When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Friday, March 21, 2003
Yesterday morning in Willimantic, several upstanding citizens were charged with disorderly conduct during a protest against Bush's war.I left the office about 10:15, the time I had heard this would occur, and walked through the parking lot of the old post office to Main Street where a big gang of people stood with signs. Many had drums and they were chanting. All but two of the arrests apparently took place before I arrived; I saw only two people being gently led away to cruisers. These cops are good! They did not rile anybody up or create a riot where none was intended. Praise is undoubtedly due to our new Chief of Police, Lisa Maruzo-Bolduc.
The ones who were arrested had lain in the sidewalk outside the National Guard recruiting office (I read in the Willimantic Chronicle today), which is what their "disorderly conduct" consisted of.
Now, I know they intended to be arrested to make a political point, but goodness, me! What's disorderly about lying down? Everyone knows there is no pedestrian traffic in Willimantic except during the July 4 parade, so they could hardly have been impeding anyone.
Actually, the only impediments to traffic were several police cruisers lined up at the side of the street ready to take on prisoners, and the traffic cones they had placed in the street beside those cruisers. As a result, there was only about 1.5 lanes for 2-way traffic. That slowed down the traffic! The impeded traffic did not seem upset, however; in fact, numerous cars and trucks honked supportively and flashed peace signs at the protesters.
The only one who could have been concerned was National Guard Sgt. Edy Torres, a local recruiter who was quoted in the Willimantic Chronicle as saying he wasn't worried about the protest in part because "the police would be there." I was tickled to read that the U.S.military needs the protection of Willimantic police. But our cops are good -- I would feel safer anywhere knowing they're there, too.
I understand that Mr. Bush has gone into hiding, and all decisinos and announcements are being made by the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Rumsfield. Talk abou having the courage of your convictions! I know of no other American president who has felt it necessary to hide from the enemy -- most likely because none has made war such a personal matter.
You have to admit that Mr. Bush looked terrified during his last public appearance, Monday during his brief war message. Drawn, pale, jaw sharper and chin longer and pointier; and 12 pounds lighter than usual. I wonder if his cabinet starved him into submission . Or did he take a page from Hussein's book and find a couple of stand-ins for himself?
Anyway, we have already lost some of our kids, but only in a helicopter crash. Our government has a lot ot answer for, and it can only get worse.
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Support the military - bring them home!
Yesterday morning in Willimantic, several upstanding citizens were charged with disorderly conduct during a protest against Bush's war.I left the office about 10:15, the time I had heard this would occur, and walked through the parking lot of the old post office to Main Street where a big gang of people stood with signs. Many had drums and they were chanting. All but two of the arrests apparently took place before I arrived; I saw only two people being gently led away to cruisers. These cops are good! They did not rile anybody up or create a riot where none was intended. Praise is undoubtedly due to our new Chief of Police, Lisa Maruzo-Bolduc.
The ones who were arrested had lain in the sidewalk outside the National Guard recruiting office (I read in the Willimantic Chronicle today), which is what their "disorderly conduct" consisted of.
Now, I know they intended to be arrested to make a political point, but goodness, me! What's disorderly about lying down? Everyone knows there is no pedestrian traffic in Willimantic except during the July 4 parade, so they could hardly have been impeding anyone.
Actually, the only impediments to traffic were several police cruisers lined up at the side of the street ready to take on prisoners, and the traffic cones they had placed in the street beside those cruisers. As a result, there was only about 1.5 lanes for 2-way traffic. That slowed down the traffic! The impeded traffic did not seem upset, however; in fact, numerous cars and trucks honked supportively and flashed peace signs at the protesters.
The only one who could have been concerned was National Guard Sgt. Edy Torres, a local recruiter who was quoted in the Willimantic Chronicle as saying he wasn't worried about the protest in part because "the police would be there." I was tickled to read that the U.S.military needs the protection of Willimantic police. But our cops are good -- I would feel safer anywhere knowing they're there, too.
I understand that Mr. Bush has gone into hiding, and all decisinos and announcements are being made by the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Rumsfield. Talk abou having the courage of your convictions! I know of no other American president who has felt it necessary to hide from the enemy -- most likely because none has made war such a personal matter.
You have to admit that Mr. Bush looked terrified during his last public appearance, Monday during his brief war message. Drawn, pale, jaw sharper and chin longer and pointier; and 12 pounds lighter than usual. I wonder if his cabinet starved him into submission . Or did he take a page from Hussein's book and find a couple of stand-ins for himself?
Anyway, we have already lost some of our kids, but only in a helicopter crash. Our government has a lot ot answer for, and it can only get worse.
Palema
3:34 PM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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