Hundreds rally in St. Petersburg
by Carol Schiffler
St. Petersburg - On March 17, 2007, a coalition of concerned individuals representing approximately twenty different Tampa Bay area peace and social justice groups gathered in Williams Park in St. Petersburg to mark the 4th anniversary of the war in Iraq and to express their intense opposition to continued U.S. occupation of the region. Along with the many groups that attended, were numerous unaffiliated individuals who answered the call to conscience – approximately 500 who attended in St. Petersburg alone. Neighboring Lakeland and Sarasota also held events in solidarity with anti-war activists all across the state and all across the country.
As with past events, this one contained two types of demonstrations – the first was a demonstration of the type of inclusive, compassionate culture we would like to replace the current corporation-dominated one. A diverse group participated in the day’s activities, which included music, tabling, sign-making, sidewalk chalking, face painting (for young and old alike) and an enthusiastic drum circle. Food Not Bombs provided free juice and snacks throughout the day. The second demonstration was one of vigorous opposition to the war itself and culminated in a march and protest in downtown St. Pete. Approximately 150 people marched through the streets in and around Baywalk chanting and drumming for 45 minutes.
Williams Park was the perfect location for this event, as the same culture of oppression that has resulted in our disastrous foreign policy has also victimized the folks here at home. The park is home to many of St. Petersburg’s homeless residents who are being forced out and bullied by downtown corporations and bureaucrats who place profit over human need, and whose solution to the problems of poverty and homelessness is based on what is expedient, as opposed to what is morally right. There is a distinct parallel between the treatment they receive and our oppression and brutalization in the global theater.
The energy level remained high throughout the day, and participants are hoping that 2008 presidential hopefuls – as well as candidates for other state, local and national offices - are paying attention. The people do not support this war and the only acceptable plan is to get all U.S. soldiers, mercenaries, military bases and corporations out of Iraq and Afghanistan immediately. Those who seek to represent us, would do well to…well, actually represent us for a change.
The event was hosted by the following local peace and social justice groups:
CodePink Tampa Bay, St. Pete Food Not Bombs, St. Pete for Peace, The Refuge, Tampa Bay Veterans For Peace, Tampa Bay 9/11Truth, Tampa World Can't Wait, NoNuke.org.
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(Photos by Kathleen Mannion, Carol Schiffler, Marianne Huber and Bob Van Wyk)
The photos that were previously posted below have been removed due to pending legal action. The photos depicted the arrest of a homeless man for using the women's public restroom because the men's restroom was out of service (there was a sign in chalk indicating that both men and women could use the women's restroom). Another man was arrested after he defended the homeless man's right to use a public restroom. The young man was placed in handcuffs and then pepper sprayed while being pushed into the police van.
We have some video of this incident but please please send email if you have additional footage.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM OTHER ST. PETE FOR PEACE EVENTS
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