Here are a few of the latest stories (with accurate reports always the toughest to find). Contribute your news items and views in your comments.
- Thousands protest across Europe
- San Francisco braces for anti-war protest
- On March 19, the World Says No to War (Again), organized by the Troops Out Now! coalition – by NYC IMC (which needs money)
- Check Indymedia sites and Antiwar.com for news.
- Much more below the fold…
Felix Jackson, 11-years-old , lays flowers at the foot of a mock coffin with 100,000 dead written on it, placed by anti-war protesters in front of the US Emabassy who marched through London, Saturday March 19, 2005 to marking the second anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The 100,000 number is not an official number of the dead killed in Iraq. (The Ledger [CLICK to view larger image] – AP Photo/ Fiona Hanson/Pool)
See also:
- Two years after invasion, few are celebrating, by Colin Freeman in Baghdad, for The Scotsman
- Iraq violence, poverty dampen optimism, at MSNBC
- Anti-war memorial stirs passions among parents of dead [PHOTO RIGHT, Escondido, CA], from MSNBC
And, there’s always room for another view from a powerful voice for the troops, Paul Reichkoff, whosse appearances on Air America, CNN, and more make him familiar to many of you:
NEW YORK — In observation of the second anniversary of the Iraq War, a number of national and local antiwar groups are planning to protest this weekend in Fayetteville, N.C., the home of Fort Bragg. Iraq Veteran and Operation Truth Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff issued the following statement today opposing the protestors’ plans to protest in the Troops’ backyard:
“Demonstrators have every right to protest the Iraq War this weekend. However, their choice of location for one protest — Fort Bragg — is wrong and insensitive. It blames the warriors for the war. The decision makers are not at Fort Bragg, they are in Washington. Rallying against the war by marching at Fort Bragg is like protesting the cows if you don’t like McDonalds.
“The anti-war protesters say they support the Troops. They can say it until they are blue in the face, but that’s a hollow sentiment when they’re protesting the busloads of Troops coming and going from Bragg to Iraq every day. If you support the troops, don’t protest them in their backyards, especially not as they’re sent to war or returning home. … (Full press release)
NOTE: I just ran across this press release by Paul. I haven’t had a chance to think about it and won’t since I’m running out the door to visit relatives who are ill. But I must say that I am a big fan of Operation Truth’s remarkable work for Iraq soldiers and veterans. My brother, my cousin, and my uncle all served in Vietnam, so I hold soldiers dear to my heart. Operation Truth sells dogtags that are one way to support the troops without supporting the war. And, with that controversial note, I bid you a fond adieu until tonight …