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Santa Cruz Indymedia Anti-War

Santa Cruz Protests Iraq War Escalation

by josh sonnenfeld (sugarloaf [at] riseup.net)

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

On Thursday, Jan. 11, hundreds of folks from the Santa Cruz community converged at 6pm at the Town Clock to protest the escalation of the war in Iraq. Unlike similiar rallies at the same location, there were a lot of new faces and people seemed generally hopeful. With two thirds of the public (and much of the Congress) against the war and against the troop increase, the isolation of antiwar voices seems to be a thing of the past. This issue is now accountability.

Santa Cruz's protest coincided with hundreds across the country. They were primarily organized by groups like MoveOn and TrueMajority, but it was apparent that a lot of folks heard about the event from local activists or friends. Many noted that it was an important moment and they felt like they had to be doing *something,* so the crowd was significantly larger than local off-campus Iraq war protests over the last 2 or 3 years.

§Pacific & Water

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

The number of cars honking also seemed like it had increased significantly since previous times. I had the feeling that we made an important shift .. becoming the majority.. that I'm just starting to recognize.

§The Deciders

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Town Clock

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Vietnam Vets

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

Check out all the medals that one guy has.

§The Bell Tolls for Us All

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§MoveOn signs

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

MoveOn folks were present.. but most people didn't have signs like these printed out.. so I wouldn't necessarily say that it was a 'MoveOn rally,' as was the case in some other cities.

§Sherry Conable and Deirdre Des Jardins

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

The two ladies that helped organize the protest: Deirdre in the blue, Sherry in the white (w/ purple hat).

You've also got some cute little kids singing songs by the mic.

I have to say that it was a little odd hearing parts of the crowd singing Vietnam-era peace songs. I think it can be slightly alienating for younger generations (how 'bout some hip-hop, eh ;)), while enjoyed by relatively older folks at the same time. Not a criticism, per se, just an observation that I (and others) have had for a long time.

§The Sign that Brought On Cheers

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

This double sided sign was carried around by its maker (with balloons attached at top). Everyone seemed like they were in a good mood and cheered every time the woman walked by.

There were also a fair amount of impeachment signs in the protest. I noticed this in photos from other actions this night as well - so maybe the impeachment movement has been given a big boost by the Dems new control of Congress?

§One Plea: No War

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Mr. X

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

A frequent (and fun) substitute teacher - Mr. X - that I remember from my SC High days :) In retrospect, he was probably one of the best subs we had.

§Community

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Dump Bush

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Side One

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

It's hard to take a pic that really shows how many people were present. But there was a thick line of folks on this side, a line of folks on the other side of the street, always a few people in the middle seperation, and some folks by the clock tower looking towards N. Pacific Ave as well.

The Sentinel put the crowd at 300. Some organizers said 500 (way over in my opinion), while some other organizers said 250-300. I think playing the numbers game is problemmatic, which is why I put 'hundreds' in my summary.

§A Surge of One

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Tim Fitzmaurice

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

The ex-City Council member is still coming out for the community. Did anyone see Lynn Robinson at the protest? Me neither. I guess she's too busy with NIMBY.. I mean.. 'local' issues. Last time I checked, our kids coming back in body bags is a 'local issue.'

For the record, I didn't see any other current city councilmember either...

§Youth On the March

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

After a while, a group of youngstas decided to march down Pacific and back. A few other folks went along, but I don't think most people at the clock tower knew what was going on.

There was also one older guy that kept telling everyone that they needed to get on the sidewalk and was getting visibly angry. Eventually, an activist with a big banner started talking to him about the need to not tell people what to do, and the angry guy seemed to cool off a bit.

All in all it went well.. although when we got back to the clock tower there wasn't many people left - at about 7:15pm - a littler more than an hour into the protest.

§Thou Shalt Stop All Wars

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

§Taking a Stand

by josh sonnenfeld

Sun, Jan 14, 2007 2:00AM

These two were some of the last to go home.. fun folks :)

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§Santa Cruz Protests Iraq War Escalation

by sherry

Wed, Jan 17, 2007 6:21PM

wonderful coverage Josh!! - I just now got a chance to look at it - a good sampling of what/who was there

I agree that it felt like something different was happening, a shift, a glimmer of hope that folks will no longr let this go on!

I must say I love seeing some of the signs I made in the photos - I think they say more than I can

and, there are a number that did not make it back to me that night - they all have a four-pettaled flower on them, so if anyone has one, or knows someone who does, I would love to get them back, because they get used again and again out on the streets when they are with me!

peace and justice now!
sherry

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