Thousands of protesters chanting “Peace Now” roared through Washington. D.C.. Sept. 24.
An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 people gathered at the Ellipse to march along the streets in protest of the Iraq War. Many signs adorned the march in D.C. Some reading “Bush Lies, Who Dies,” or “Darn Good Liar,” along with many other messages.
A coalition of about 1,300 local and national groups organized the protest with numerous speakers and a concert.
A roar of excitement and support echoed through the crowd when Cindy Sheehan took the stage. Sheehan’s son 24-year-old Casey Sheehan died in the Iraq war.
Sheehan gained wide media attention in early August, for what started out as a one-woman protest at President Bush’s Texas ranch.
Sheehan tried to obtain a meeting with the president to demand an explanation of what “noble cause” did her son die. The meeting was declined.
During the protest Sheehan made remarks aimed toward Congress and Bush, “Shame on you,” Sheehan said. “How many more of other people’s children are you willing to sacrifice?” She led the crowd in a chant, “Not One More.”
Another speaker was Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, who is leading a grassroots campaign to impeach President Bush. Clark quoted to the crowd Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution.
“The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
Bush was not at the White House to hear the protesters. He left town to deal with hurricane recovery.
Vice President Dick Cheney was at George Washington University Hospital having surgery for aneurysms behind his knees.
This was a peaceful protest, but security was obviously ready for any problem. Hundreds of D.C. and Park police lined the streets each carrying riot gear.
However on Pennsylvania Avenue several hundred counter protesters stood behind a gate with a line of security in front of them, as they yelled and argued with the antiwar protesters.
The counter protesters held signs that read “Hippies Go Home,” or “The Republic Is Worth Defending.”
One antiwar protester yelled and said, “The republic is worth defending, you just have that sign on the wrong side of the gate.”
I can’t let this article go without telling my own personal story of the protest. I found this to a unique and enlightening experience.
There is something empowering about taking a stand for your beliefs. I do however worry about the liberal movement.
This rally seemed disorganized. The march started two hours late. There were so many speeches on topics of Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine and so on.
I couldn’t keep up with it all. It was just too much. I know all these topics coincide with each other, but we can’t save the world all at once.
This was a protest against the Iraq War. Let’s do one thing at a time. Liberals could really stand to have an agenda and to quit being so damn nice. I observed at the rally that everybody wants to be nice.
I am tired of being nice. I want my country back. Nice people do not get noticed in government.
The crowd was chanting, “Whose street is this? This is our street.” I hate to say it, but no it isn’t.
The federal government could have 500 marines in the streets of D.C. in less than 5 minutes.
I did over hear an interesting conversation during the march.
Someone suggested that we knock off the oil companies one by one. Hit them where it hurts. We boycott the top companies one at a time. Not buy their gas or oil.
Right now the top moneymaker is Exxon Mobile. I don’t know if it would work, but it would be interesting to see what would happen.

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