This is the true face of hatred and intolerance — Pics from Oct. 25 rally

[prolesunited]

I must admit that a was a little disappointed and upset to see all of the threads denouncing the protest in D.C. and maligning those who took part. All of us who participated were "not brainwashed dupes of the ANSWER cult." In fact, I thought we were part of the DU community and I'm sorry so many felt it was necessary to marginalize us as well. We took time off work, spent money, gave up a weekend, some traveled hours and hours by bus.

We get back and are "welcomed" by all of these posts attacking the activities in which we were involved. Talk about disheartening! We're here among you. Do you really think we don't know who ANSWER is? Although United for Peace and Justice were co-sponsors, I didn't see them mentioned much. Perhaps we were there based on an affiliation with them. Were there problems with some of the program topics? Sure. And were there some weirdoes there? Of course. I'm sorry so many of you felt that it totally negated the actions and beliefs of your fellow DUers and thousands of other protesters.

We stood up to be counted and instead were discounted in our own community.

So, I thought I would post some pictures of people who I encountered at the rally. For every one of them, there were thousands of us. Would it be better for us to stay home and next time and let this sort of hatred and intolerance to stand unchallenged? WE are not the enemy here.

This nice "Christian" group was standing on the corner opposite of the DU gathering point.









What do you think of THEIR message? Aren't you glad that this group of "fringe leftists" was there to shout them down?



This sign is hard to read but it says "Liquidate Palestine." No matter how you feel about the I/P issue, is that a solution that you want to go unchallenged?



Or, how about the Freeper greeting committee that was waiting for us on the hill when we rounded the corner. Funny, they called us commies, too! Or perhaps we're simply "Suburban Stalinists" as one sign pointed out.







Judging by the comments posted here, it certainly felt like the Freepers weren't the only ones lying in wait for us. Do you realize how that made us feel?

You can view larger, sharper photos by clicking on the slide show feature here:
http://homepage.mac.com/prolesunited/PhotoAlbum45.html

[Bozola]

1. What a freakshow.

Thanks for marching in DC.

[Woodstock]

55. a bunch of sad, hateful little people

You shone some light onto their darkness - thanks!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. Thank you for marching!

Those freepers are so pathetic. Thanks for doing your patriotic duty and shouting them down!

:hi:

[Resistance]

3. Let's be honest

The "Liquidate Palestine" guys might as well be Democrats in office. We're pretty much supporting Israel's ethnic cleansing and terror against Palestinians.

And before I hear some neo-con whine and squeal their lies about Israel "defending against terror" why doesn't someone answer me this question instead: What is the difference between Republicans and Democrats in their stance towards Israel?

[maggrwaggr]

50. I'm with you on that. Israel learned how to ghettoize from the Nazis

apparently.

Two wrongs make a right? I don't think so.

[KG]

4. when a 'mainstream' organization sponsors a peace rally...(snicker)

i'll be happy march then, too. :)

[qanda]

34. Should I leave my lipstick at home next time?

Sorry, inside joke. It was nice meeting you KG-- I hope I have the right person.

[KG]

35. heh!

yeah, that was me! :)

bring the lips stick, and the blush, too! i think unwitting commie dupes should always try to look their best! :hi:


btw - your 'fellow traveler' disguised as a 6 y.o. child was ingenious! :)

[qanda]

47. Well, you know we have to start them young

And they're the best at spreading the hateful message that we're trying to get across.

[screembloodymurder]

64. LOL

Nice meeting you KG.

[KG]

73. was great meeting all those evilDUers and fellow travelers.

[JanMichael]

5. I know those guys. I've even got a photo with me "talking" to them.

The same mother &^%*^&s that were at the "Godless March" November 2002 in DC.

[Fridays Child]

6. Yo ho! Brian Becker got their face. Btw, someone should tell them about...

...how Jesus loves everybody. I am certain that many among them will be secretly relieved.

[frank frankly]

7. thanks, prolesunited

sorry I could not attend, and thank you for your wonderful efforts and success!!!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

8. Notice, if you will...

the pudge jackjobs in the last picture, with the "Liquidate Palestine" flag. Notice the fine figure they cut in their camo gear and berets. Notice how effectively the boots lace up on that one's meaty, meaty calves. Notice he has a flash on his surplus-store beret. I certainly hope that flash is not from a service unit, such as a Special Forces unit. They are still looking for a few wannabees who were discovered, by present and former unit members, who were discovered wearing a flash for which they were not entitled.

He strikes me as the sort of person who puts in many hours a week, perfecting his self-fellatio technique.

[OldSoldier]

71. It looks like the "Generic Army" flash

All soldiers wear the black beret now, except for Airborne (maroon), Ranger (Darby tan) and Special Forces (green). On the black beret is the "Generic Army" flash, which is blue with white piping.

My favorite guy was the one standing in front of the big freeper banner with the "Lose Weight Now--Ask Me How" sign.

[IndianaGreen]

9. "Support President Bush...Trust Jesus"

All in one sentence, Bush and Jesus. What a bunch of psychopaths!

[prolesunited]

14. I think that is the one

that disturbed me the most. The weaponry was certainly a nice touch as well. :puke:

[KG]

17. i found them to be amusing.

my response was to mock them and laugh at them.

the lesbian kiss right in front of them was a great response also! :)

[JohnKleeb]

20. I missed the kiss lol

Why am I always the last to hear about things.

[Woodstock]

53. that about sums up the total lack of understanding they have of Jesus

Jesus = tanks, guns, bombs

Jesus wept.

[Uzybone]

54. Me as well

not the words so much as the weapons. WTF? Jesus is now represented by tanks and missiles???

[screembloodymurder]

66. The new neo-Christian mantra

Weapons for Jesus

[dweller]

10. thanks for the pix, and for your efforts

i'm saving the 3rd, support/trust photo.
pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

sooo fukt up.

dp

[jonnyblitz]

11. aaah , pics of my buddies.

they sure liked my sign.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

13. You Trouble-Maker! I Wish I Was There!

:hi:

[JohnKleeb]

15. It was so great

and I was with him a good deal of that time.

[jonnyblitz]

24. well, we co-yelled at the old freeper at the Ashcroft thing

at Fanuil Hall in Boston. You remember him, dressed in red, white and blue with the Bush 2004 sign. He told us we need to join the military and go to Iraq etc. :HI:

[JohnKleeb]

25. it was fun you know

:D I was a tag along, thanks for not losing me to the crowd, I had a great time with you two.

[greatauntoftriplets]

12. Applause to you.

Thank you for being part of the march.

[stevedeshazer]

16. I am totally on your side

As someone who has marched against Bush and his wars at least two dozen times in the last eighteen months, I have little tolerance toward those who would denigrate your efforts.

Come on, folks, here are some people who put their real asses on the line. All of you sitting comfortably at home who want to carp because it didn't meet your expectations, may I suggest you all do the same next time and find out what it is all about.

If you are waiting for favorable conditions for you to march, you are too late.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Thanks to everyone who participated. You are the real patriots.

[CBHagman]

108. Besides, there were members of the clergy and military families...

...participating in the antiwar march. The Freepers were verbally abusing Franciscan friars and this generation's gold star moms.

[diamond14]

18. (pic) these THUGS were very vicious...they starting hitting old

women at the end of the March...I walked near the end, with the 'slow' people, the Veterans in wheelchairs, the old women, the people pushing babycarts...and these reTHUGlicans were waiting near the end of the March, for the weakest amongst us..to attack...they screamed vicious hate through their bullhorn, they screamed obscenities in front of children and they started hitting old women with their signs...big BULLIES, with 'little' minds...it was a brief altercation, as some BIG young Veterans came over to confront them...and then the police rapidly took the reTHUGlicans away...

that's the THUGS...first pic on the first post...

[KG]

28. was that why the additonal police presence moved in?

prolesunited and i were about to leave, when a bunch of cops moved in. of course we just had to go back and take a look....

[diamond14]

48. yes, the actual altercation was brief...other stronger Marchers

came quickly to protect those who were weaker, and OUR big guys stood right in front of those nasty thugs to stop them from hitting old women with their signs....and then a "bunch of cops moved in"...and took the thugs away...sort of moved them away from our 'slow' end-of-the-March group...but I was wishing the cops would have arrested them, which they didn't appear to do...the cops stood there though, which shut the freepers down, with their bullhorn...

women were screaming, babies were crying, moms and dads grabbed their children and took them off the street and onto the sidewalk to protect them, a Veteran in a wheelchair hurried away as fast as he could after the long march....reTHUGlicans...they follow the teachings of pat "nuke the U.S. State Department' robinson and jerry 'kill all the muslims' falwell...

[PaDUer]

52. If they were hitting old women

with their signs, WHY weren't they arrested? I'm certain someone had a camcorder and should have gotten a video of that..that'd be the day some friggin freeper would hit anyone and get away with it..Why let these scumbags get away with this BS!! They need to be put in their places once and for all..and until someone does something about it legally, they'll continue..Make them pay the price so they LEARN they can't assault people..let it hit the papers!

[diamond14]

59. that will happen at the same time that bush* arrests pat "nuke the

U.S. State Department" robertson....since bush* has done NOTHING about his friend, pat robinson, encouraging people to BOMB a Federal Building in Washington DC, why should we even think that DC police would even care if these same freeper-types hit old women with their signs...

just imagine for one moment, what would have happened if an Arab American on a widely broadcast National Television show had encouraged the audience to 'nuke the U.S. State Department'???

OUR country is in great danger now...

[screembloodymurder]

67. Thank the Lord

Didn't hear about that, but I heard the sirens.

[submerged99]

19. seen some freepers as well

There were about 6 of them at the antiwar rally here and they were holding 2 u.s flags and 2 Israel flags. Whenever people with Palestinian flags or peace flags would stand beside them, they would move. There also was a group of about 10 people standing by them, heckling them, but they would just move to a different spot and wouldn't engage anyone in a debate. They would just whisper in each others ears and laugh.

[TimeLord]

21. Those pictures are appalling...

What kind of message in God's name?

Utterly ridiculous...:eyes:

[latebloomer]

22. Thank you for being there

And I don't give a rat's ass who sponsored it-- the tent is big enough for everybody!

[oldleftguy]

23. Love the "Lose Weight Now"---

---"Ask me how" guy. :bounce:

[OldSoldier]

72. He was the only happy one in the bunch

Y'know, as much as RimJob likes to say freepers have a good time doing what they do, they never look happy. Maybe they know they're full of shit.

[ConsAreLiars]

26. I was astonished by the concerted effort at DU to smear the protests

If this anti-ANSWER campaign was not consciously motivated by an intent to "divide and conquer," then it certainly served those who have that goal. If not deliberately divisive, it reflected an extraordinary level of naivite about how things work and was an example of the sort of purist extremism that rejects all forms of alliance as unacceptable compromises with "the evil ones."

:wtf: :puke:

And :toast: to all who carried signs and spoke and shouted and sang for me.

[sistersofmercy]

27. Hey Prolesunited thanks for keeping up the good fight! I wanted to be

there but couldn't. I was actually touched by what I saw on c-span brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for being there and I hope to meet you at the next march.

[htuttle]

29. The anti-ANSWER brigade comes out around each rally

It's getting old.

On an Indymedia thread where I'd posted a movie of the solidarity rally we held in Madison Oct 25, some idiot freeper started going on with the 'ANSWER are communists' spiel with the links and such.

I answered him with this. I'd like this to also go out to all the rest of the ANSWER-bashing folks here at DU. BTW, let's say the fool's name was 'Rich'. Because it was.

Rich,

YAWN!

You know, I hear they're putting floride in the water, too.

Sure, who doesn't know who ANSWER is. My point is: who cares?

Worried about the Red Menace? I hear that dirty towels in your restroom will breed Bolsheviks! Watch out!

How do you feel about Iraq, Rich? How do you feel about being lied to by the President so his cronies could get wealthy? How do you feel about American soliders and Iraqi civilians dying over there each day, because our entire Executive branch is so greedy, so incompetent, and so ignorant, that they jumped headlong into a quagmire that will hold this nation for at least decade (and if it spreads, far longer).

Bush has given up our futures, Rich. He's traded them for a bag of magic beans that was supposed to make him and his cronies wealthier, but will instead reduce this nation to a 'has been', a 'used to be'.

Got kids? I do. Two sons -- draft age, too.

So I ask you, Rich, WHO THE FUCK CARES ABOUT A.N.S.W.E.R.?

pps. Here's the video I took at the Madison rally Saturday. It's kind of large: 27MB, 5:58 long.
http://madison.indymedia.org/usermedia/video/12/14648_1.mov

[stevedeshazer]

43. I hear ya

To paraphrase Richard M. Nixon, I don't think the American people give much of a shit about ANSWER. I would also ask, how many Americans know about the Heritage Foundation?

My daughter's 23, son is 16. :grr:

[not systems]

30. The reactions here this weekend suggests ...

the hate mongers pictured have more than a few
friends who didn't make it to the rally.

They were to busy posting on DU.

Good pics.

I had a great time in the SF march it was a GOOD
time and was full of people who care about the
real values of america.

[LoZoccolo]

31. I think I may have an ID on the people with the nicely printed signs.

The guy with the bullhorn looks familiar, I think it may be Darwin Fish (yes, that's his real name that he was born with) with his followers in tow. These guys belong to a really divisive and fanatical cult that I've read about before. He was kicked out of the evangelical church he used to attend after a long period of trouble or something a long time ago and used to picket in front of it:

http://www.gty.org/~phil/articles/darwin.htm

Part of what makes me think that this is the guy is these t-shirts:

http://www.gty.org/~phil/articles/shirt.htm

[htuttle]

32. His name is 'Darwin Fish'? And he's a Christian fundamentalist?

Did reality morph into a Vonnegut novel awhile back?

It would explain a lot.

[Cat Atomic]

33. There's alot of fear in that crowd.

These are people who've been ignorant and scared all their lives- and their leaders want to keep them that way. They're despicable and dangerous, but they're also sort of tragic.

[Misinformed01]

36. You should be aware of a bartender "rule"

One in ten people you encounter is going to be a complete asshole.

Over 30,000 registered members....do the math.

Pay no attention to the people on DU giving the marchers grief...don't click on the threads, and don't bother reading their remarks.

I probably just broke some sort of posting rule here- sorry mods.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

37. Thanks, Proles

I've been to many of the same demonstrations that Stevie D attended, and I have to say they were some of the most wonderful events I have ever attended.

There's just something heartening about seeing tens of thousands of people who aren't buying the line pushed by the mass media.

[LWolf]

38. Somehow I missed those threads.

No loss.

I am proud of every person who marched to voice opposition to Bush on Saturday.

And I was hoping you'd have a new video for us!

:hug:

[prolesunited]

39. Actually, I could do that!

I'm having some health problems right now and the doctor doesn't want me to go back to work for a few days. I also upgraded the size of my server space so I have room, too.

Anybody have any suggestions for what music I should use?

[MountainLaurel]

40. Onward Christian Soldiers?

To match these images at least. Other suggestions:

When the Saints Go Marching In
Jesus Loves the Little Children
What the World Needs Now, Is Love, Sweet Love
Signs

[ConsAreLiars]

57. The Cannons of Christianity, by Phil Ochs

http://www.cs.pdx.edu/~trent/ochs/lyrics/cannons.html

Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the cannons of Christianity

Oh the children will be sent to schools
Minds of clay are molded to their rules
Learn to fear all of eternity
Warn the cannons of Christianity

Holy hands will count the money raised
Like a king the Lord is richly praised
On a cross of diamond majesty
Say the cannons of Christianity

Missionaries will travel on crusades
The word is given, the heathen souls are saved
Conversions to our morality
Sigh the cannons of Christianity

Come the wars and turn the rules around
To bend your soul on the battle ground
And the Lord will march beside me
Drone the cannons of Christianity

Cathedral walls will glitter with their gold
And the sermons speak through silver robes
Building castles amidst the poverty
Say the cannons of Christianity

Worship now and wash your sins away
Drop the coins, fall to your knees and pray
Cleanse the world of all hypocrisy
Smile the cannons of Christianity

Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the cannons of Christianity

[LWolf]

74. Here's a few:

Well, it's early and I'm not fully awake, but these come to mind:


We Know War by John McCutcheon

http://www.folkmusic.com/f_mp3.htm

Shadow Government by Hugh Blumenfeld:

http://artists.mp3s.com/artist_song/2448/2448205.html

Dylan: the times they are a changin'; masters of war

People got to be free (I can't remember who sings this one)

Paula Cole: You're my hero, Mr. President.

To Washington: John Mellencamp

This land is your land...

Get better, prolesunited.

[Oilwellian]

41. Thanks for this post

It was very necessary to show our focus and concern should be on who's in power now and it sure isn't any commie. This fear of "pinko commies" taking over the country is pure subterfuge. Geesh, wake up and smell the coffee folks. We have FASCISM taking control of this country and THAT is what we should be paying attention to.

Another fallacy expressed by those who didn't like the rally is, ANSWER was the soul sponsor of this event, hence it ties us to the communist party. What of the other 600 organizations who endorsed this event? Are the veterans groups who attended the rally now linked to communism? Are the families of loved ones in Iraq who attended the rally now linked to communism? I've never seen Democrats lump everyone into one group until I read some of the posts on this rally. Judging someone by the way they look? That's what freepers do, not liberals. I'm still scratching my head over that one.

To all who've posted on this thread and I had the pleasure of meeting, thanks for adding to this fantastic experience. :hi:

[FDRrocks]

42. Theme:

God hates people they hate.

Why? God elected thier president?

Huh? He does God's work!

WTF? God was an American, and we can do no wrong.

Oh, so your stupid and easily manipulated? *punch*

Sometimes (disclaimer for religious sensitive)... I FUCKING HATE LARGE RELIGIONS.

[Tinoire]

44. Prolesunited and everyone else in this thread (so far)

:loveya: :bounce: :loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya: :bounce::loveya:

What a welcome relief to be at the old DU again! What a welcome relief after those other vile smear threads! Thanks for this beautiful, 100% uninfested thread!

You guys all ROCK!

[symbolman]

60. Wish I'd been there to throw

money at the bastards.. I could have papercutted them into the nearest unguarded porta pottie..

Idiots.

Hey, Tinoire, it was good to meet you, sorry I was both deaf and blind at the time in San Fran!

Did you get our phone number from my wife?

The car overheated and we had to leave the protest right before we got to the park, lost contact with everyone and then was so wiped we went and had about 5 screwdrivers and died until morning..

still nice meeting you all!

[Tinoire]

62. Lol! It was great meeting you!

I LOVED the show! And yes I did get your phone number...

Screwdrivers eh? I was did a couple Mai-Tais, a Rhum Punch and ended with a (get this) Liquid Nipple at 2AM.

Didn't get home til 3:00 AM but had a blast. Next time, we'll have to be better organized because no one in our after hours group had or brought a cell phone! First time ever for that!

Peace and I hope to see you soon! Maybe at the march in February?

If you want to do it sooner, let me know, we'll organize something... This party gang is always up for a re-union and I think I'll be having another DU party soon.

Peace :)

[ComerPerro]

45. When will they get tired of this whole "communists" BS?

I mean, come on! The cold war is over, and has been for a while now.

[Oilwellian]

56. Yeah!

I thought Reagan destroyed communism! :D

[Tinoire]

58. Well... Seems the Reagan Democrats just woke up

They haven't quite caught up or caught on yet. Once they do, they'll start using Al-Queda as the scare tactic- some have already started with the hysterics about ANSWER supporting suicide bombers.

[eridani]

61. But there is still a communist threat--

--that you might get crushed under a statue of Lenin being toppled by a crowd of Latvians wearing Guess jeans!

[Kamika]

68. Most of them doesnt even know what communism is

Its pretty funny really. They will put anything as communism, higher tax, social insurance, you name it.. It's communism

[screembloodymurder]

70. Communism is the place

where American corporations send our jobs.

While our boys fight a war for oiligopoly, they ship their jobs to China. Where is the outrage?

[Scott Lee]

46. You hang in there, Proles - and don't let the dipshits get you down

Unfortunately, you are correct in noting that many here at DU (amazing as it seems) took to attacking ANSWER and undermining your successfull march. But understand a helluvah lot of us were supporting you as well. I am among the latter group, and proud to do so.

Thank you for taking time and effort out of your life to be there, and I wish I could have been with you.

Cheers, and here's to better days.

[PaDUer]

49. They're a bunch

of sick dudes..they probably haven't been inside a church in ages! Disgraceful!! We should send these pix to bushie..BABS...she's the creature that would enjoy them..maybe she'd call another prayer meeting just for them!

[Isome]

51. I felt awful... and I didn't even go!

I did go to the one in Feb. though, and reading the hate and fallacious thinking was like a kick in the gut.

Many thanks to all those who did attend...

who got up off their butts and stood up to be counted...

who understand the diversity within the large opposition to *'s war and domestic policies...

who walked side-by-side and step-by-step with people from all walks of life, regardless of how they were dressed (*inward groan*), or whether they carried puppets (*eyes rolling*), and despite their possible belief in a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal (*shaking head in sad resignation*).

All the best to one & all for a successful showing of the strength of the masses. People Power!!

[screembloodymurder]

63. Don't let a few critics

keep you from doing the right thing. When Patriot Act II is passed, they'll still be sitting on their thumbs waiting for the right sponsor. I didn't go to DC to protest for ANSWER. I went to protest against Bush.

[Kamika]

65. Don't let the guys complaining about Answer get you down

It's not like they go out and organizes anything themselves.

I am probably pretty conservative compared to alot of ppl here and I thikn you guys did something great. I wish it had been closer and I didn't have work and I might have joined up for the first time ever myself.


And as a christian myself I'd like to kick the guys with the "God hates you" sign balls.



And to all you guys complaining about ANSWER.. fix a protest march yourself or stfu

[diamond14]

99. we are the 'simmering MAJORITY', come to OUR Nation's Capital

to take OUR government back....the Veterans, the seniors, the Black students, the priests and nuns, the rabbis, the doctors and nurses, the firefighters, the unions, the government workers, the school teachers, the librarians...WE THE PEOPLE came from all over AMERICA...American Patriots, the simmering MAJORITY, came now to OUR Nation's Capital to take OUR government back....and now, it has not ended...we can and we will finish the job.....


BOOT BUSH in 2004
http://www.democrats.org

Re-Defeat bush*
(The Aggressive Progressives)
http://www.democrats.com

[Hubert Flottz]

69. Thanks Prole!

You did good dude!

[prolesunited]

75. FYI, I'm a woman

But I certainly appreciate the change in tone on this thread. I wasn't really fishing for praise for our DU group and the others with us, just to end the vilification. However, I do feel better after reading this thread. Thanks!

I think screembloodymurder put it best:
"I didn't go to DC to protest for ANSWER. I went to protest against Bush."

[soup]

79. We (as in me, at least) Needed this thread.

Thank you!

I watched the anti-rally threads pop and roll and gather steam here with great dismay. I hoped they would drop and disappear, but one seemed to beget another, and the post counts just kept rising and rising.

Knowing our own marchers were going to return with pics and reports from the front and be blasted by the (excuse me a moment) Absolute Crap I was reading saddened and embarrassed me.

It reminded me of the reason the new GD rules were put in place. People just chewing each other up day after day- and to what end?

This particular thread reinforces why we are all here, and why our own group of participants deserve much better than they have received.

That said-

Thanks to all of you who marched.

Welcome back.

May this thread reach 1,000 responses.

and while I'm at it
:loveya: :bounce: :thumbsup: :kick: :yourock:

[ScreamingMeemie]

76. Oh ugh. What a pitiful little group.

Glad you were there though!

[Lars39]

77. I apologize for any offense given.

I was totally ignorant of ANSWER; still not sure I have a grasp of what they are. I briefly participated in one of the threads, because I encouraged my father(WWII veteran BTW) to watch the protests. He watches c-span, reads all the newspaper articles he can. He's not internet savvy, although he does have a computer. He tuned in at a time when things didn't come across well on tv.

One thing I've learned from this: the people actually at the protest experienced the protest in all it's glory; the folks watching c-span experienced a totally different event. When we told what our perceptions were, we were labelled. I won't name the poster, but he/she offered more anger and sowed more divisiveness towards those who weren't true "Patriots", then most in the anti-ANSWER threads showed towards the protestors. Fundamentalists occur in politics, too, it seems.
Genuine confusion and curiosity towards the organization ANSWER was
legitimate on my part. Yes, I'm grateful for all the people that sacrificed to go there, and perhaps I haven't voiced that very well. There is great sensitivity on both sides, though. Not being able to go, and being somehow labelled as not as patriotic, or being asked in a thread what excuse you had for not going, doesn't engender a spirit of unity either.

[Tinoire]

78. No need for you apologize

We just need to remain vigilant against those trying to cause the division. Hope you can make it to one of the protests soon and see for yourself :)

I'm actually glad this was aired out and that certain people with an obvious agenda have been exposed.

Peace

[JanMichael]

80. I hope you aren't refering to my thread.

I was simply asking why people didn't make it because I wanted to know what the problems were getting there. Time? Distance? Money? Irrational hatred of one group projected onto the entire anti-War movement?

I wasn't there due to personal, and time, problems but wished that I could have made it.

Hardly divisive in my opinion. I suppose the over-sensitivity of some might have made it seem that way though.

[Lars39]

82. *cringes* Yes. I understood your explanation, though.

Sorry. Didn't mean to call you out. I think it irked some because it sounded a little like, "why weren't you at church on Sunday?" leaving the reciever to justify their absence. :)

[JanMichael]

84. No problem. I probably could have phrased it better.

And, fact is, I can be just a tad overbearing at times...Especially after a few dozen beers:beer:

[prolesunited]

85. Who, you?!?

Who woulda thunk! ;-)

[ArkDem]

81. more pics.......

http://dc.indymedia.org/media/all/display/16127/index.php?limit_start=60

[prolesunited]

83. You know, I WAS there

and that was HARDLY representative of what was taking place that day. I do NOT agree with the sentiments on that first sign and I'm sure the members of such groups as the Veterans for Peace and those with sons and daughters, spouses, fathers and mothers in the military who participated certainly do not advocate this position either.

You have two pics of the Black Bloc, which are known for their anarchist views. There were about 50 to 75 of them at most. Out of a crowd of 75,000, are you really trying to say this is what the message of the day. Back in our hotel room, we did discuss the flag burning, and guess what, your fellow DUers were NOT in favor of it. However, I maintain that it is still their right to do so.

So, you pick out probably the more egregious photos of the day and post them as representative of the rally and march. We can't control the actions of others and we certainly didn't participate in these activities.

You post these pictures with no commentary. I would like to hear your opinions. Do you believe this was representative? How can you control such things? Do you think it would have been better if we all had just stayed home?

[ArkDem]

89. I posted as more pics, no editorializing.

I'll leave that to you.

[prolesunited]

97. Well, isn't that a chickenshit answer?

I've stated my beliefs and positions. Why don't you state yours? You're not carrying on a dialog here. You're just throwing bombs and then cutting and running. Why don't you tell me to my face what you think of me and what I did on Saturday?

[ArkDem]

112. I don't know what you did. Can't see your face either.

Check reply #91 for my beliefs. I'm beginning to think some of the protesters enjoy shocking and atagonizing people you disagree with what they stand for. It turns most of the voters off. Especially the swing voters like reagan democrats that we need to win.

[prolesunited]

114. So your reply is that

I support Chairman Mao? :shrug:

You look at my thread starter. Please point out to me where I was "shocking and antagonizing" people. Frankly, I thought I was rather calm and rational.

In fact, I see it QUITE differently. I start a thread in defense of DUers who protested in DC. I use photos to illustrate that we have a common enemy and it's not each other.

YOU come on the thread and post photos that totally distort the overall tone and message of the protest. Tell me just who is antagonizing who here?!?!?

And you don't think that YOU are turning off progressive voters who we need to win as well?!?!

[Terwilliger]

86. good pics

anything wrong with them?

[jonnyblitz]

88. It is more a commentary on who posted them

then it is on the protest.

[jonnyblitz]

87. good try Ark Dem.

i see what you are trying to do. your inclusion of that last picture suggests you dont support the first amendment since you were choosing these pics to put the protest in a bad light. How telling .

[ArkDem]

90. A picture is worth a thousand words

they say.

[KG]

100. so, some anarchists burned a flag - ho-hum

:boring:

[diamond14]

105. yes, (pic) in the Philippines, more than 100 American flags were

burned, to send some words to bush* as he delivered more weapons....

this photo shows how much bush* has destroyed the World's good will toward America....bush* represents values that are NOT American values...BOOT BUSH in 2004.....


thanks to www.bartcop.com

[ArkDem]

110. Do you feel enlisted men should be encouraged

to kill their officers?

[diamond14]

111. IMO, the soldiers that carry that banner are sending a message

and YOU are not listening to what they are saying...

those soldiers survived Vietnam....and IRAQnam is a very similar war...everything that happened in Vietnam is now happening in Iraq...all the same mistakes by high level officials (bush*), all the same attacks, all the same military mistakes, even the recent coordinated 'tet-offensive' attacks just the day after the DC Protests...

I believe that it is important for all Americans to listen to these brave soldiers' experiences and understand that this is already happening again, and that only WE THE PEOPLE have the power to stop it.... there's has already been fraggings in Iraq, and a number of unexplained 'non-combat' deaths...

it takes a brave soldier to tell America the truth...and the truth is what is written on that banner...soldiers killed their officers in Vietnam...soldiers have killed their officers in Iraq too...Iraq is Vietnam in a microwave, and it will get worse...do you want to let that continue, or should we demand that our soldiers be brought home, NOW !!

and consider this...that banner is not being shown to the enlisted men in Iraq...the reality of enlisted men in Iraq (and my nephew is one) is that they have no TV, cable, radio, email, internet...they barely have enough water, food...they lack even essentials like toilet paper, bathing water, soap...that banner is not for those soldiers who are begging their families to send them dog flea collars to put on their ankles because sand fleas are biting them so bad....no, those banners are for YOU and for all America...so everyone will know what is happening and will continue to happen....it's history repeating itself...some solders will and already have fragged their officers in Iraq, but if we BRING OUR SOLIERS HOME NOW ! the fragging and unexplained 'non-combat' deaths will be stopped....

IMO, it is more a reflection on bush* treatment of our soldiers and Veterans that this sign is being displayed...it saddens me that our soldiers feel that they have to send the message on a banner, because bush* is not listening to the lessons from these Veterans, from previous wars...if bush* would listen to America's brave fighting men and women...there would be no need to send a message in a public forum like the DC anti-war protests...the message could be given and acted on if bush* had any respect for OUR Veterans, bush* would invite them to the White House and ask for their advice...

afterall, these brave fighting men were indeed standing right near the White House...why couldn't bush* invite them inside, and ask for their advice??? wouldn't that be the right thing to do??

[Scott Lee]

92. A closer look at those pics....

Let's see what we have here, shall we?

Top picture. Oh my! A banner with a paragraph on it. Delete ten points for brevity infraction. But how about what's written on it?

Well jumpin Jesus on a pogo stick. Everything written on it happens to be TRUE. Do you have a problem with truth, Arkdem?

Let's scroll down. "Government is Violence". I think current events support the truth of that banner, hands down.

And lastly we have the buggaboo of any protest moevement, the anarchists who burn a flag. My lord, how did they get in there? Oh that's right. These marches draw a cross section of political beliefs, don't they. Damn those rainbow coalitions. Why can't we just be neo-Stalinists all reading from the same script - like the republicans?

You did quite a job there, Arkdem....shooting your own foot off. Does it hurt?

[KG]

95. protest marches offend conservatives - even the ones on DU,

so, what else is new? :boring:

[Tinoire]

104. ArkDem is oblivious to embarrassment

but I'm still glad he shared those glorious pictures.

Too bad he can't process the message in them.

[jonnyblitz]

109. oblivious to more than embarrassment

i particularly liked the second picture .....although the third pic always gets the freepers underwear in a knot which is a good thing.

[ArkDem]

113. I do apologize for my lowly

intellect, comrades. I shall trouble you no more.

[diamond14]

94. top photo: banner being carried by OUR Veterans....are you

happy to see the AWOL-deserter shrub destroy our military ?....shrub's policies are causing this....OUR own Veterans....and they know...this Iraq war is modeled on Vietnam, and these BRAVE American Soldiers know what comes next...bush* has destroyed OUR troops moral, no food, water, bullet-proof vests...while cheney's Haliburton gets BILLIONS...yes, these VETERANS know...they've been there before...they lost legs, arms, eyes, ears for a similar war in a distant country...

bush* is turning our young teenagers away from America, bush* has stepped on OUR values, and demolished the pride that OUR young citizens and old Veterans once held dear...



just wait until OUR soldiers come home from this Iraqmire, and start going 'postal'....bush* has cut $90 Billion from Veterans hospitals, so we will take the full brunt of the returning Veterans...


BTW, the pResident's daughter was there with us...and what does that tell you???

[ArkDem]

96. I believe John Lennon put it this way.........

You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
all right, all right
all right, all right, all right
all right, all right, all right

[Oilwellian]

101. Really? Bush's daughter was at the protest?

Do tell us more!

In response to ArkDem's post.......I personally witnessed the flag burning and although it's not something I'd do myself, I respected their right to burn it as a form of free speech. Isn't that one of the very things we're fighting to protect from this gross administration who's done nothing but use the Constitution as asswipe? Get a clue.

[ArkDem]

102. My point was these things are repulsive

to the majority and we will never get back the government with these behaviors. It only helps Bush. I'm sorry my intelligence doesn't rise to the lofty heights you have attained.

[Tinoire]

103. Cool ! Vote for Kucinich then- he's against flag burning

You little closet Leftist you!

We all knew sooner or later the Leftist in you would win just as the Left shall win over Centrism in general.

Welcome aboard! I'll be happy to use these photos to illustrate the views of our glorious ArkDem!

Love always,
One proud Leftist Dem!

[ArkDem]

107. Thanks. Any love sent my way is

ALWAYS appreciated!:)

[diamond14]

91. (pic/video) freepers insulting OUR Veterans at the DC March

snotty freeper teenager yelling at OUR Veterans...

link to video....watch/hear freepers insult generations of OUR Veterans and their families....(video link at top of page, just touch it, and it should load up and play)
http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/83789/index.php



thanks to DC IndyMedia...the 'Independent Media' in DC and cities all over the world....PLEASE rate the story...I gave it the highest rating...brave reporter....

[Scott Lee]

93. LOL! Perfect!

Get a load of Miss Pink there - probably never set foot outside this country or had to dodge a bullet. What a mindless little wench with mouth not connected to brain. PERFECT foot soldier for the Freeps.

[Clete]

98. Well, anyone that wants to claim intolerance isn't

a real problem amongst the white community has their head stuck down a hole somewhere. I didn't see any racial minority or gay contingent in your hate album.

[Plaid Adder]

106. Thanks for the pics, Proles

I was there, though I didn't make the DU gathering after all--wish I could have, but had family obligations. I have to say that it did not buoy me up like last October's march did, and I found a lot of it disheartening and depressing, including the counterprotestors you documented. I think basically it comes down to the fact that I no longer have any hope about this being resolved before it gets much, much worse. I believe in the value of expressing dissent--if nothing else, it keeps the possibility of dissent itself from being totally eliminated inthis country--but I no longer hope that much will come of it. Even if we dislodge Bush in 2004--and I pray we will--the mess is made already. The time to avoid the mess was last winter, when we could still not have gotten on the boats.

Alas,

The Plaid Adder