Yesterday, I attended an anti-war demonstration in San Francisco, one of many around the world on the second anniversary of the Iraq war. As in my past experience, this event was attended by an eclectic mix of humanity. All shapes, sizes, ages, colors and political predilections were represented, as far as I could tell, all coming together in solidarity to protest what they believe to be an immoral, unnecessary, and counter-productive war.
It gives me a little hope, in the midst of a radically conservative dominant ideology, and a submissive mainstream media, to be reminded that not everybody out there supports the status quo. I’d say about 30,000 people showed up to this demonstration, which began in Delores Park, and meandered a couple of miles down to the civic center.
I posted some new pics in the photo gallery, so have a look if you like. I’d also like to give mad props (as the young people say) to the kick ass marching band that supplied some great music along the way. Also, as an aside, I have a question. What the hell is up with those weird ass pod trees in front of the civic center? I always expect Donald Sutherland to step out from behind one, point his finger and scream at me.
I also picked up some good literature, which is always plentiful. I highly recommend the International Socialist Review. I picked up the Jan-Feb issue, and although I’ve only read a few articles so far, it’s been very good. There’s an excellent article on the Democrats’ failings during the 2004 campaign, a great interview with Jim Talib (an anti-war Iraq war vet), and an interview with Howard Zinn, who’s one of my personal heroes.
So, does this mean I’m a socialist? Who knows? Who cares, really? I’ve come to believe that trying to define one’s political ideology with a single word is absurd. This is particularly true in the current climate, where bloviating wind bags such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly are the norm of what passes for informed debate. They’ve set the bar so low that now even public radio and television are not immune to the encroachment of partisan hackery.
Speaking of which, I ran across an interesting blog last night, written by a self-described “lifelong Conservative with a strong independent streak”. There are only a dozen or so posts so far, but it’s very interesting and well written. It motivates me to seek out other conservative blogs or news outlets that are intellectually honest and intelligent. So, if anyone has a suggestion, please comment here or drop me a line.
Peace.
yochanan Says: March 21st, 2005 at 10:09 ammoonbat central a bunch of commies, hate america nuts and pro terrorists
loseers
