City (Chicago) Prepares For Saturday Anti-War Protest

[prolesunited]

CHICAGO -- Chicago Police gave warning to a group of anti-war protesters Friday who plan to congregate downtown this weekend, despite being denied a permit, to commemorate a demonstration last year that resulted in more than 500 arrests.

The anti-war protest is scheduled for noon Saturday.

"We believe in the First Amendment and the freedom of speech and freedom to assemble," Jefferson Park District Cmdr. Neil Sullivan said at a news conference announcing a large number of police would be on hand at the intended site of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street Saturday morning.

"But they will not be marching down Michigan Avenue," Sullivan said a police headquarters, regarding to route proposed by rally organizers in the denied permit petition, which predicted there could be as many as 4,000 marchers.

http://www.nbc5.com/traffic/2935206/detail.html


Hmm... should be interesting to see how this goes. I hope everyone maintains a cool head. Hundreds were arrested last year.

[mopinko]

1. yeah, thinking of wearing a helmet.

it was my understanding that there was a permit, just not to march on michigan ave. this has gone round and round so much, i do not know.

[prolesunited]

2. From what I understand

The rally at Federal Plaza has a permit. It's the march that has become an issue.

[diamond14]

3. just the usual police barking...it'll be all straightened out by tomorrow

having worked 'behind the scenes' on numerous Pro-Peace activities, there is always a lot of this crap that goes on right before a BIG Pro-Peace rally....

there are plenty of VOLUNTEER Lawyers, and lots of politicians and other great activists who are working on this....

the best thing to do is just GO....and walk proudly for PEACE tomorrow....

for the 'Poor Peoples March' in DC on August 23, 2003....we had NO permits, no money, and no lawyers....with the strength of our own convictions, we walked together across the Key Bridge on the Potomac, then through Georgetown (one of the MOST expensive areas in OUR Nation, part of DC)....and onward to the National Mall where we set up 'Bushville'....mostly we stayed on the sidewalk....the police can do nothing to stop humans from walking along a sidewalk in a city....it's different if you want to shut off cars on the street....

but GO and be brave....STAND UP tall and proud....and if it makes you feel better, walk on those really BIG WIDE sidewalks on Michigan Avenue....plenty of room for a parade....FREE SPEECH is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution....

[AngryAmish]

4. Wear your mouthpiece

And have one on speeddial.

[pmbryant]

5. Hope it goes smoothly and peacefully (n/t)