So, today I took part in the largest single protest
in human history. While I'm not ordinarily a joiner by nature, I must
admit to a certain pride in having been a part of the biggest 'fuck
you'... ever. Especially when it's aimed at that pesty
George
W. Bush fellow.
I'll be honest here: I can't see much hope of keeping
the American Empire from going on a mass-murdering spree. I have no
such illusions. But I do think these protests might cause some of
the countries out there who operate under a democracy (Canada, for
example) to realize that they're not serving the will of their people
if they join Mad Emperor Bush's personal jihad.
The big meeting on the front lawn of the Vancouver art gallery
at the end of the march was a heart-warming experience. There was
a free concert by Spirit of the West, and speakers included Mayor
Larry Campbell, CAW Union leader Jef Keighly, and a score of international
activists. People are really coming together over this issue. Perhaps
there is some hope. Who knows?
The police were for the most part nice and co-operative, though
one of them did give me an obscene gesture, somewhat foolishly,
while I was photographing him. That may not be something he's allowed
to do on duty. I shall have to investigate.
