18 November 2005
NYC
A group of activists marched from Washington Sq. Park to a military recruiting station on 22nd St at 7th Ave to protest the war in Iraq. The group carried coffins draped in US flags and black cloth to protest the deaths of the US led invasion.
The New York City Local of the War Resisters League organized the unpermitted march which used the sidewalk. Police stopped traffic along the way allowing the procession to move freely and often against the lights. After remaining in front of the recruiting center for a few minutes, the group walked back down to Washington Sq.
The march was one of a number of nonviolent resistance events held across the country today coordinated by the National Call for Nonviolent Resistance. Today being called "National Stand Down Day."
Newswire call by the WRL:
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2005/11/60407.shtml
NYC
A group of activists marched from Washington Sq. Park to a military recruiting station on 22nd St at 7th Ave to protest the war in Iraq. The group carried coffins draped in US flags and black cloth to protest the deaths of the US led invasion.
The New York City Local of the War Resisters League organized the unpermitted march which used the sidewalk. Police stopped traffic along the way allowing the procession to move freely and often against the lights. After remaining in front of the recruiting center for a few minutes, the group walked back down to Washington Sq.
The march was one of a number of nonviolent resistance events held across the country today coordinated by the National Call for Nonviolent Resistance. Today being called "National Stand Down Day."
Newswire call by the WRL:
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2005/11/60407.shtml
...
Nov 19, 2005 01:28AM EST
good job, this war is clearly just a few more flag-draped-coffin-processions away from being halted for good!!
What stops war?
Nov 19, 2005 10:27AM EST
A member of the audience (at Bluestockings): "Brian, what really stopped
the Viet Nam war?"
Brian Flanagan (Weather Underground): "Body bags."
The cardboard props remind us that the government is sending war dead back to the US on a NIGHTLY basis - in an attempt to keep the pine boxes out of sight. It is my view that this form of symbolism (paper coffins) is useful and effective. The response from the people on the street (6th Avenue) last night was incredible. I am not a huge fan of props and I prefer direct action to symbolic acts but this particular bit of theatre is effective. I know, I was there. I heard the comments.
Small boy, to his mother: "Are there really dead people in those coffins?"
Cynicism is stylish but I find it far more boring than activism. I got no problem with anyone who is trying to do something. I pity those who do nothing in the face of an urgent need to stop the war, to smash capital and the bring down the state. It's a long struggle - and I'm not certain that stylish poses and slamming those who are doing something is helpful.