by Jim Macdonald
Email: jsmacdonald (at) riseup.net
20 Mar 2005
Modified: 21 Mar 2005
Today, a new anti-war vigil appeared in Lafayette Park. DC activists Mitch and Genevieve, with endorsements from the DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) and Proposition 1 (occupants of the vigil that has been in Lafayette Park for the last 24 years), launched what they hope will be a weeklong 24/7 vigil. The vigil, whose theme is "Convert the War Machines," was largely inspired by the Proposition 1 anti-nuclear vigil founded by William Thomas in 1981.
Today was Thomas's birthday, and during a party thrown for him by DAWN, participants in the group spoke of how Thomas had personally inspired them to become activists. In fact, my own activism dates back to an encounter I had with the ongoing White House vigil back in 2000. Genevieve and Mitch likewise hope to serve as an inspiration for White House visitors to take action and to think about the various aspects of the war machine.All-in-all, there have been no troubles as of yet in maintaining the vigil. Police expressed surprise at the new displays and have repeatedly asked questions but have taken no action against it.
Several DAWN participants helped watch the vigil, allowing Genevieve to take breaks. A news crew from ABC 7 ran a positive piece about the action, quoting Genevieve as saying, "You cannot force democracy on a country, and you can't liberate it with guns." Many tourists have looked curiously on the displays and have engaged in the discussion that is the essence of democracy.
As I watched the vigil throughout the evening, I spoke with many high school students. War is maintained by the recruitment of the young to join the military, and I conveyed to them that there were new laws in place making it easier for military recruiters to have access to them and their records. They seemed genuinely upset by this fact, and one hopes that they will begin informing and organizing their high schools against these acts. These children have become the perpetual lifeblood of the war machine, and it will ultimately be these children who will help decide whether this country continues to choose war over peace.
Thomas was genuinely touched by the birthday presents, especially having new neighbors just outside the front lawn of the White House. When his vigil started, Pennsylvania Avenue was a thorofare of traffic, relevant to the residents of the District of Columbia. Since it has been closed, many activists have shied away from the spot, noting that it does not represent the real DC. While this remains true, there are enormous opportunities for dialogue and outreach here that people in other cities do not have. What's more, action on the White House has had a real effect in the past. During the 1991 Gulf War, drummers beat and protesters converged for 40 days. President Bush claimed that the drums kept him up all night. While the current President Bush rarely seems to be home, one would hope that the presence of noise and energy at this location might inspire people to take action the way it inspired me.
I hope that you will support Mitch and Genevieve's vigil, or stop by and sit with them, or give them a spell so that they might use the bathroom. Bring some friends, and if you can, commit to time there. Use the opportunity for informational outreach. Bring some drums or some songs and be merry. And, in the meantime, let's figure out the best way to resist, to cut into the supply of troops that have made this perpetual war machine possible.
I will report back again tomorrow, and I hope that others who have witnessed the vigil will also share their reports.
http://www.prop1.org
http://www.dawndc.net
Comments
| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by DAWN = Hypocrites
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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[While the current President Bush rarely seems to be home, one would hope that the presence of noise and energy at this location might inspire people to take action the way it inspired me.] When they leaves the lights on in a terrorist's cell, you claim "sleppe deprivation torture". Jim, I'm biginning to think that your participation goes beyond mere protest, but that you like panties on your head, being restraained by men in unoform and oh yeah, that incident with the duck. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by DAWN = Patriots
maioan2001 (at) yahoo.com (verified) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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Um... okay? Maybe if you dropped the childish insults we could have a conversation about our differences of opinion... Really. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by DAWN = Patriots
maioan2001 (at) yahoo.com (verified) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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Um... okay? Maybe if you dropped the childish insults we could have a conversation about our differences of opinion... Really. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by Cath
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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This is great news. I, too, was inspired by Thomas, Ellen and Conception. Despite the closing of PA Ave. tours STILL come to this site. Conception is all over the "world news." And, PROP 1 has continued it's work on and off the streets despite early alienation from established peace groups. In 1991-92 we drummed for many, many months. I was arrested for drumming ! A badge I wear proudly. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by Jim Macdonald
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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Genevieve wanted me to add one anecdote (to update you; she's having a lot of great conversations out there). We have had a theory that if people chanted "Drink Coke" that no one would ever stop someone or ask for a permit or anything of the kind. A Secret Service officer was asking us for the umpteenth time what we were doing, doing the general intimidation thing...and Genevieve asked him, "What if we erected a big sign that said, 'Enjoy Coca-Cola'?" He said that he would think it was strange, but he wouldn't ask any questions. I think this adds to the evidence that free speech often means nothing more than the narrow range of choices offered in corporate consumerism. "Tastes Great!" "Less Filling!" Apparently, that's what all those people mean when they said that they died to protect OUR rights. Anyhow, I thought I'd share that anecdote. It's tangential but interesting nonetheless. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by Good Grief
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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If the USSS asked you these basic question, What group, what's your grievence, how many are you, how long will you stay and do you plan any civil disobedience, then you just got standard procedure for anyone who shows up with a sign on Penn AVe. They're NOT pickning on you. You can always politely "DTA", Decline To Answer. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by Jim
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
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Have you ever been followed around Andrew Jackson by a Secret Service car who would reverse direction when you would reverse direction, walking with 2 people? I have. This charade went on for 20 minutes, all because in this instance we gave a "DTA." Have you seen them apply arbitrary rules over where and where you cannot stand? Have you seen the documentary that exposed the arbitrary application of regulations (here we aren't even just talking about SS but Park Police as well)? Last night, a Park Policeman told Genevieve, "We're the only ones on your side. But, don't cross me. I have the power to shut you down any time I want to, and frankly I don't care. The only reason I'm on your side at all is because I don't care." These agents do not simply ask those questions, and they don't simply ask them once. They come back over and over again. There are multiple cases of harrassment and multiple ways the harrassment plays out there. If you'd like, I and others can start listing multiple examples. Whatever your politics, right or left, go out there sometime and try to assert yourself for very long. Go back a few more times. You'll see quickly what I mean. |
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| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by tirnanog
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
| Furthermore, Jim, one just has to pay attention to the numbers of new police added to the various forces to know that we are being monitored at all times. I urge anyone to take a walk downtown and you'll see all kinds of police; Park Police, MPD, Secret Service, Federal Police, and private police forces to name just a few. The more the police we have the more money we spen on them and the more they will have to justify their existence. Watch out, Genevieve's about! | |
| Re: Report from a new anti-war vigil in Lafayette Park | |
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by Sparky
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0 21 Mar 2005 |
| You guys are great and inspiring!!! Much more filling than the media.... | |