Anti-war protesters promise more action as Iraq war continuesSAN FRANCISCO
In sharp contrast to anti-war actions earlier in the week, the rally and march in San Francisco Saturday to protest the war in Iraq has been largely peaceful, but has closed down some streets.
Thousands gathered in San Francisco Saturday for the demonstration that lacked the tension of earlier protests marked by mass arrests and disruption of businesses and traffic.
While some streets were shut down as demonstrators marched through downtown, the large-scale disruption of Thursday and Friday wasn't expected.
"Families are coming out, kids are coming out. In deference to that, we want to keep this a positive experience," said organizer Mario Santos of International ANSWER. "There's no point to civil disobedience. It's Saturday. Everything's closed."
In Los Angeles, a group of protesters marched down Sunset Boulevard to protest news coverage of the war. The group blocked streets in the entertainment district as police in riot gear monitored the situation.
War protests were also planned for Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California and in other cities.
Groups also gathered to show their support for military action. Approximately 2,000 people rallied at the state capitol in Sacramento for the troops and the Bush administration.
As the flag waving crowd chanted "USA! USA!" State Sen. Rico Oller, R-San Andreas, said "this rally is about real Americans....who believe it is our duty to defend freedom."
Nancy Deusen, 72, a self-described "grandma for America," traveled to Sacramento from her home in suburban San Francisco to participate in the gathering. "We feel this is the silent majority, and we have to be heard," she said.
In Reno, Nev., pro-military demonstrators crashed an anti-war protest Saturday, drowning out the peace activists' hymns and speeches with chants of "U.S.A." and "Support Our Troops."
In San Francisco, at least three pro-troop demonstrators who attended the rally were alternately yelled at and debated with by peace demonstrators.
One held an American flag, another held a sign reading "We are justified," and a third dressed as Julius Caesar held a sign reading "Hail, Caesar. Conquest."
Anti-war activists nationwide have been taking to the streets.
"I intend to be on the streets every day," said Oakland chef and war protester Lori Hurlebaus. "I refuse to let my government dissuade me from resisting this war."
San Francisco was the seat of the nation's largest anti-war demonstration Friday, when raucous bands of demonstrators marched through the streets and remained there late into the night.
Protests were far more subdued on Friday than on Thursday, when police made more than 1,300 in San Francisco. On Friday, about 900 people were arrested in San Francisco, some of whom said they were not demonstrating but got mixed in with the marching crowd. Several journalists who were covering the protests were also detained. There were no reports of arrests early Saturday afternoon.
Published: Saturday, March 22, 2003 15:17 PST
I guess it's as good a reason as you'll get from the anti-war protestors.