Busted in DC

The big story was that Cindy Sheehan was arrested.

The other, bigger part of the story was that some 369 others were also arrested. In my estimation, this number represents about one-half of those who turned out to protest today. The rest were behind a police barricade choosing not to be arrested. That makes today's protest, an auxiliary to Saturday's march, bigger than the whole pro-war rally Sunday. Hell, there were more ARRESTED today than showed up for the pro-war counter rally yesterday.

Also note that earlier today, a large group of Gold Star Mom's met with Representatives and Senators from their various states to let their feelings be known. Today's activities mark the end of three days of rallies, protests, civil disobedience, meetings with representatives, trainings, and vigils. I spoke with a representative of Cindy Sheehan who informed me that Cindy's intent is to continue on a bus tour across the country, trying to gain support for the anti-war cause. Tomorrow, she is scheduled to speak at the University of Maryland.

Here are pics of today's event. Please note all the "fringy" radicals in the group arrested:

Click each picture for enlargment


Buses were pulled in front of the protestors to block the visual of the protest and the arrests. There were, however media cordoned off to the right.


A WWII veteran being arrested. Note the purple heart. Yesterday, he carried a sign that proclaimed "I Didn't Fight in WWII For This", in reference to the war in Iraq.


Scary characters threatening the White House. Also note how fringy they are.


This picture is looking back across the barricade at the "arrestee" group. There were at least as many behind me in this pic who were not to be arrested.



Code Pink. God Bless em'.

Watch out!


Does this woman look like anything but a grandmother from Indiana?


Another


Code Pinkers, Iraq Vets, and Gold Star moms.


Speaks for itself.

Heading home tomorrow. I'm exhausted. Frustrated with some fellow Democrats, especially the bloggers who have proclaimed themselves progressives. However, I was also energized by seeing the National Holocaust Museum, The American History Museum, all various monuments, Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln Museum (a must see), and the spirit of so many regular folks willing to talk with their feet.

We'll keep pitching until there's no choice but for all to admit that the Iraq War was.... is a mistake. The die was cast when we went in, and we really don't have much control over the inevitable results be they a theocracy, democratic state, civil war, or split state.