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M20 news coverage

author: Nick
Mar 20, 2004 19:05

Just heard a very impressive news story about today's event on KOMO 4. They talked to organizers as well as demonstrators. They also said that there were an estimated 15,000 people out today. Here's a text version of the story from their website(it's scaled down from what they had on TV but you'll get the idea). Great day of protest in Seattle folks!

Thousands Protest 1st Anniversary of Iraq War

March 20, 2004

By KOMO Staff & News Services




SEATTLE - Thousands of people marched through downtown Seattle on Saturday, decrying the Bush administration and joining worldwide protests against the war in Iraq.

The defiant mood of the protest was mixed with equal parts melancholy and hope, as protesters reflected sadly on the year of war in Iraq but looked forward to next fall's presidential elections.

"There is a sadness our voices weren't heard," said Karrie Kohlhaas, 30. Like many others, she had marched against the war before it started last year. But she felt more hopeful than resigned, and spent Saturday giving voter registration forms to hundreds of marchers.

"It feels as if this country has been hijacked, and not by al-Qaida, but by Bush and his wealthy friends," said Kohlhaas, a Seattle business consultant. "It's really important for people to stand up for what they believe in, especially right now when our basic constitutional rights are being chipped away."

The march started on Seattle's First Hill at noon and flowed through the downtown to Pier 61 on the waterfront, where actor Ed Asner headlined the rally.

"We are here today to protest, to demonstrate that we are not lolled, not fooled," Asner said. The Seattle crowd roared its appreciation as he praised the city's history of protest: "You've got quite the reputation as troublemakers and organizers - just the sort of rabble-rousers we need right now."

Two people were arrested. A 24-year-old man was held for investigation of assault after police said he shoved an officer, and a 57-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly obstructing traffic on Alaskan Way.

The march was otherwise entirely peaceful.

Marchers passed through the heart of Seattle's waterfront tourist district, which was packed with people enjoying the sunny Saturday. Some onlookers cheered in support, while others disapproved.

"Support the troops!" yelled Lynn Magi, 25, of Seattle, who said she thought the marchers were "protesting against our country."

"If we want to stay a strong country, we need to fight," Magee said. "We can't keep letting people walk over us without standing up to them."

Many of the protesters said the best way to support the troops would be to end the war in Iraq and bring the troops home.

"From the beginning I have not believed in this. It's important we continue these peaceful demonstrations," said Alberto Salazar, 43, who carried a sign saying "Parents of a Marine - Give Peace a Chance." His 20-year-old Marine son served for six months in Iraq at the beginning of the war and now is stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

"His experience was not good. He feels there is no sense in this whole thing," Salazar said. "He wanted to serve his country for a good cause, not pre-emptive attacks on a nation.

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