B5, "Are we losing an unwinnable, unjustified war?"
Before we take another stop further, let us all be reminded that our "local" newspaper, The Oregonian, is part of a national media conglomerate called Primedia, which is owned by a the heirs of Si Newhouse, a long time Republican backer who's net worth is listed in Forbes at around $7 billion, but has been estimated to be closer to $14 billion.
From the open publishing newswire:
Vancouver's "Death of Democracy" funeral procession was over thirty cars long, following a truck-caisson carrying a flag-draped casket. Every vehicle had similar signs, each car with different messages on front & rear, but with identical messages on sides, headlites on, black streamers on aerials, hands extending from windows with peace signs. We covered about 25 miles at steady slow pace. Many passing cars signaled support with horns & peace signs. Altogether a positive two-hour visual peace presence thru'out the city, with no hassle from police or anyone. Afterward, a few of us walked to our usual intersection near the Library, & did a quick streetside visibility. Tomorrow, we'll join Portland's action & help their numbers grow. Protests are not sufficient in themselves, obviously, but are certainly part of the synergy of many kinds of actions that change things, eventually.
From the open publishing newswire:
Saturday March 18th saw the third anniversary of the US led invasion and occupation of Iraq. There were over 250 demonstrations around the world including protests in Iraq itself - in Basra and Baghdad. The UK demonstration was in London where a march was held from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square. The police estimate of 15,000 was widely quoted by the media including the early evening Channel 4 news and the BBC Radio 4 news. The march organisers feel this was the figure at the start of the march in Parliament Square but many more people joined afterwards giving a total of 80,000 to 100,000. [ read more ] [ Photos From Daechuri, South Korea March 19, 2006 | Video link for demos in Sweden ]
From the open publishing newswire:
Some early risers took to the Everett Street overpass this morning, hoisting anti-war, anti-imperialist banners high above the freeway. Great job! (And me without my camera.) As I was rushing on my way to another action this morning, I heard a car honk as I approached the crosswalk at the Everett St off ramp. I looked up to see a knot of colorfully dressed folks holding a sign admonishing people to stop war for profit. Looking across the road, I saw another crew, with a banner unfurled for the pleasure of the people on the freeway below. I recognized some of the good samaritans, others I do now know. I have to say, I love actions like this. Quietly organized without a big block of "sponsors," but tactically arranged to reach people with a message that ties this war with the root of all war. [ read more ] actions friday continuedThe detainee procession through downtown over the lunch hour was powerful. 4 orange jumpsuits, prisoners hooded, chains on ankles, and a woman shackled, wearing traditional Muslim clothing. The soldiers barked orders, forced the prisoners to kneel before the flag in Pioneer Sqaure, whil they were told about the great land of liberty. They were led to the justice center, where they were made to kneel again. Many folks out shopping, eating, jaws dropped as this image came into their view. Later in the day 2 masked figures held a huge banner out in the sqaure for a long time, banner read "Bush Blood Harvest, Record Profits." [ read more ]
From the open publishing newswire:
March 18th, Eugene, OR: A March and Rally was held in Eugene to bring attention to the issue of peace in Iraq and all over. Here's a few things that people reported and photos they took from the open publishing newswire. The rally was dry and the liberals wanted money, but a democrat called for class war and a young voice inspired me momentarily with a poem. Read More I tagged along with the group from Alton Baker Park, which numbered about 150-200. Once at the Federal Courthouse two other groups, one from UofO (# unknown) and the Fairgrounds (about 500) joined up. The Alton Baker group was met by Samba Ja, a Eugene-based bateria, beneath the Ferry Street Bridge, and the energy level went through the roof. Read More |
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We went first to the Federal Building, where Senator Smith has his office on the third floor. Neither he nor his staff were in residence, and we knew we would not be able to get to the third floor, so we had our sit-in in the downstairs lobby, and a bunch of us, including some spirited high school kids, were arrested.
The day started out with a small group of coordinated individuals standing around outside the Federal building. When all of their people finally arrived (many of them high school students) they proceeded into the doorway of the building where they had a town hall meeting stating that when protests (such as the permitted marches we've all seen these past few days) fail then the American people have no choice but to commit themselves to civil disobedience to make their voices heard.
March 19, 2006 was a beautiful sunny day. So sunny I decided to leave for the rally early. When I reached the waterfront a little after one o'clock, I was surprised to see a crowd already around one to two thousand people. I saw some familiar faces and made my rounds. Everyone I spoke to felt the rally was not going to get us out of Iraq any sooner, but everyone seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.
What was accomplished? Each of those who attended will have to answer that for themselves. A thousand reasons for resisting oppression, all arising from one love of freedom, one compassion for all Human Beings, one faith in the general resilience of the Human Spirit.
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Peace Rally & March Photos, 03/19/06 A great event! Thousands attended, rallied at Waterfront Park and marched to the tune of many different drums. The Portland Drum Corps, the March Forth Band, much music and spontaneous chants and an enormous outpouring of heart, soul, and physical reisistance to the growing evil being visited upon the people of this land and by the people of this land upon the peoples of the world. [ 
Waterfront Park Rally Here are a few shots from todays gathering. All the speakers and musicians were emotional, urgent and motivating. Because I was at the front of the stage, I had no idea what the estimated crowd was this afternoon. It would be interesting to read what the total turn out was today. Thank-you Oregon and SW Washington for exercising your right to assemble and redress our grievances. Throw the bums out this November. [ 
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