A.N.S.W.E.R. gets fantastic inaugural parade route protest spot!

[politicaholic]

:grouphug:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1151&slug=Inauguration%20Protests&dpfrom=1


Protesters get prime spot for inauguration

By SAM HANANEL
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- The National Park Service has agreed to give thousands of anti-war demonstrators a prime spot along President Bush's inaugural parade route that will allow them to protest during the procession.

The anti-war group A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition is planning to erect its own bleachers in the space, an open plaza on Pennsylvania Ave., just a few blocks from the Capitol building, said Brian Becker, national coordinator for the group. The bleachers could seat up to 1,000 people and the park service estimates up to 10,000 could fill the space standing shoulder to shoulder.

"I don't think it's ever happened in history that the anti-war movement has ever been able to have this kind of setup," Becker said.

-snip-

The presidential motorcade carrying Bush will pass directly in front of the protesters' bleachers, which will be across the street from other bleachers set up by the official inaugural committee. The plaza, between the federal courthouse and the Canadian embassy, runs about 240 feet along the historic street that stretches from the Capitol to the White House.

-snip-

The A.N.S.W.E.R. coalition plans to host military families with members in Iraq or whose children have been killed there, as well as veterans and anti-war activists from around the country.

-snip-

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Damn! I wish I were pertinant in some way, but...

THIS SOOOOOO ROCKS!!!!
:headbang:

[mattclearing]

1. Looks like a setup to me.

Do you honestly think the free speech zone is near the motorcade for any good reason?

I've got a baaaad feeling about this.

[babylonsister]

4. I thought the same thing when I read about this

this morning. Why all of a sudden are the repugs being so 'generous'?

[sandnsea]

7. The answer is A.N.S.W.E.R.

Bunch of socialist kooks, nothing more. Go back to sleep America.

[mattclearing]

8. I know ANSWER has some serious issues, but they give good protest.

Yes, ANSWER supports shady characters and are governed by a collection of extremists, but they put on great big tent protests against the Iraq War before it happened, and I'm sure they will have a massive demonstration ready for W.

When was the last time you got 100,000 people together to protest the Bush Administration?

[sandnsea]

13. See #12

And I'm sure they'll be slaughtered in the media, just the way they were before the war.

[David__77]

9. I hope you're joking.

ANSWER, whether "communist" or not, has had tremendous political courage in speaking out against US aggression when few others would do so unequivically. We need make no apologies for 100% condemning the criminal, immoral and unjust wars or aggression.

[sandnsea]

12. And they're always ridiculed

Fairly or not. But it's exactly why they're the ones getting visibility. Just wait and see how the media reports it.

[rzemanfl]

18. If it is not a trap, then it is the designated freak show for

the major media to report on. I think the use of the word "setup" rather than location, site or accomodation is a subtle hint. Change the words just a little "I don't think any other group has been set up like this."

[David__77]

19. Being right is more important than not being ridiculed.

I hope that the message of anti-imperialism gets as much exposure as possible. It's not "moderate liberals" that are going to stop this madness, it will be a revitalized militant left force with its eye on power.

[gorbal]

22. Your so right

I was at the last answer protest in DC, so you could be talking about me. I guess I'm a kook and a crazy then.

One thing I did note about the rally, I did not see any violence between police and the protestors because Answer does most of it's own security.

I have video footage of bumping into Viggo Mortensen, it was funny. I think I let my brother borrow it.

:)

[CWebster]

20. Yeah, who needs Republicans trashing the largest INTERNATIONAL

organizers of peace demonstrations.

[sandnsea]

21. That's what the media will say

Sorry if you don't like it, but they will. I wouldn't call this a success if I were party of A.N.S.W.E.R. It's a set up, as others seem to be able to understand as well.

[rzemanfl]

11. It is absolutely a setup.

I hope they have gas masks and medics. I am sure they have been or will be infiltrated. Ever hear of a "police riot?" There were plenty of them in the 1960's. These folks should quietly decline this trap, which will only serve a publicity stunt for * and an excuse for more oppression and get a lot of folks hurt.

[ChickMagic]

2. I wonder if it's a trap

:tinfoilhat:
I can't believe I've gotten that cynical.

[cornermouse]

3. "Protesters get prime spot for inauguration"

I suggest you consider who's giving it to you, and start asking yourself why. There's always an ulterior motive with them. Always.

[diamond14]

5. once upon a time, those against WAR did not get PERMITS to protest

it sounds like some kind of oxymoron...PERMITS to PROTEST...


sort of self-defeating, isn't it? The bush* wars will never be stopped by PERMITTED seating arrangements...WHERE's the OUTRAGE???


John Kerry didn't get a permit to protest on the National Mall with the Vietnam Veterans Against the WAR....no way....


no permits here...



no permits here....Logan Statue in Chicago, 1968...

[HeeBGBz]

6. Is this the section

Where all those troops have their grenade launchers targeted?

Geez, I wish I could go.

[IronLionZion]

10. I'm seriously thinking about going with my local antiwar group

anyone here going too? :toast:

[Plaid Adder]

14. I am not a tinfoil person.

But even I have to wonder about this. It seems so out of character for this administration.

Well, bookmark this thread, and if there's some kind of Incident, we'll say we called it first.

Sigh,

The Plaid Adder

[Swamp Rat]

15. This is great IF the motorcade passes that way...

Is it possible for the presidential motocade to go in a different direction? Maybe the Freepers will receive the latest intel from the alien lizard RoveBots. ;)

Follow the Red Commie Bushevik Tigger:

[candle_bright]

16. What if they didn't get it?

ANSWER applied for the permit and got it, and that's a trap?

What if the permit had been denied?

What if it gets revoked before the 20th?

My point is that it seems like any outcome would be viewed as some underhanded plot, instead of just what it is. They asked for the permit, and got it. Period.

[karlrschneider]

17. Beware geeks bearing gifts...

:eyes: