Why the lack of interest in the March in March?

[yasmina27]

I'm amazed at the lack of interest expressed here at DU regarding the march on the Pentagon next weekend. No meet-ups plans, no gathering points, etc.

From all accounts, this seems like it will be bigger than the march in January - which was spectacular!

Freeper-in-charge Jim-bob and his minions are caravaning all the way across the country to "protect the monuments" from the "leftist anarchists" who defaced the Capitol in January (yeah - like we all stormed the capitol, and, unable to gain entry, spray painted horrible messages of communism and whatever other garbage their ferret-brains could manufacture).

Cudos to those who are planning to attend. Our plans are not firm, but we really want to go.

To be honest, most of our family is going out of town for a wedding. We will most likely have to take our daughters, 9 yo and almost 11 (as she prefers:) ) They've been learning about the government and freedom of speech in school, and our original thought was that this would be a perfect example of democracy in action.

But now, with the wackos planning to attend en masse - and it sounds (dare you go tp freeperville?) like there will be alot, I don't want my daughters exposed to any potential violence.

For my DH & I we couldn't give a shit - if they want to give us crap, we'll give it right back at them.

In Jan., by this time, plans were made for a meet-up at the Hawk & Dove on Fri. night.

Are there any plans being made at all, or is this a non-starter for DU this time around?

I am going to cross-post to GN and the DC forum. Please delete if not appropriateWh

[yasmina27]

1. hello?? anybody there?

[sce56]

3. Yes I am here on the Left Coast!

I would love to go to DC but I have to work that weekend like we take down unit 9 once a year to service it and that is when they scheduled it! Even then I would probably only make it to LA or I Guess it will be in Hollywood.

[yasmina27]

5. I love that expression Left Coast!

Utterly appropriate - and thank you!

[frazzledmom]

2. Still have a week, don't worry things will come about

and the freepers? LMAO they'll be lucky to get 50 people, they are always outnumbered by about 10,000 to 1.

[yasmina27]

4. I'm sure you're right

have you been to a march before when they had a "caravan"? Did it turn out to be nothing? I'm looking for a reason to take our girls and if you assure me that it won't be a problem, then I'll believe you (I'll always take a DUer at their word!)

[walldude]

11. I've never had a problem at a protest before

but don't take that to mean one can't pop up. There is always the risk that a couple losers will start something and the cops will overreact.

[yasmina27]

14. Right

That's why I would never go to a protest with my one bil. He cannot keep his mouth shut, regardless, and has been arrested numerous times.

[sce56]

12. At a protest you never know what might happen but that does not stop us!

I was 14 in this march Aug 29 1970 East LA!


here are kids on 27 Jan in Los Angeles!

[yasmina27]

16. I hear you and agree %100

but our girls burst into tears whenever just dh & I fight! (we ARE working on that - tell them that if we cried every time they fight ours eyes would never be dry!).

I'll take part of the blame - I hate confrontation, but if ever a situation calls for confrontation....

[tinfoilinfor2005]

6. Wish I could. Distance and job keep me from joining.

I think it is the same for many others. I wish there were more organized marches around the country in various locations so that people could have more opportunities to demonstrate.

[NoPasaran]

7. I'll hazard a guess or two

First, there already was a big march just a couple of months ago and people may not have the time or funds to travel to another one so soon. This is also the spring break season and a lot of students may have other plans.

Also, I think some people may have gotten a bad taste in their mouth about International ANSWER and they're staying away from this action since it's their event.

[yasmina27]

8. Why is that?

I'll admit I don't know much about them

[NoPasaran]

10. They often bring along a number of other causes

I think if you're going to have a rally calling for the end of the war in Iraq, that's what the rally should focus on... not also be about Palestine, freeing Mumia, and every other left cause that has a bullhorn.

[yasmina27]

13. I agree

but they were there last time

[peace13]

9. My guess is that the DC events will be every bit as big this month.

We were there in January but unfortunately are unable to go next week. I hear what you are saying about the kids. My guess is that if you take them you will be able to judge the crowd before it might get out of control. It seems the wackos run in packs. I think that the average right wing idiot is too lazy to get off of the couch so I wouldn't worry about that. When I went I worried more about the police but as it turned out I should not have worried. If I had my children with me and the police were in riot gear, even if the crowd were calm, I think I would leave the demonstration.

I have to tell you that yesterday we were having a peace vigil on the corner while the Cub Scouts were collecting food for the Food Pantry on the adjacent corner. One of the scouts asked if he could come over and stand with us. His father allowed him to and we gave him a choice of signs...support the troops, honk for peace, the usual affair. He chose ' No More War'. His dad was really beaming at that little guy. It is uplifting to see the young people get involved. I can understand why you would want to have your children experience the upcoming march. Peace and love to you, Kim

[ChiciB1]

21. Thanks For Your Input... I Plan To Use A Loose Leash So We

can stay hooked together. I've been before and was struck by ALL the police standing on the sidelines. And yes, I'll duck or fall back if anything were to happen.

I'm just wondering about this malaise... This March was booked before the one in January and I was torn between the two of them. I do realize that some are turned off about ANSWER, but they have decided to MARCH FIRST this time and then hold the Rally. This is much better because the last one they had got started so very late because of all the speakers.

I know many complained about it, but I feel we need to keep the "heat on" while the flame is still burning. I don't know how much more I can do to pump anyone into going, I've been contacting lots of people here and through emails.

I'm going and if it's a bust, then there's nothing much we can do. It will be a sad commentary though!!!

[peace13]

22. I will think good thoughts for you.

I like the idea of speakers after the march. I feel like the energy is from the average citizens that make their way to DC to stand up for what is right. I really don't care to listen to Jane Fonda or any other celebrity. I think the every day people are what makes these marches impressive! I loved the January event. It was my first time in DC so everything was fresh for me. The people were amazing. I feel alone in my thoughts about this war in my everyday world but when I was in the middle of all of those people it really was an indescribable feeling. Enjoy your trip. Peace on earth, Kim

[ChiciB1]

25. I Certainly Know Exactly What You Mean About Being Among

like-minded "souls" and interacting with others. I too sit alone and blog with my thoughts, some that just drive me crazy at times.

I myself have been to marches before and know the feeling and wanted my granddaughter to see this in action. She is very "pumped" right now and I think the march and staying a little longer will be something she will remember for a very long time. That is, IF we as Americans can get our act together and stop this INSANITY that just keeps rolling along like waves from an ocean!!

It's truly UNBELIEVABLE what seems to be happening DAILY and as a Boomer I have never seen the likes of ANYTHING like this. You almost want to scream or leave the country, I just don't know.... but it just MUST be stopped SOMEHOW!

Thanks again... and PEACE TO YOU!

[ChiciB1]

15. Keeping This Kicked.... I'm Going To Be There... But I Have To Admit

that the "silence" about this one is very disturbing to me. They have decided to start the March at 12:30 PM and have the Rally at the Pentagon. Maybe that will help, but I don't know how many people actually know about this change in plans. I know because I get updates.

I'm bringing my granddaughter who is 11 and really would love to see some REAL activism. I am sure it's a combination of the two Marches being so close together, with many choosing the one in January because they have problems with ANSWER!

But I had already committed to this one and will fly in and stay until the 20th! Let's keep this front and center anyway!

[yasmina27]

17. Alright Chici!

Where are you staying? Sounds like maybe our girls could hang out together and make some REAL noise!

[ChiciB1]

20. Booked A Hotel In CollegePark... I Got Antsy About Getting A Place To

stay and as the prices kept going up I went ahead and booked way back on Februray 12th or 15th. We will be using the Metro to commute and will fly into Reagan Intnl' on Friday morning.

It would be nice to hook up with someone her age. We can get connected by cell phone if you would like. As it is, I just figured I would hook up with someone, somehow since we will be coming in alone.

We're staying a little longer so she can see some of the sights. The Smithsonians or whatever she finds interesting.

Twice before I waited til the last minute and it was so rush-rush and I had to come back to Florida the very next day.

[Blue_In_AK]

18. I came down in January

and can't afford another trip so soon, but we will be gathering with activists here in Anchorage for a rally and march from 1-4 on Saturday. :)

[EFerrari]

19. I'm going local for this one because I live in Nancy's district

and think we need to organize San Francisco a bit better.

But, I'll be with you guys in spirit! :hi:

:kick:

[Atman]

23. I support a DU non-binding resolution saying we support the idea of a march

Then we can send a strongly worded message to the Pentagon that if this had been a REAL march, boy-o-boy, would they be sorry.

.

[bdamomma]

24. I went to my first in Sept. 2005 in DC, missed January 2007

and I will be at this one with my son, I will not miss it, too many things are happening. And I just want these suckers know that I care about my country. They are not listening to us, it's disgusting and I'm tired of being ignored.

[Dr Fate]

26. I'm trying to get into a focus group- so that DEMS will actually listen to me.

If I keep going to these marches, I wont be "mainstream" enough to be in a focus group, and therefore no DEMS will ever listen to my opinions...

Believe me, I'm doing it all for the greater good...

;)

But seriously- I spend what little time for activism I have doing local party building, voter registration & such...

[ChiciB1]

29. I DO Understand Exactly What You're Saying... And I Will Admit That

part of me thinks the expense of going to D.C. is like "spittin in the wind" because I most certainly am not affluent by any stretch. As a Boomer, I feel an obligation to those who will come after us. That our intentions are based on a what we were taught about Democracy. Granted, what we see today is not a reality I understand, but I want my children and grand children to know that I did try to make a difference.

Many times I think about what their reality will be when they reach my age (which is 60) and it boggles my mind. Too many may not even remember the story about "Little Black Sambo" and this isn't a racist comment, it could be a "purple" person for all I care, but just running around that tree forever and forever until you make butter, is sheer stupidity.

This is the stuff they taught me as I grew up and to this day I find it absurd in some crazy way. GET OFF THE DIME... THEY LIE, PEOPLE DIE!

I too work locally, but given where I live, I need my batteries re-generated by being with people who know and understand the intensity of my convictions. Living in Florida in and of itself is a bit depressing, but living in the county that was represented by Cruella The Witch is almost TOO depressing. In SIX SHORT years, The Decider has ruined almost all I thought America was all about! He and his HENCHMEN, or HIS HENCHMEN AND HE have made this place a bitter pill to swallow! I grant you, my budget is being stretched but this may be my last opportunity to make my voice heard. And I most certainly understand why so many can't afford to be there. There are days I wake up and say, just ZAP me and take me away, this mess is just TOO MUCH TO HANDLE, but the powers that be have not decided "it's time for me to go!" Does it mean I have something to offer, or does it just mean life goes on... I don't know. I do believe in re-incarnation and perhaps this is what I'm supposed to learn this time around.

If I can pass just a little bit of what "My America" meant to me on to the next generation then perhaps I've done something, however minuscule it may seem to others. And it's not just about AMERICA, it's about HUMANITY and what we feel we can contribute to it. And yes, my heart DOES bleed! Isn't it sad that one might feel they have to feel shame for having a bleeding heart???

For now, it floats my boat, tomorrow I may feel I was a fool!

[kestrel91316]

27. I have an excuse. I live in Los Angeles. The Pentagon isn't

within commuting distance.

[brettdale]

28. I think people may feel defeated

No matter how the march goes, even if a million people show up the only coverage it will get in the MSM, is a story of two protesters vandalizing something and they will say that the crowd numbers were only about a 1000 people.