A bit of the poet runs in you.
If the LEOs hadn't been there, the code pink corner would have been empty 5 seconds after their arrival. They were some serious folk with an attitude. No ancient with a yellow ribbon would have slowed them down. Rolling Thunder said they'd be back.
Hardly ancient! but LOL, I imagine it could have turned out differently if the real "peace officers" hadn't come.
This is a good chance to remind all readers that the DC Chapter has for 7 years made the effort to cooperate with local law enforcement. LEO's have a job that is among the most difficult in our nation and especially our cities. We are grateful for their experience with protesters in Washington, which probably has more protests than any other city on earth. (Except Havana - not!)
A quick review of DC Chapter rules: no cursing, bird-flipping, or provocations to violence, respect other groups' permit spaces, avoid personal attacks such as racism or gay-baiting, and always cooperate with local enforcement officers.