DC Indymedia: newswire/119882

News: Anti-War/War/Peace
Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil

by Jim Macdonald

Email: jsmacdonald (at) riseup.net (unverified!)
22 Mar 2005

See http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/119791/index.php for the first report of this new vigil in Lafayette Park.

Genevieve and Midge have continued their vigil alongside the Proposition 1 vigil with the help of a lot of friends. As reported previously, they began their vigil with the theme of "Convert the War Machine," and while I don't know if the war machine is in any microscopic way being converted, I can attest to the large numbers of people being touched by the vigil and by the renewed energy that street dialogue has given to several people I know.

Yesterday, Midge estimated that about 5-6,000 people walked by the vigil, and hundreds engaged the vigilers in discussion. Whether flattering or unflattering, the dialogue that vigils like these produce are themselves the seeds toward better democratic process. New activists in the DC area often not knowing where to go descend on the White House and are getting plugged in because of the constant presence.

It would be great to keep this vigil going indefinitely, but it will definitely take some commitment from people who can sacrifice time to keep regular shifts.

I noticed that the vigil seems to be giving new energy to the Prop 1 vigilers who have kept the faith endlessly since 1981. A lot of people consider their vigil an afterthought, but anyone who spends any time out there realizes that it is much more vibrant in its outreach than most people realize. When I watched the Prop 1 vigil for Connie yesterday, it didn't take but a minute for people to ask where she was, telling me that they always look for her whenever they come to DC. And, so, that vigil has remained vibrant, and yet this new vigil seems to be adding some spark to it. Thomas told me yesterday that his birthday was one of the best he ever had.

Last night, the Guerrilla Poets after their show came down with about 17 people and beat drums and picketed in front of the White House. I joined them and grabbed my friend Malachy as we paraded with a banner that Genevieve had made. Immediately, Secret Service came in to make sure people didn't remain stationery by the White House. One officer tried to tell me we couldn't carry our banner. I told the Secret Service officer, "Why? We've done this many times before." At that point, he backed off. You see, police will challenge you even when they know they are in the wrong. The bullying tactics are often offset by simply knowing what your rights are.

Tourists tried to take pictures of the banner in front of the White House. We explained, "We can't stand still, or we risk arrest. Free speech means you need to keep moving!" Eventually, the family got a picture as we moved on by them.

After awhile, we noticed a couple lights go on in the White House. However, I don't think it was the drumming and the chanting. We weren't terribly loud, and I doubt the noise carried over the noise of the water fountain in the front yard.

The vigilers were happy to see this energy come down. The spot has become a little convergence area, otherwise, and you should check it out. Homeless have been coming for food or for someone to talk to, tourists are leaving inspired (or infuriated), and you'd be surprised how many DC residents actually pass through the area.

Tomorrow night, another vigil will join us. A group of people who will be holding a weekly vigil on Darfur will come down tonight (Wednesday) between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. I hope that you will consider coming down for that. The organizers of the Darfur vigil were genuinely enthusiastic that activists will already be down there.

This is also a great outreach opportunity. We are letting people know about actions and reminding people about the living wage hunger strike going down in Georgetown. Genevieve says she told everyone to check out the Guerrilla Poets, who had really strong numbers on a fairly chilly evening. And, there's a chance for you to give them your flyers so that they can let groups know about what's going on.

Check it out.

Peace to you all,
Jim See also:
http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/119791/index.php

Comments

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by Al Gore (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
///...while I don't know if the war machine is in any microscopic way being converted...\\\ Jim, I invented the Internet as a means to keep computer networks functioning while a nuclear war was raging and knocking out communications. And now you are using an "instrument of death". You need to stop being a uninformed activist and shun the use of my "weapon of mass distruction". BTW, the Free Clinics wouldn't have pennicillan if it wasn't for WWII.

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by Kodak Moment (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
///Tourists tried to take pictures of the banner in front of the White House. We explained, "We can't stand still, or we risk arrest. Free speech means you need to keep moving!" Eventually, the family got a picture as we moved on by them.\\\ JIm, You only have to keep moving while on the sidewalk between the two lamp posts. Step one pace to the other side or off the curb and the police won't "harass" you. You want your "rights" but what about the right of a family who spent a lot of time and money to visit DC and desire a photo of the White House without your banner? Or are their rights not rights? You're claim of being denied your rights makes you less credible in my eyes.

Photos from White House vigil
by Jim Macdonald (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
photos from Ellen Thomas of the vigil

a couple more photos from Ellen
by Jim (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
Click on image for a larger version
Click on image for a larger version
See also this link from http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/119892/index.php for another update on this vigil

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by activist (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
^^what about the right of a family who spent a lot of time and money to visit DC and desire a photo of the White House without your banner?^^ Eh, fuck them. They can come back when the war is over.

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by Midge Potts maioan2001 (at) yahoo.com (verified)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
Now c'mon "activist", We do not block anybody's pictures of the White House... in fact we go out of our way to allow others their freedoms while we are practicing ours. If you have some valid point, I would really like to hear it. However, you sensless comments are boring me.

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by activist (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
Gee sorry to bore you Midge. My point is that it is ridiculous to make a fuss tourists taking pictures of the white house when there is a war going on. These right-wingers make the most assinine points imaginable, and I am just trying to respond. BTW, your comments are rather boring as well.

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by HUH? (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
Protestors sure are an attractive bunch!!

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by tirnanog (No verified email address)	Current rating: 0 22 Mar 2005
To Huh: You check protestors out to see if you are attracted to them? I guess the medium is the message for you then?

Re: Report from Day 2 of the White House anti-war vigil
by Midge maioan2001 (at) yahoo.com (verified)	Current rating: 0 24 Mar 2005
I am sorry "activist"... I honestly though you were a "right-winger" being sarcastic. I apologize... I guess sitting at the White House day and night is getting to me a little. Peace, MP

Home

Add a quick comment
Your name	Your email
Comment
Text Format
	To add more detailed comments, or to upload files, see the full comment form.