D.C. Chapter LIVE THREAD: DC Counter-Protest Anti-Capitalist Demonstrators on Saturday 9/28/02

cellphone reports | DC Chapter field reports

[FreeTheHostages]

D.C. Chapter LIVE THREAD: DC Counter-Protest Anti-Capitalist Demonstrators on Saturday 9/28/02

The DC Chapter's now going to the protest site! On this thread we'll be getting live updates from the field via cellphone. We'll also keep you informed of the demonstrations generally from radio and TV reports (apparently some parts CSPAN will be covering).

These protestors are protesting against capitalism and there signs will say so. DC Freepers will be lawfully, persuasively, and if I know these guys well and I do, humorously! taking the opposition position.

If you can't be there and want news updates, join this live thread and we'll tell you what we know, when we know it!

Things are just starting now, not much to say, but it's a beautiful sunny day with a blue sky and puffy white clouds cheerfully punctuated by police and media helicopters. Let's come cheer the DC Chapter on! If you were there, what sign would you hold? (Can anyone improve upon Mr.Sarcastic's "Keep America Beautiful -- Take a Bath!" or my "Capitalism Doesn't Like You Either")

[FreeTheHostages]

We're linked into television, radio, and cellphone reports here. But there's nothing like being there, which I'm not. So do note that after the protest, the DC Chapter people on the scene will file the traditional after-action report that will include photographs and the like.

[FreeTheHostages]

Ping. FYI, more background on the protest can be found here and here.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Can anyone improve upon Mr.Sarcastic's "Keep America Beautiful -- Take a Bath!" or my "Capitalism Doesn't Like You Either"

No.... Go get em! Thanks for the thread!

[FreeTheHostages]

And we're off. Let's start with an analysis of where the chess board stands:

Protestors have been arrested all yesterday and some have been let out of jail (all except the more serious arrests). Many of these guys are wearing bandannas. Some are carrying buckets which the police say they use to carry rocks.

DC Chapter has, as per usual, coordinate well with the local and federal police and chosen a secure and well-police location for their protest. They're off to the protest site now.

CSPAN says it's "covering" the event - we'll see if that includes us. Last time, it was just Them. I type from about a mile north of the protest scene. Just one police helicopter in the air, no doubt doing surveillance. Last night, at dark, it was quiet in DC -- but it was also drizzling.

[alisasny]

Mobilization for Global Justice IMF/World Bank protest rally against their meetings in Washington this weekend. Ralph Nader and many others are scheduled to speak.
LIVE on C-SPAN at 12pm ET

[rface]

bump for a later update...

[LaBelleDameSansMerci]

Thanks for this thread. These types of "interpretive" current events threads were the most compelling thing about FreeRepublic when I first heard about this place. It really made it seem as though conservatives were trying to throw off the shackles of intellectual colonization by the corporate media.

I wonder, as the festivities unfold, if there will be any other conservatives who are wondering why WE aren't out there on the front-lines battling trans-national capitalists with our own, far more powerful and authentic, critique?

[FreeTheHostages]

Thank you and for anyone even *thinking* of watching these anti-capitalists (code word for "socialist" and "anarchist") on CSPAN, I hope our live thread will provide a nice cure for what will ail you!

Just received a phone call from Dave Dilegge, reporting he's off to the protest site! Kristinn reports he's been contacted by the media too. Tgsltakoma is in her usual yeoman mode -- up all night making signs and being the Organized one. I'm sure Sauropod, Mr.ConfettiMan, Leadpenny, Ned13, Gore_war_vet, and many others are on their way. Jimmy Valentine may be in online contact here (hee hee, just to make sure I behave!). So everyone's in position.

[Dutchgirl]

The CNN anchors were asking their roving reporter if her was wearing a GAP shirt. The protesters were stripping down in front of the GAP to protest their policies. Roving reporters respone "No it's not or I guess I would have to take it off, and that wouldn't be pretty."

No bias there.

Also, quotes from two demonstrators, one saying that they didn't have to shut down the city, the police were doing it for them. Another from a protester saying that the smaller crowds were due to fewer people willing to "rock the boat" and use violence after Sept 11. In a tone that suggested that it took all the fun out of it for him.

[FreeTheHostages]

Wow, very literate post. Had to use my dictionary a few times!! Good point.

Well, y'all bear with us. We decided to post the live thread a little early -- perhaps 60-90 minutes before there's lots of real action -- to let you know that we're in postion. Because people want to know. And so that others that might be tempted to otherwise post a thread complaining about the leftists can do something one better: join our thread and also cheer on our team out there!

Yep, this is the beauty of Jim Robinson's dream: it's about connecting on the internet and discussion for a reason, to make a difference in the real world.

[alisasny]

I will watch CSpan for a little while to see if they cover us. I hope Kristinn gets asked back to the CSpan studio for debate. That would be great.

[FreeTheHostages]

"Also, quotes from two demonstrators, one saying that they didn't have to shut down the city, the police were doing it for them"

Interesting. but just to let you know, local news here in DC all had the news angle of: "The protestors tried to shut down the city, but it didn't happen. Police out-prepared and out-maneuvered them." That's what we residents saw and that's what the local news told us.

I am forced to conclude: CNN lives on a different planet.

[FreeTheHostages]

"I hope Kristinn gets asked back to the CSpan studio for debate. That would be great."

He's a good interviewee. That would be great. Spoke to him at 10:05 a.m. He's done press releases and spoken to some reporters and worked every angle he can. But we have to be down there, and in sufficient numbers, for the credibility. So that's the essential first step. And, of course, a good thing in it's own right: I think a lot of my neighbors are happy *someone* is down there mocking these people (and I use the term loosely).

[Oldeconomybuyer]

	A demonstrator gestures towards police during a protest at the start of the annual IMF meetings, in Washington September 27, 2002. Police arrested some 300 anti-globalization protesters, thwarting attempts to block city traffic during a Group of Seven meeting in Washington, D.C. (Gregg Newton/Reuters) - Sep 27 7:30 PM ET
	Two Washington D.C. policemen sandwich a girl between their batons as police rush a group of anti-globalization protesters September 27, 2002. The group was surrounded and then placed under arrest. Police arrested more than 300 protesters, thwarting their attempts to blockade city traffic during a Group of Seven meeting. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) - Sep 27 7:30 PM ET
	A demonstrator is frisked as she is arrested during a protest against the start of the annual IMF meetings, in Washington September 27, 2002. Finance chiefs from the world's richest nations gathered in Washington under the shadow of war fears and spiraling oil prices to discuss how to keep a shaky global recovery on track. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters) - Sep 27 7:30 PM ET
	A protester faces off with Washington D.C. police officers, September 27, 2002. Groups of protesters converged on Washington to demonstrate as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank held their annual fall meetings in Washington. (Gregg Newton/Reuters) - Sep 27 7:30 PM ET

[Uncle George]

A good web listing all the Colleges and teachers teaching anti-American to students is www.campus-watch.com

[FreeTheHostages]

Thanks. Good morning!

[LaBelleDameSansMerci]

"...and for anyone even *thinking* of watching these anti-capitalists (code word for "socialist" and "anarchist") ...

Sigh.

Socialists are STATE capitalists. Anarchists are the spoiled brat 1.2 offspring of parasitical state capitalists and wealthly crony-capitalists. When they turn 29 they will snap back into place as the most greedy, power/consumer-oinkers on the planet.

Global Capitalism is the most dangerous foe conservatives face.

[YaYa123]

"throw off the shackles of intellectual colonization by the corporate media"

Well said!!!...and oh so right on!

Shackles begone!!

I'm always optimistic that even the left leaning, non-thinking goober dudes, empty-headed celebrities and their fans, even the black base of the DNC, are (unwillingly) getting unshackled, by FOXNews, newly prominent conservative print publications, and the internet.

As said by Pee Wee Herman, "merci blah blah"

[LaBelleDameSansMerci]

I can see this is going to be an uphill battle. And I'm too prim and proper to start boozing before noon.....

[YaYa123]

As we watch on C-Span, and CNN..(they've got Bob Franken back to cover this)...watch for people wearing lime green baseball caps. Angelwood said yesterday, these are lawyers, working for the demonstrators.