Chicago Still Says No to War
I’m so proud of Chicago. For once, I felt like I was really a part of something and a part of my city. After tireless efforts, the anti war groups around the city were able to get a permit (by calling it a parade: “The Festival of Rights” (vs. lights) and actually making a float) for us to protest by walking down Michigan Avenue (from Ogden School all the way down Michigan to Federal Plaza). I can’t tell you how significant this is and such a victory for freedom of speech. It was only a year ago when I was told that I could not walk down Michigan Avenue with a sign that said “End the Occupation” Just me….as one person… I was told by a policeman that he would have to arrest me. And last night around seven pm in the midst of gawking shoppers and tourists, we declared that we want change…we demand change. We were loud and boisterous and most of all visible. Don’t believe the police reports that say 7,000. There were many many more of us. I had the nicest of feelings even after I took a real hard fall on the pavement (I was trying to take pictures but didn’t see an extra ledge had been put on the sidewalk by the Chicago River so in trying to save my camera above all, I fell straight on my head. Good thing my bangs cover up the swelling!)
In a way, you just feel so light…so hopeful when you see so many people just filling the major downtown streets and then too many for Federal Plaza. I had been to protests all day Saturday but this was by far the largest.
Another great thing was that not only were there no arrests unlike at previous protests but the cops were actually amicable and some even gave us the peace sign with two fingers outstretched from their black gloved hands. In a way, it was like we were all in it together.
Click to see more pictures and make above pics larger
above: Cinchel is visible talking to one of the friends we met down there.
The above pic shows onlookers separated from the protest by rails. Many were cheering us on…cars were also honking (in a nice way) to let us know they supported us. There was also a space set aside between us and them where the police wre walking alongside us.
I love seeing families at these things…kids getting involved in what matters early on!
March 20th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Thats awesome! Its too bad that this protest wasn’t stressed as much as the noon in Federal Plaza one. Many of us were disappointed with that march. It went 2 miles away from downtown to Union Park. In my opinion there was not much organization or unity with the different groups on Sat. so I’m glad a lot of people showed up downtown. I’ll bet there would’ve been more if groups were clearer.
March 20th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
hey Christine…I would have really liked to have seen you Sat…it is very difficult meeting up with people at these things especially when there are more people. I actually had it wrong too-thinking noon would be the big one. Anyhow, I was sad when we were walking when I thought of how you were missing out on this great experience and I’ve really enjoyed talking to you at protests-both that DC inauguration protest then that one here. Ah well…we’ll have to get together soon. Come into the city and see a band with us!
xoxox Kirstie!
March 23rd, 2006 at 12:25 am
thank you for going to the protest, for your commentary and the photos (great). i hope your head feels better.
March 23rd, 2006 at 10:25 pm
thanks…I still feel a little bit of pain whenever I even touch it which makes me paranoid…I am prone to paranoia and wild ideas about death unfortunately.