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Saddamized in San Francisco
By Kfir Alfia www.Contumacy.org | April 14, 2003
February 16th, 9am. I'm jarred awake by my alarm clock's squeal-my hand instinctively leapt to my nightstand. Just as I hit snooze and settled in for needed sleep, I remembered the day's agenda: Show my visiting friend Alan the real San Francisco experience-and crash the anti-war protest. My head throbbed from the wild night, but I'd make good on my promise.
Two Advils and one shower later, I'm fully dressed and alert, eating breakfast. Alan still snores on the couch. "I'm going to get some poster board and materials for the signs," I say. Alan cracks an eye, but nothing more. As the door slams, I yell, "Start thinking of ideas!"
snip We spot the Communist Party information table (the REAL purpose behind these anti-war protests) and Alan instinctively rotates his sign so that our communism slogan is showing. They see us making our approach-and irritation washes over their faces.
"Hello!" Alan greets the three of them enthusiastically, "What do you think of our sign?!" I grin. The middle-aged Communist manning the table glares. Next to him a boy, maybe eighteen, has a frightened look on his face. "Do you have any recommended reading material for us?" I ask. "All of you need to leave," the elder sneers. "You need to leave right now."
This was a first for me… talking to a real life Communist. So I try to imagine what must be going on in their twisted little minds. I respond, "I realize that as a Communist, you would prefer we were sent to the gulag for disagreeing with you-but we're in America. Free speech is still respected here…" He turns to his cohorts and instructs them stay silent. I stare at the boy, not sure if I should feel pity, disgust, or both. "How did you ever get mixed up with these guys?" I ask. Searchingly, he looks to his comrade, then back at me-angry and frustrated. "You… you are slaves to… to the power structure…" he informs us. "I'll look into it. Thanks," I reply.
We parade around the main area for a while, giving the leftists a good dose of mockery. Our work here was done. We go home and finish watching V:The Final Battle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kfir Alfia is a University of Texas alumnus living in California. Visit his website at www.protestwarrior.com. Email him at kfir@protestwarrior.com.
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