>From: Doggre@xxxxxxx
>
>I wouldn't recommend going near any demonstration or disturbance any more...
I was in the Portland MLK peace rally. It was the third largest in the nation,
but attracted little press. Organizers claimed 30,000, police claimed about
25,000. Associated Press did actual counting as the march passed certain
places, and also estimated 25,000.
There were NO arrests. Police on bicycles without any protective gear rode
among the crowd and chatted with people. The most Nazi-like part was when the
march passed the Federal Building -- it was swarming with feds in full riot
gear, with weapons drawn and a half-track armored vehicle parked in front,
blocking the entrance. But the local police were entirely civil and perhaps
even somewhat sympathetic.
There were many cameras in the crowd. None of them were confiscated or damaged.
At one point, a fellow near me had an OM-4T with a 24/2.8. I said, "Nice
camera!" He looked a bit puzzled, but thanked me.
>Wanna protest? Better not carry even so much as a Swiss Army knife. And
>have a parade permit. And think MLK: PEACEFUL. Or be ready to get skinned
>up but good.
I agree. That's not too much to ask. Considering how confusing the polls are,
with some claiming 700f Americans want a war with Saddam, and others claiming
70 0ON'T want a war, it seems that making press is the only way the true voice
of the people will be heard over that of the minority-elected government.
--
: Jan Steinman -- nature Transography(TM): <http://www.Bytesmiths.com>
: Bytesmiths -- artists' services: <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/Services>
: Buy My Step Van! <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/van>
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