298,144,215 Decide to Not Protest Iraq War This Weekend in D.C.
Antiwar Protesters Target Congress - Christian Science Monitor.
Quote:
Organizers expect more than 300,000 people to converge in Washington this weekend seeking more than resolutions.
When thousands of Iraq war protesters gather in Washington Saturday, their chants and amplified speeches are likely to be heard inside the secure grounds of the White House where the commander in chief has made his case for sending more troops into combat.
But the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue -- the Capitol and the Democratic-led Congress -- is where they most aim their message.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the main political target. War protesters want something tougher than nonbinding resolutions opposing the "surge" in additional US forces. Some want hearings on the controversial basis for the war itself, perhaps leading to the impeachment of President Bush...
Here I Thought It Was Coming From
Lack of attachment to reality
Speaking as someone who was heavily involved with questioning the original invasion of Iraq in 2003 -- I spoke at the big antiwar protest in October 02 -- I can say what you're seeing with the people still protesting is a complete disconnect from reality. On both sides of the political battle people circle the wagons, reading news only from people who already agree with them, so they tend to get further and further from the truth because their only sources are extremists. Too many people are still quoting to me the idea that if we just leave, the Iraqis will make up and establish a nice peaceful country in our absense.
It's the same folks who use the term "resistence fighters" instead of "terrorists." For my part, once you start blowing up civilians in markets and executing barbers, you've gone way beyond the level of a "resistance fighter."
America already protested
The only real protest that counts is our elections, and America did express discontent for the way the war was being managed. However, when you dive into the large number of folks who don't like the war, you'll probably find a large percentage, while not pro-war (that has an ugly ring to it), are not against fighting for our national interests, and for humanitarian reasons, and Iraq fall under both categories now. Many so called anti-war protesters just want to see an intelligent strategy, they are not for the most part misguided Jane Fondas want a bes, although there is a percentage and of course you find them on certain websites, and make posts here that convey a picture that the sky is falling, but that is far from the truth.
I think we do our fellow country men and women a disservice when we simply divide America into two camps, pro-war and anti-war. It kills any potential intellectual discussion about it.
Tomorrow we celebrate the ideas that make our country great, and one of them is the freedom of speech, so everyone have a Happy 4th of July, especially those of you out there fighting for our freedom. God bless!