Reduced to tears at today`s anti-war march in Vermont

[democrank]

The march was in Montpelier, Vermont. Despite freezing temperatures and a biting wind, I`d guesstimate the attendance at about 300.

A few minutes after the march got going, everyone came to a dead stop in the middle of the street. We wanted to force those on the sidewalks to read our signs and think about the suffering caused by Bush`s war. As I glanced behind me, I was brought to tears at the sight of all these caring citizens: an elderly woman with a walker, a man in a wheelchair, Veterans for Peace, little children, young adults and so many senior citizens.

When we reached the State House, we were met by three Iraq War Veterans. They spoke with such eloquence and conviction. One of them was an organizer for the Articles of Redress movement. They begged us to get active and speak out. One of them said those in favor of staying in Iraq aren`t supporting the war, they`re supporting war crimes.

If the passion displayed at today`s march is any indication, I`d say people are starting to wake up. Many, many folks stated they were actively supporting impeachment. The march was somber, but the determination uplifting.

[Warren Stupidity]

1. K&R

Great post. Until we all start acting like citizens of a democracy nothing will change.

[CrazyOrangeCat]

2. You all did great!

People are indeed waking up.

It's cold in KC today . . . I'll bet Montpelier is a good deal worse.

:yourock:

[stevedeshazer]

3. Believe it.

Every story like yours adds to the rising tide.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[GardeningGal]

4. Excellent. Did you get any media coverage? n/t

[democrank]

5. Yes indeed.

Should run on our local news tonight. I accidentally poked a media guy in the head with my sign. He jokingly said, "Talk about bashing the media!"

[mnhtnbb]

6. Good on you!

[Jeanette in FL]

7. Wonderful

I just love these stories from Mainstreet, USA. Wonderful that you had about 300 marching with you. Doesn't it make you feel that you are part of the solution, not the problem

Good for you and your fellow citizens for making a difference.

[SusanaMontana41]

8. To paraphrase a quote from "Meet John Doe"

There you are, Bush. The people. Try and lick that!

((((((hugs))))))

[BattyDem]

9. "those in favor of staying in Iraq aren`t supporting the war, they`re supporting war crimes"

THAT should be the DU/Democratic/anti-war slogan!

K&R

[Ghost in the Machine]

13. You asked for it...... you got it!

Enjoy!

Ghost

[BattyDem]

15. That's AWESOME!

Thanks! :hi:

[Ghost in the Machine]

17. Thank you!

I just ran with your idea... those words are what jumped out at me, too.

:hi:

Ghost

[Straight Shooter]

10. I'm waiting for the day when those tears of pain wil turn to tears of joy.

That's the day all our troops will be home, war in Iran will be a distant and fading neocon dream, and a Democratic president and Democratic Congress will get this country on track again.

:thumbsup:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

19. me too bro' me too...

[G_Leo_Criley]

11. k & r

Thank you for marching on this freezing cold day democrank.

:kick:

glc

[B Calm]

12. I want to thank you!

[midnight]

14. "Those in favor of staying in Iraq aren't supporting the war,

They're supporting war crimes. Very well stated. Bring them home-for good.

[cal04]

16. thank you democrank.. An article from the Boston.com

Activists decry war in Iraq
MONTPELIER, Vt. --About 200 bundled-up activists braved the January chill on Saturday to protest what many believe to be the illegal U.S.-led war in Iraq and to demand that the troops be brought home immediately.

Some of the speakers called for the immediate cut off by Congress of funding for the war, while others railed against what they saw as a war for oil.

About a dozen empty pairs of military boots sat on the steps in front of the speakers to symbolize the sacrifice of the young people who are fighting the war. Some carried signs with slogans such as "Stop Bush" and "Enough - 3025," which referred to the number of U.S. deaths in Iraq. A few carried American flags. There was at least one United Nations flag.

"I am so sick of hearing 'why don't you support the troops?'" said Iraq war veteran Drew Cameron, now a student at the University of Vermont. He said he served in Iraq for six months in 2003. "I am the troops and I have never felt support from this government."

Cameron said he went to war without body armor and in unarmored military vehicles. He said he had to buy his own soap while in Iraq.

"So stop slapping yellow ribbons on your car and show true support and bring them home," Cameron said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2007/01/20/activists_decry_war_in_iraq/

[Jeffersons Ghost]

18. K&R get ready for more tears at a bigger march... thanks for a great OP!

"those in favor of staying in Iraq aren`t supporting the war, they`re supporting war crimes."

[Nimrod2005]

20. Well done, thanks for the report.

[mmonk]

21. Thank you for your efforts.

[nevergiveup]

22. God bless you and all

who marched. Please let there be peace.

[garybeck]

23. sorry i missed it... i'm on vacation in Florida.

i'm getting a little ILL at this family gathering. the closest people come to talking about anything significant is a discussion about who is running for president 2 years from now. meanwhile hundreds of thousands are dead and more die every day, while we barbque.

i'll be back home soon



peace.

[kirbyenthusiasm]

24. good to hear

i live in new york city and have marched several times, although I haven't yet in the winter. That will change in a couple weeks however. Thanks for being such a patriot!