This time the drums weren’t present, they’ll be back next Friday, so a woman used a bullhorn to say the names and ages of the Iraqi citizens who were slaughtered in 2004.
Most of them were young children. A name, age 10 – death due to severe burns. Another name, age 13, death due to head injuries and shrapnel…
On and on the names came as the rain poured down.
We stopped and stood outside of City Hall.
That’s Wesley, Danni (in bright pink)and their Dad to the left of the Axe.
Two gentlemen from the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition. They have a weekly march for Peace and Justice each Friday at 5 and we march various routes, usually about a 5 square block.
Stop Torture. Again there were many honks, waves and peace signs our way. The strangest event was when a bunch of teenagers in a stretch hummer kept driving by to jeer us. How pathetic.
More rain. More names. I noticed acorss the street some young men from Argentina (soccer fans) were snapping our photo so I sauntered over. Handed them my sign while I got them some bumperstickers. They were very happy to meet me and see that Americans also don’t want this war. I thought for a second that one of them was going to give me a kiss.
More names… and I looked up and saw this long-haired angel statue beaming down at us. The rain dripped from her face and breasts… tears? I don’t know. I just wish that we could somehow, someway stop the tears in Iraq and at home.
Untill next Friday… keep marching.
*Update*
Portland CodePink will be making waves again on Glamarchy Now! radio show
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/static/pdxradio.shtml via Portland Indymedia Web Radio tonight 21:00-22:00 PST.
You were pretty much voted Favorite BooTribber at the SoCal Meetup (with a 3000+ tie for second place). 🙂 You were definitely missed, dear heart…
Idea for if/when those teenagers come by — get someone to dress up in full military camo (preferably the desert variety if you can get it up) with your favorite slogan: “SUIT UP OR SHUT UP!” Wonder if those guys would be jeering if there was a draft? As much as I hate the idea of a draft, I think that might be the only thing that would make the American people sit up and take notice — that and if the bodies weren’t coming back under cover of darkness…the whole “out of sight, out of mind” routine.
Keep marching — and keep taking the kids, because ultimately they’re the ones we’re doing it for… 🙂
Next Friday there will be the “street puppets” with us and the No War Drum Corp. Kids are looking forward to that one.
The teenagers… it is really sad. They came around at least 4 times!!! To jeer and boo us. In a stretch hummer no doubt.
I’ve been out and have had people who I think are between 18 and 22 ask “what war?” SICK! I think if they saw their friends coming home in daylight hours instead of hidden away like Bush’s secrets… then maybe they’d have a clue.
I’ve had women in their little business suits try to avoid me on the street. It’s like being treated as a homeless street walker in away.
People seriously don’t care. They didn’t vote, they don’t think and they simply don’t give a shit.
I love these diaries of yours, DJ. Seeing ordinary people out doing something always makes me feel less powerless.
Thank you Second Nature.
I think it gives my kids a since of empowerment. Now Friday is THEIR and Dad’s marching day.
For doing this. And for posting the diary. I was thinking, that it just takes one person willing to give up a few hours, and then bring a friend, and then another stops by with a sign, and they bring a friend. And people stop on the street and talk about what you’re doing, and they come back the next time w/ their husband or wife. And then the next thing you know, you’ve got a ton of people in the street making a difference. And it all started w/ a small group of role models. You are a real role model DJ. :*
and one person brings their friend and that person brings their spouse…
Hey.. that’s how we hook people into becoming hockey fans 🙂
I think it’s the local United for Peace and Justice chapter that is always there on Saturdays, on the corner. There were three people, out in the rain… One had a ‘Honk for Peace’ sign. I was at the stoplight and heard at least FIVE different honks as I waited… From here in rural NH. I honked, of course, as the light changed to green, so that’d make it six. I have to say, I had shivers after that, for hearing so many here express their voice, however they could. Thank you Janet, for what you do. You have many there with you and your family in spirit and in strength.
Imagine the shivers you’d have if you had parked, got out and stood with them for a few minutes 🙂 That’s how it all begins 🙂
I’m getting there, I’m getting there… 🙂 I think my stint at YK is going to be my first step… Followed by many more. Smooches Sweetie.
Hey Janet,
I’m testing out the audio recorder in anticipation of your appearance tonight. I’ve got the URL to the broadcast, and if all goes well (no need to think it shouldn’t) it’ll pick up your sophomore radio appearance tonight.
Are any on-the-air broadcasters going to pick this up?
That would be fantastic! You’d better gear up for a superduper hugfest when we meet 🙂
My next gig: trying to get a cab so I can get to the blue line so I can get home before they shut down ACK LOL
Happy to do it. You supply me with the links to the content, I’ll record it for you.
Go Get ‘Em girlfriend!! Keepin’ up the good fight.
This was my post to Olivia in Booman’s Kos thread.
Just another accidental activist. Which is what I put on my taxes this year. “Peace Activist”
You all inspire me and keep me going out there.
Possibly to be gassed, have lit cigarettes thrown at my face, be arrested… gosh… you guys must really like me 😀
ACK!!! 🙂
My daughter, 4 yrs., has the same radio (yellow though) in her bedroom, those are realllly gooood radios.