A Rally in Charleston, SC [photo essay diary]
I woke up Saturday morning, turned on Rage and during Zack's chorus of
No More Lies
No More Lies
No More Lies!
it hit me...
And so I was off, I woke up late and the rally began at 2 pm, so only hours to spare. I tracked down some friends and found some
- markers
- weights (water botles)
- rope
- a large sheet
With the voice of Zack de la Roca echoing in my head and the inspirational site Freeyay Blogger in my mind I went out to make a statement.
The rally was held at Marion Square Park which used to be the front lawn a military college and at an eagles eye view looks similar to the rebel flag. This was not our territory. Across the street in a complex with a fancy roof-top restaurant… Target Identified. It was on the intersection of two of the heaviest traveled streets in Charleston. An area heavily populated and visited by tourists.
We just walked in, got a beer, paid the tab, dropped the banner and rushed to the rally across the street... It stayed up for well over an hour!
So we went to the rally, it wasn’t huge but far bigger than what I expected. As seen from a distance (notice the old citadel in the background)…
And closer up…
The atmosphere was friendly, there were art exhibits from local Elementary Schools on what peace means to them. One child drew a basketball court with a scoreboard reading Duke = 100, Illinois = 100…
There was a huge white sheet that people put their hand-print on (in red) and a message, it was covered with hand prints…
And even an K-9 activist was in attendance (shirt reads drop bush, not bombs)…
Unfortunately, since I was busy in the early afternoon, I missed the early speakers. When I got there Juscaus was reading a political poem. After that the names of the fallen soldiers of South Carolina were read aloud. Then Mrs. Harriet Johnson spoke about her 22 year old son who was KIA as a result of hostile fire on a helicopter that he was riding in. She described the condition that her son was returned to her in and her confrontation with Mr. bush over why her son had died.
Her speech was very moving…(notice the local media in the background)
Overall, the rally was a success there were no problems. Public traffic through the park was not disturbed, we even had some tourists join in.
Thanks for reading/looking and visit us for more pics and information on upcoming events.
There, I just did what most local media won’t…
peace
posted by hfiend at 9:25 AM
4 Comments:
I attended the rally on Saturday and enjoyed it. Thanks for putting this together.
21.3.05
I'm all for peace, honestly. Coming from a military family know full well how it feels to know that a loved ones profession may one day take their life. War is painful and unpredictable and something every human should try to avoid. However, I just can't find it in me to be against this war. I can see the skepticism, but I can't ignore the millions of Iraq's who are grateful for finally being freed from an oppressive regime. Beyond WMDs and oil, I can't accept the position of standing back and doing nothing. How does anyone truly in their heart, believe that the Iraq's should still be living under Saddam Hussein, especially those who believe so strongly in peace, human rights, and liberty. People say that a revolution will only be effective from within. How could the Iraqis significantly oppose their government when the slightest sign of dissent would get them tortured and killed? It seems that this radical opposition to the administration and the war has clouded any judgement on the decency and value of human life. No one can say that "Iraq doesn't want democracy." Democracy isn't just a form of government, its a whole set of ideals most conducive to a high quality of life. Just think about it. Its ok to be angry at death and not understand why young people have to die. Its important to have perspective though, think about what you have as a citizen of the US or some other democratic stable nation and then ask yourself if it should be refused to anyone.
21.3.05
Dear Anonymous,
Then why didn't your president use what you just said as a basis for war? How bout the millions or billions worldwide who sufer just much as or worse than the Shia' and Kurdish inhabitants ever did? The answer of the American Government is, it's for oil!
I personally was at this rally, I don't want the troops pulled out, it's too late for that, and that would make a much greater problem. You break it, you buy it. But, I oppose any permanent bases in Afghanistan or Iraq. That is a plan for perpetual war, that is what the Neo-Con mentality embraces in the Project for a New American Century, THAT is what I'm against.
People say that a revolution will only be effective from within.
Name one Middle-Eastern country where a revolution was induced from abroad with a positive outcome?
When Powell spoke in front of the UN General Assembly, the only case he made, in hindsight, is that the methods of containing and controlling Saddam were working. THIS whole thing could have been setteled without military intervention, And you know it...
21.3.05
Thx Mellisa,
Although I had little to do with putting it together...
It was for a good cause and truth is on our side...
21.3.05
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