Thursday, March 20, 2008

First Amendment Rites

Yesterday, twice as many people as expected showed up at the corner of Orange Grove and Hill to protest five years of war in Iraq.

Grandparents came with adult children and grandchildren. Ronda (above) brought her sons. Everyone came to have their say, in hopes that we never have to attend another anti-war demonstration.

The atmosphere was more hopeful than angry. One reason might have been the overwhelming support from passing motorists; the cacophony of honking was at times almost too much.

I said "almost." This is a post I wish you could hear.

To see more photos from the event, click here. To check out Democracy for America's Pasadena Chapter ('cause they organized this shindig), click here.

17 comments:

JuxtaExposed.com said...

great photo. she looks like shes having fun!

Katie said...

Thanks for all the photos from the demonstration. I'm glad the mood was hopeful and that there was a lot of support from motorists. I had to work so I missed the demonstrations in the Bay Area.

Ken said...

That would be great. Maybe it will happen with the election of your new President.

Thursday Girl/Hollis the Cat said...

Awesome!

Jim Klenke said...

Wonderful photos, I couldnt agree with them more. I dont understand how after 5 years people still think it was the right thing to do.

Petrea Burchard said...

It was fun. Nothing like getting together with like-minded folks to speak your mind, then being reinforced by all those other like-minded folks driving by. It was exhilarating.

Ken: You've said what many Americans fervently hope.

MoveOn.org organized these vigils around the country. If you haven't signed up, check them out online. It's a good place to start.

rondata said...

wow! what a great pix!! hahah ;)

Seda said...
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Seda said...
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Seda said...

It is nice to see some people protesting Bush's foreign policy and unjust war going on. And it is even nicer to see they are doing it with hope rather than hatred or anger.
Seda
Istanbul Photo

Petrea Burchard said...

Seda, these protests happened all over the country on March 19th. The Iraq war is hugely unpopular in the United States. Very few citizens support it anymore.

John Sandel said...

Protesting the war, arguing for social justice, sucking down lattes, blocking traffic—you noisy left-wingers are always in everybody's business …

Hey, wait—I'm one, too!

Petrea Burchard said...

You're right on all points, Bernie, except we didn't block any traffic. We were quite the well-behaved bunch.

Even bus drivers were honking and waving!

freefalling said...

Such a happy looking photo and I liked the others too, on your overflow.
So how long do you think it will be til the troops withdraw?

Petrea Burchard said...

Ararat, I don't know how to answer that. If only it were about what I think.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for being there Petrea... your photos are outstanding. I am on my way to make a sign for the front lawn today, marking the 4,000 soldier lost. I ask you, who'll be the last to die for a mistake?
In peace, Maddie

Petrea Burchard said...

Bless you, Maddie, for all you do. May we have lasting peace soon.