Pictures and article of Anti-Surge march downtown

[annm4peace]

wow, these kids are quick.

Here is what was on INDYMEDIA.

http://twincities.indymedia.org/2009/dec/anti-troop-surge-protest-clears-streets-downtown-minneapolis-push-withdrawl-occupied-afghan




Hundreds of people turned out to protest the escalation of war in Afghanistan as rush hour filled downtown Minneapolis streets. Marchers convened in the southwest corner of Loring Park at 5:30pm and then motioned cars aside as they took to the streets heading toward Downtown on Hennepin Avenue.




Dozens of police were on the scene for the unpermitted emergency protest of 150-200 people, immediately asking who were the leaders. Organizers deftly sidestepped the question leaving the cops guessing and milling through the crowd.




As the march came to 3rd Avenue and 10th Street, several dozen people sat down in the intersection in an act of civil disobedience. Approximately a dozen were arrested as the march continued in different directions. A jail vigil convened at 9:30pm in front of Hennepin County Jail; bail was reportedly set at $300, though the charges remain unknown.

"We believe it is time for anti-war groups to employ tactics that reflect the growing public dissatisfaction and unrest in response to our countries continuation of war and occupation in the Middle East," said an organizer in a press release.

Mounted police on horses, almost a dozen on bikes, several squad cars full of cops fringed the mass of demonstrators as they took over three lanes of eastbound Hennepin Avenue. Drivers stuck in traffic, office workers in buildings, skyway commuters and pedestrians gaped at the sight. Many motorists showed solidarity by honking and giving a thumbs-up in support.

Most of the local news crews were there interviewing participants and racing with videocameras to film the march winding through downtown streets. One interviewee said that she did volunteer work to get Obama elected and that she felt this was a bad move that would alienate his base.

More in depth coverage from IndyMedia including more photos and videos of the event will soon follow.

[annm4peace]

1. Local Fox News coverage w/video

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Anti-War-Protesters-Downtown-dec-02-2009


Anti-War Protesters Take Over Downtown Mpls

Published : Wednesday, 02 Dec 2009, 10:13 PM CST

MINNEAPOLIS - Anti-war protesters took over downtown Minneapolis in the middle of rush hour Wednesday evening. Their goal was get the attention of as many people as possible regarding the troop surge President Obama asked for Tuesday night.

“We really think Barack Obama has let us down and it's common madness as normal when it comes to politics,” said Kevin Smith, protester.

President Obama announced his plans to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan Tuesday night. Protesters across the Twin Cities quickly organized a march set for 5:30pm Wednesday night. The march from Loring Park through downtown stopped traffic and zig zagged through city streets for almost two hours.

11 protesters were arrested for unlawful assembly after they sat down in the middle of the South 10th street and South 3rd Ave intersection.

[qb]

2. My 9 Y.O. son & I saw the awesome march back down Hennepin from the bus.

We had planned to ride the bus to Loring Park for the protest but were delayed so we rode into downtown. He was impressed.
It's good to finally see police officers assisting peaceful protesters rather than gassing & beating the shit out of them.