Anti-War Protest Chicago 3-19-2011

Protest commemorating the eighth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq (March 20, 2003). It was a pretty good turn-out, but of course I would have liked to have seen a lot more. Fortunately the weather co-operated - mid 40's and sunny, not bad for mid-March in Chicago.

The police gave us only two lanes, while last year they allowed us to take all three northbound lanes. I'm not sure if that was planned or if it was a decision based on the number of protesters.

At about 3:00 you can hear someone asking me if I'm from Chicago and what's this all about. When I explained and added "eight years, unbelievable!", he seemed rather indifferent (but I could be wrong), like so many of the clueless shoppers on the "Magnificent Mile". Many people appear indignant that they are being inconvenienced for a few minutes. I'll bet the people of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine would gladly take this temporary delay in their shopping over what the U.S. government has imposed upon them.

I didn't hear my favorite chant from last year - "Bombs are dropping while you're out shopping". But still, there were some good chants and a lot of great signs. Thank you all who participated and hopefully we wont need to do this again next year, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• anti-war protest
• iraq war
• protest
• activism
• protesters
• chicago
• protests

[IRealizeRealLies]

The video was taken at the NW corner of Michigan Ave. and Chicago Ave. as the march turned to the west after passing needless markups, oops, I mean Neiman-Marcus (sorry, heh-heh).

I love the HUGE Palestinian flag! Also, the "Death Made in USA" sign with the bombs dropping from the model of the drone (about 3:20) - very creative.

Now we hear in the news today of the bombing of yet another country (Libya). How many countries must be involved before it is called a "World War"? Are we there yet?

[evansville70]

@yinzjagoffs The "war" protest was never about the invasion of Iraq it was about hating george Bush. Now president Obama is sending troops to Uganda. I will be watching the so called anti war movenment to see if they speak out about this.

[IshmaelKipling]

@kylecousins1996 There are no terrorists, seriously there are none. Terrorist attacks do happen, but they are actually staged events masterminded by the government to further whatever agenda they want. The 9-11 bombings were staged by our own government to justify war in the MiddleEast. Conclusion - our government is filled with evil people who care nothing about humanity.

[yinzjagoffs]

@IRealizeRealLies Sad that no one cares just because Bush is not in office anymore.

[Herbymac0811]

Wow look. More dumbass collage kids, anti americans, librals, etc, etc.

War is horrible, and costly yes we all know this. It's also in our nature as humans. So as long as there is man there will be war. GET USED TO IT !

Besides the only reaso they arent being gunned down by a heavy handed police force is becouse of men who wear a uniform and do violince for them so they themselfs dont have to. They can only protest like that becouse we have a military good enough to keep us free.

[Stunnedstudios]

@MrRPGguy True that my friend, I wish everyone can realize this

[atosafi1]

@kylecousins1996 If anything, the illegal and illegitimate wars and occupations of the US have contributed to the rise of Islamist fundamentalism, the same Cold War-mentality used in the 20th century has been imported into the 21st century, now it's just that the muslims are the threat to be fought with any means possible instead of communists.

The US is the biggest threat to world peace, it was the US who armed bin Laden, the Talibans, al-Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, the Saudis etc.

[MrRPGguy]

While you guys go meet up with your friends and do shit like this, US soldiers are dying overseas for your right to do this shit

[kylecousins1996]

i hate all of you people who do this. soldiers are over there dying for your freedom. they give u a right to wake up every morning and live your life. They keep you safe from those muslims running around with bombs. if we werent over there, the world would be filled with terrorist attacks. so all of you. think about that for a second.

[scubadilla1]

hey have you forgot 9/11 you bastards

[IshmaelKipling]

I was holding the Palestinian flag, and I'm not even Palestinian.