I Shall Face-Paint again on 7 April 2005...MUD
It wasn't a work of art, but as scheduled disruptions go, Saturday's war protest and counter-protest were a success.
First, and most important, everyone stayed safe. America has a long history of protest marches gone awry. That didn't happen here, thanks, in no small measure, to the Fayetteville Police Department's and other law officers' big turnout at the march and especially around Rowan Park, where the marchers rallied.
While more than a few protesters and counter-protesters were rankled by the almost overwhelming police presence, we suspect it was the key to a demonstration that made its point as effectively and respectfully as possible. Security entrances, complete with metal detectors, at Rowan Park were a surprise for many. But in this era of terror, it's hard to overdo preventive medicine if it doesn't render free speech and movement impossible.
The other significant success was the more obvious one: Both sides made their point. Thousands of protesters made a strong, symbolic antiwar statement in the home of the 82nd Airborne. Hundreds more stood up for the military.
To the protesters on both sides, and to the police who helped keep the order - congratulations. You all did your jobs well.