Thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets this afternoon to protest the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Several groups were represented in the march, ncluding the Anti-War Committee, Women Against Military Madness, Code Pink, Veterans for Peace and Youth Against War and Racism. The march began at Hennepin Ave and Lagoon at 1 pm. The street was blocked for roughly 2 hours as the crowd worked its way to St Mary's Basilica, a Catholic church. The persons dressed in white costumes are from the Heart of the Beast Theater , a group that sponsors our annual May Day Parade.
I have included some photos that will give you an idea of theme of the protest. Although a protest doesn't directly influence many people, images, such as the ones I am showing here, can provide others, here and abroad, with the hope that not everyone in the US is standing by idly while politicians make decisions that are not in the best interest of the nation and the world. And that's regardless of political party. It's too bad that some Republicans believe that these protests are a partisan activity.
A candlelight vigil is being held this evening in St Paul to mourn casualties of the war. This will be a more subdued event attended mainly by families in the area.
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See the little kid with the Peace Now sign?
Link for larger images.
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