When is the next antiwar protest in DC?

[RagingInMiami]

If there is not one planned, we need to plan one. We need to keep the momentum going. This is just building up. We can't stop now.

[txaslftist]

1. Agreed! Let's have another one without ANSWER, though.

[Melodybe]

34. I'm trying to get people together for a Millions Against the Media March

We should have another peace protest for the anniversary of the war next year.

[Ladyhawk]

39. Was this symbolman's idea? n/t

[SlowDownFast]

61. YES. Symbolman sayz he got contacts.

A whole 'rolladex' full of 'em.

And he says he'd be willing to go full time in pursuit of organizing one minus ANSWER.

[Dastard Stepchild]

52. I would be all for Millions Against the Media March

If you have any info on this, PM me with details. It is an excellent idea.

[librechik]

72. I'm there too.

and I'm IN the media...

Let's get MoveOn and PFAW to help us. We shouldn't have to do it alone, nad we shouldn't have to do it with ANSWER.

[Dastard Stepchild]

76. I can think of so many people that would support this...

Back when I had a little more time on my hands, I would attend the Allied Media Conference. I had it in my head that I wanted to do graduate work in Media Studies. I didn't quite follow that path, but it is an area that has always been of great interest to me.

[Donailin]

55. you have to do this discretely

first you quietly get the permit. Do NOT let anyone know when or where because if word gets out ANSWER will jump on it and beat you to the punch then force you to share.

[librechik]

73. good advice n/t

[moddemny]

41. Good Idea.........

Dump ANSWER.

[OhioChick]

2. I agree with you..........

We need to have them frequently now while the pressure is on.

[Mr_Spock]

3. Yeah, I want to go next time.

Keep it going!

[EstimatedProphet]

4. Hopefully soon

Let's start one

[libnnc]

5. I say we encourage Code Pink and Veterans for Peace

to organize another protest. I mean really, how much does it cost?

[Democrat 4 Ever]

10. The night of the State of the Union.

1 - Chimpy has to be in town for the event so not running and hiding. I'm sure there have been several years where the Chimpmeister has wanted to phone it in but his handlers realize that is too over the top - even for this a$$wipe. So he'll be in town. So will all of Congress, the Supreme Court and all the other reich wing jerks who support this bunch of thugs. They all ran last weekend. Either they show up and run the gauntlet or let the TV cameras pan an empty hall.

2 - The weather will be cold but with a crowd of 300,000 we can generate our own heat. We can't worry about discomfit as long as there is one single soldier still dodging bullets in Iraq. Plus it will certainly keep the riffraff freepers home in their jammies waiting for Mommy to make cocoa. The only reason they managed to get 200 people out yesterday was that the weather was half way decent. Cold, snow, sleet, rain - don't count on them. They are strictly armchair activists when the rubber hits the road.

3 - Marching during the State of the Union, blocking traffic, would say much, much more than Chimpy could possibly dream up to say inside the Capital. Would negate any "message" he and Rove could dream up.

State of the Union - let's shoot for 500,000.

[RagingInMiami]

11. And the world will be watching

That sounds like a perfect time. And it gives people a few months to prepare, but not so much time where we lose momentum.

What is the exact date of the State of the Union?

[EstimatedProphet]

12. That is a good idea

And DC's usually not that cold. The Coronation protest wasn't so bad...

[crispini]

14. Perfect!

When is it again? February?

[Democrat 4 Ever]

15. January 20th or around that date use to be set aside for the State of the

Union. I think it has slipped into February the last few years for some reason. Shouldn't be too hard to find out the date. The only thing working against a huge crowd would be if it is a weekday. Really hard for working people to get off mid-week. But, maybe, with enough advance notice we could get this done. Vacation time (Sick time? Like I'm really sick of Chimpy...) for DC in the winter sounds fun.

Anybody know for sure if the State of the Union has been scheduled yet?

[crispini]

17. Oh, it'll definitely be a weekday.

But remember, we're all professional protesters here, right, we don't actually have REAL jobs so that won't be a problem! :sarcasm: :silly:

Weekend would definitely be better. But I agree with you that scheduling it on the same day as SOTU would be GREAT press.

Past dates of SOTU:
January 29, 2002
Jan 28, 2003
Jan 20, 2004
Feb 2, 2005

Edited to add: From FAQ's on the State of the Union:

Today, the annual State of the Union Message is usuallydelivered bythe Presidentat an evening joint session of Congress during the second, third, or fourth week ofJanuary. However, some Presidents have chosen not to deliver a State of the UnionMessage the year they were inaugurated, or, in some cases, in the January just prior totheir departure from office. Now broadcast and web cast to a “prime time” national andinternational audience, the address serves several functions: as a report to Congress andthe nation on national conditions; as a platform to announce and rally support for thePresident’s legislative agenda for the coming year; and as a unique opportunity for thechief executive to convey personally his vision for the nation to Congress and theAmerican people. In order to ensure continuityof government, one cabinet officer and,as of 2003, selected Members of Congress, are absent from the Capitol during the address.

From

http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RS20021.pdf

[helderheid]

23. PERFECT - you're brilliant!

[Mutley]

27. That is perfect.

I would not be surprised if something is already in the works. Hasn't there been some sort of demonstration every year during the State of the Union?

[sproutster]

45. Count me in

[Justpat]

24. I think we should organize it ourselves.

I'm in for this one. I'll do whatever to takes to get it off the
ground.

[helderheid]

26. we can raise the money - no doubt. Andy would be proud.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

37. code pink does excellent events

their kick-off in march 2003 was awesome

[Donailin]

56. IMPEACHBUSH.ORG

because in my opinion, it's the only issue that matters anymore, everything else falls under that one objective

[Tesha]

69. Hundreds of thousands of dollars. (NT)

[mshasta]

6. on the "the day of the death"

that will be the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

please lets have remember our death they way other cultures do like in Mexico "el dia the los muertos" is about remembering that our death still with us. .in spirit...and it is a constant remainder to this administration...

[KyndCulture]

7. Nov. 2nd its supposed to be a "sick of bush" call out of work day.

And vigils, but I don't know who is sponsoring it.

[NMMNG]

20. World Can't Wait

It's a huge undertaking, and they are looking for it to be nationwide if at all possible. So far organized marches/walk-outs are set up in about 17 states:

World Can't Wait

[crispini]

28. Nov. 2 is election day for a lot of people.

That's a bad choice of date, IMO. I have to work a polling place. However, I guess not everyone does, eh?

Edited to add: No it's not! MY bad!!!

[RagingInMiami]

42. Thanks for the link

I'm going to try to organize a local chapter in Miami because the only one in Florida is in Orlando.

I really think that the next step is to coordinate and organize events with all the various anti-Bush groups out there.

[NMMNG]

63. Good for you!

I wish I had one going on near me. Unfortunately with two jobs running 7 days a week I really wouldn't have the time to organize one. Even attending one would be a bit of a stretch, but I could probably manage that. Hopefully something will change in the meantime.

[mshasta]

8. kick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:kick:

[adubadee]

9. I believe there is still one going on

in front of the white house, which will continue indefinitely, or as long as able. Cindy's arrest could be a bad sign.

[RagingInMiami]

13. Or Cindy's arrest might work in our favor

I was listening to the radio in my car just now, and ABC News reported the incident.

The reporter said that "Cindy Sheehan had a permit to march, but not to sit" which is why she got arrested. It's almost like calling the law enforcement out on its own hypocrisy.

[Cleita]

16. Those who can really need to protest every weekend.

They can't arrest everyone if there are a lot of people there. I agree our side needs to keep the momentum up.

[crispini]

18. Can we join up with UFPJ?

RIM (or anyone) do we have any contacts with them?

[RagingInMiami]

19. I don't have any contacts with them, as far as I know

But I am going to meet with some local activists this week who might be able to help.

I will do whatever I can to help organize another protest.

[crispini]

22. Local, but you're Florida right?

We need to get working on permits right away so we could really use contacts in DC to spearhead that. If we go with the "State of the Union" idea it might be even better to have it outside Congress.

I'm guessing that separate permits are required for march vs. rally (stage) so it might be simpler to just march. AND, if there is no stage, that would do a lot WRT the issue that we've heard so much here about on DU over the last few days -- message.

I really like the State of the Union idea above. That would be about the right timeframe, too, we'd have Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan to work on it.

[RagingInMiami]

32. Yes, I'm in Miami

I think we all need to work at the local levels as well as the national level. But I wouldn't even know where to begin about applying for permits.

I am a writer by trade so I'll be happy to write letters to whomever to get it started, whether it be to other democratic and antiwar groups, bureaucratics in DC or to newspaper editorial boards.

What if Democtratic Underground applies for the permit?

[crispini]

33. Now THAT would be interesting.

Ping Skinner, why don't you? Also, you might try UFPJ.

I'm just now leaving for the day but I looked around on DC's website and found this:

http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1241,q,548264,mpdcNav_GID,1523,mpdcNav,|.asp

Looks interesting.

Edited to add: Link doesn't work! I just went to this website: http://dc.gov/

and I put "permit" in the search box and clicked on the link for "How do I get a special event permit?" Seems like that would be a good place to start research.

Gotta run, type atcha later.

[crispini]

47. Ok, here is the deal WRT permits:

Snipped from the web page.

What is required to hold a special event?


As an event planner, you are required to meet with the Special Events Task Group at least 60 days prior to your proposed event. Due to the large number of events held in Washington, DC, and the District's extensive regulations that govern event planning, you should contact the Task Force at least 120 days in advance of an event. For parades, demonstrations, and other permits controlled by the Metropolitan Police Department, you can initiate this notification by completing the appropriate forms (see below) and mailing them to the MPDC's Special Operations Division. Contact the DCEMA at [phone].

At the Task Force meeting, you will be required to produce 12 copies of your plan of action and make a presentation covering the event. The Task Group consists of representatives from the following District of Columbia agencies:

Department of Administrative Services
Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Office of Tax and Revenue
DC Committee to Promote Washington
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Emergency Management Agency
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
Department of Human Services
Mayor's Office of Communications
Metropolitan Police Department (Special Operations Division)
Department of Parks and Recreation
Department of Public Works
Office of the Secretary
If the event involves the use of, or is in close proximity to, federal property, representatives from the National Park Service and other appropriate agencies of the US Government will be invited to participate in the Task Group.

Representatives from the following agencies and organizations may also be invited to participate in the Task Group:

District of Columbia Chapter of the American Red Cross
District of Columbia Armory
District of Columbia Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board
District of Columbia National Guard
District of Columbia Public Schools
Washington Convention Center

Permits and Licenses


Following the Special Events Task Group meeting, agencies that issue permits and licenses for different aspects of a special event are your next priority. Read a brief overview of the agencies and their jurisdictional responsibilities.


More Information


If you are still in doubt as to whether you proposed activity is a "special event" and exactly what is required, ask yourself the following questions:

Is the activity open to the public?
Are there any aspects of the activity that involve special features or additions such as music, amusements rides, pyrotechnics, etc.?
Does the activity require a temporary street closing?
Even if the activity will be held primarily on private space, will some aspects spill on to the public space?
Is there a remote chance that the safety and welfare of the participants and/or the residents of the District of Columbia may be affected if certain aspects of the activity are not properly constructed, installed, or handled -- for example, food, electrical wiring, booths, generators, propane?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the activity is probably a special event and will require some type of permit.

Based on that I think that we really need someone who is IN Washington to really effectively do this thing.

Thoughts?

[RagingInMiami]

48. I sent Skinner a PM

Asking what are the chances of DU become an official organizer of the event.

He lives in DC, is a level-headed guy and understands the process so maybe he'll be up for it.

[helderheid]

21. We need to plan a protest by picketing all the MSM outlets too

[kster]

57. YES! In every state at every outllet across the country

every day until they stop their b*llshit. Take turns picketing.

[Mutley]

25. I think that is a great idea.

I would go.

[crispini]

29. Nominated

[crispini]

30. Nominated

[qanda]

31. Hey RaginInMiami!

You are the only DUer I got to meet at the march. I hope you had a wonderful time. I thought it was a fantastic exercise in Democracy and you are right that we need to keep this going. It was nice to meet you. Take care!

[helderheid]

35. kick

[WolverineDG]

36. 50th anniversary of the bus boycott

according to world can't wait, that's december 1, 2005. they're calling for a national strike on that day (since it's a workday). what about the following saturday (or is that too soon)?

dg

[bear425]

38. I saw your picture and I thought, dang, if I knew you were going...

I would have hitched a ride with ya. Remember me from the DU Meetup at the Downtowner? That was a fun night.

I couldn't go to DC because of family issues, but I would have loved to have been there. You're lucky. :)

[RagingInMiami]

40. Of course I remember you from the South Florida meetup

How can I forget such a pretty face?

I didn't drive up there because it was cheaper and more convenient for me to fly. But if we get another protest scheduled, maybe we can get a big group of south Floridians to drive up there. That would be fun.

[bear425]

43. Why, thank you!

:blush:

I would definitely be interested in going. I participated locally at the vigil for Cindy Sheehan at the Federal building in Ft. Lauderdale recentely. Broward's anti-war group is there every friday night at quitting time. I'll be doing that in the mean time. Take care!

[Hissyspit]

44. I'm with you Raging. It was a great experience and I wish we didn't

need another, but we will. Don't let anyone tell you it wasn't a success, though.

Glad to meet you. Sorry I missed the After-Protest Parties!

[Twist_U_Up]

46. Nov 4th 2005 - Anniversary of Election Fraud

[toymachines]

49. Drive out the Bush Regime! Nov 2nd

I got this flyer in San Diego on saturday. http://www.worldcantwait.org is sponsoring it.
They are based in LA so I suppose it will at least be regional.
It should be National!

[Twist_U_Up]

50. I saw alot of their signs at the protest

Looks like they have some #s

[crispini]

I've been looking at their website and they look like

they're worth getting behind.....

[toymachines]

53. I agree

Also, Nov 2nd seems like a good time period between large rallies.

[many a good man]

51. Last year there was a candlelight vigil along the motorcade route

between WH and Capitol. A thousand candles, one for each fallen soldier. Didn't get covered by TV so I guess its like it never happened.

[KittyWampus]

77. Love to see a pix of that. Sorry to say, I hadn't heard it happened

til your post.

Must have been beautiful and powerful.

[Donailin]

54. why can't DU and DK and every other progressive blog and website

organize one? I can't take anymore ANSWER and UFP. Let's ask ImpeachBush.Org to organize. That should be the SOLE issue.

[crispini]

58. The biggest thing is, we need someone with boots on the ground

in Washington to take point. Do you know someone at ImpeachBush.org? Maybe you could contact them and ask them about the idea.

[ima_sinnic]

59. er, ImpeachBush.org is Ramsey Clark's group, isn't it?

no matter where you turn in the antiBush world you are going to run into ANSWER. if you can't lick em, join em! :eyes:

[crispini]

60. LOL! I don't know, is it!

that's funny. :7

[RagingInMiami]

62. Well, Saturday's protest was a huge success despite

The involvement of ANSWER and Impeachbush.org. So I hope they organize more protests.

I won't be missing the ANSWER haters who sat on their asses at home while we marched. Fuck them.

This is about the United States. Not Isreal.

[Donailin]

64. I was there too

and I'm not an answer hater, but they are food for fodder and they seem to keep any mainstream dems from aligning themselves with the the voters against Bush. <---what a pathetic statement, but true nevertheless.

[ima_sinnic]

67. I believe ImpeachBush.org had a strong presence at the march,

judging from what they're saying on their website. I back their mission 100% and they have more than a half million signatures now. Clark's Articles of Impeachment are still the gold standard as far as I'm concerned. I also agree 100% about the ANSWER haters. The idea is to rally as many people as possible against BushCo. The RW loves to see us bickering among ourselves. Let the divisive ones sit it out, we are plenty strong without them.

[nadinbrzezinski]

65. Don't give teh date yet until the date is firmed up with

permits, after that we can start pushing after we get the agenda...

Take the media back... gee taht has been one of my favorite issues.

[B Calm]

66. I'm hoping people will protest this war everyday and the crowds

in front of the white house grow bigger until this filthy crime family is ran out of office!

[ima_sinnic]

68. yes, good idea! why don't we just consider it an ongoing thing?

and then plan periodic major rallies?

[crispini]

70. Kick

I wanna see this thread take off!

[ima_sinnic]

71. kick to keep this thread alive

[EstimatedProphet]

74. I think the idea of a protest against the media is a very good one

They say that only 30 people showed up?!? Let's show them what 500,000 look like AGAIN! That, along with protesting the SOTU speech...

[EstimatedProphet]

75. Points to consider-from another thread

1. In another thread there was discussion about starting another protest, and one of the dates suggested was for the State of the Union Address. Do we have any other suggestions for a date? We can plan for the SOTU Address, and if it's in the middle of the week, we could start the Saturday before. Protesting the SOTU I think would be a good setting, since it will be a year after the Coronation.
Looks like this is already being solved.

2. How do we find a sponsor? I assume UFPJ might like to be involved, especially since ANSWER got the lion's share of publicity this past weekend.

3. We will need to see about permits and legalities. It would be best for someone from DC to do that.

4. We need to see about arranging more publicity. That unfortunately was lacking this last time (although word still did get out, and there was coverage). We did make use of blogs and left-leaning media, but hopefully we can do better.

[RagingInMiami]

78. I also think we need to get more veterans involved in the next march

There are at least two veteran antiwar groups out there, Iraqi Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.

A DU member, LiberalIraqVet26, marched with IVAW on Saturday. He may be able to help us spread the word.

And I have a contact down here who has been talking to one of the main guys from Veterans for Peace.

And the veterans need to be leading the march this time around. We will force the world to notice.