Portland Peace March is Big
November 17---First, there was a 1 o'clock rally in Pioneer Sq. The site of
numerous massive pro-peace demonstrations during the first Gulf War. I was
surprised to see a turn out so large as to be comparable with the Gulf war
protests. Up to ten thousand people packed the Square. They were warm and
enthusiastic, really ready to make their vital statement. And how amazing
their grand numbers. After all, the war hasn't quite started. The UN is still
going through some peaceful motions that do represent a last long shot hope
of avoiding disaster. And unlike the Vietnam peace movement of the 60's these
rebels do not fear a draft. So their militant presence is based on pure good
intentions.
Unfortunately the pre-march rally was a disappointment. Many of the speakers
pushed their personal grand philosophies and causes -- and it seemed
sometimes like the impending Iraqi conflagration was just a bit peripheral to
their oratorical interests. Such is the stuff of coalition building, every
group wants to get their two cents on the table -- and it can make for a
fairly uninspiring event.
As usual, the inspiration came from the determined people when the march
began. In such large numbers they took to the streets, with hand made signs
and that most enduring of slogans "No war! Peace Now!" Onlookers, including
those on city buses tended to universally friendly reactions. The Portland
police although dressed in horrible new black storm trooperesque uniforms,
kept their cool and did their job of redirecting city traffic. I could see by
their facial expressions that they were somewhat surprised by the event's
size.
If policy makers in Washington, DC have a scintilla of sense left in their
heads they will take note of the Portland event and treat it as a warning.
War with Iraq may very well mean chaos on the homefront. If Americans are
supposed to be united in a war against terrorism, attacking Iraq is not
exactly an intelligent way of creating that unity.
Judy and I dropped out of the march near its conclusion. She has an annoying
cold and I a middle aged back ache. There will also be a post-march rally in
the Square. I hope it will be a bit more politically relevant, the second
time around.
Stew Albert
Stew Albert
stewa@aol.com
Visit my web page: http://members.aol.com/stewa/stew.html
Stew Albert's Yippie Reading Room
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sun Nov 24 2002 - 18:10:37 EST