It sounds like the DC Peace Rally kept ANSWER to a small venue

[zulchzulu]

I couldn't make the rally in DC and had trepidations about how A.N.S.W.E.R. would send a message that watered down the real intentions of the march.

I've been to a few peace marches before and during the Bush Crime Family Iraq wars in the early 1990's and 2002-3 and whenever A.N.S.W.E.R. was allowed to fully let loose with speakers on other agendas (Philippines, Marxism, Palestinian struggle, sexism, immigrants' rights, LGBT rights, Cuba/Castro, Mumia, death penalty...), it took time and focus away from the message. These marches were in NYC, DC and SF. While I agree on 90% of the issues the speakers would talk about, it just made the whole event muddled. So many people from all walks of life and even political persuasions would show up at these rallies and wonder why someone was talking about how evil Israel is for 20 minutes followed by someone else with another issue not related to the war.

From what I've read on a lot of the posts from people who made it to DC (thanks for getting yourselves there), it sounds like A.N.S.W.E.R. had a fairly minor presence. Yes, CSPAN played a lot of the Palestinian and Arab speakers on their stage, but it sounds like it was not the main focus of the event.

DFA, AirAmerica, MoveOn and others (progressive Christian groups!) need to fill an alternative to A.N.S.W.E.R.-sponsored marches in the future, if only to show that A.N.S.W.E.R. does not always have to be the answer when it comes to peace marches.

I'd be glad to help out in any way I can. And for those that made it to DC or any other town to protest....thanks!

[John Q. Citizen]

1. Actually, ANSWER was everywhere helping out. They were great.

Too bad you missed it.

[Erika]

3. I was impressed by ANSWER's speech

The guy did a great job. Unfortunately, I was only able to see it on CSpan.

[rodeodance]

4. ANSWER was a lauching pad for the march. Nothing wrong with that.

[GetTheRightVote]

2. U R Welcome but to me it is a service I must do, to serve my community

and those who could not attend, I represented you, especially DU !!

I have no greater wish in this world but to end this war and all unnessary wars everywhere and anywhere. Hate is not the answer only love returns results. No, I am not a hippy but I do not mind them either. Whom ever or what ever puts up a fight against this evil government/admin has my vote and presence. We must stop them at all cost and it can not be soon enough for me ever....

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[OKDem08]

5. I was there on the ellipse

& the crowd was huge; however, once the topic swayed to Palestine and other issues, several people shouted out in opposition and there was a mass exodus at that point to join the march.

[John Q. Citizen]

6. Well the issue of peace and justice for Palastinians is apparently

controversial.

I figure they are people too.

Some people feel they are less than human. So what else is new?