DC Chapter On-Scene Reports: Anti-Capitalist Protesters Arrested - 9/27/02

DC Chapter and Working Capitalists | September 27, 2002 | Angelwood

[Angelwood]

A rally was held this morning at Dupont Circle by some of the anti-capitalist protesters inundating DC today. After the rally, the group began walking peacefully on Connecticut Avenue toward Farragut Square at 18th and K Streets, N.W.

When the group reached the block between L and K Streets, they stopped. Some of the protesters formed smaller groups to walk in circles at the four corners of the intersections, while others decided to drop down to the ground (execute a die-in) at the midpoint of the block in front of the Greater Atlantic Bank.

I spoke to an undercover officer at our vantage point across the street from the action. He told me that the group chanted while marching in the street: LESS BANK, MORE WORLD then MORE WORLD, LESS BANK, etc. The protesters were given opportunities to maintain a peaceful walk, but some of them decided to drop to the ground in front of the bank anyway. After warnings, those who came to be arrested were arrested.

The police, led by Chief Ramsey, were prepared and loaded up a Metro bus with protesters. While police in full riot gear stood in the intersections and around the perimeter area, the loaded bus was escorted to its destination by a number of police cars and 17 motorcycle policemen.

News photographers and cameramen took up a position in the middle of the street to film the protesters as the bus pulled out. One protester pressed his/her cuffed hands against the window, while another young girl with bandana stood smiling for the cameras.

The officer standing next to me pointed out a guy across the street wearing a bright green baseball cap. He said the "green hats" were the protesters' legal advisers. When asked what would happen to those arrested, he was not sure what they would be charged with or what the disposition would be. Hopefully, they won't be back on the streets in time to cause more trouble today or tomorrow.

After the arrested protesters were taken away and the others moved on to their next encounter, the crowd disbursed.

[sauropod]

Re: Post # 44.

Wimp!!

[Mudboy Slim]

"...replenished my supply of William Wallace Blue."

Splendid...I shall appreciate a more liberal dosage than the last time I became William Wallace.

FReegards...MUD

[glc1173@aol.com]

"But EVERYONE I know at work thinks these protestors are just silly."

They are NOT "silly." Down here in North Carolina, some textile mills are actually closing down because the mill owner can actually import finished product cheaper from Red China than make it in his own mill here. Globalism is a bummer for the middle class and working class.

[FreeTheHostages]

? But these leftists want *more* globalism. They want forgiveness of third world debt and more grants to developing countries.

[VaMarVet]

For those who might want to listen in here is a link to WTOP News Radio - its our 24/7 news station - they will have their reporters throughout the city. Just hit the "listen live" button in the top left corner.

[FreeTheHostages]

Gotcha -- I'll have my radio going too while I post, Dave.

Note this, Dave: some anarchists have a noon rally planned for outside DC Superior Court, which is near 5th and Penn. You guys are congregating 10 blocks west of their. So just watch the east. Lots of distance, shouldn't be a problem.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

FTH, I think the plan is a celebration at Luigi's. Sadly I won't be there

The useful idiots can probably claim a moral victory in that number of people staid home instead of going to work on Friday.

A coworker of Vivien Valentine's had a funny encounter with two protester's at the Gallery Place Metro exit. A she came out of the Metro she noticed two people in official protest garb with a street map open. They said to her, "How do we get to Freedom Plaza? We're late!" Vivien's coworker could not contain her laughter. The protesters got very huffy.

I agree with you about the police. They're doing a great job and Ramsey has his game face on. The strategy of not threatening prior to keeps the citizens on the police side. But he has overwhelming numbers and nonsense is quickly quelled.

Once again the arrested are hauled off to Southeast. It is indeed sad that the department is under staffed and can not process those arrested in a faster manner </sarcasm. In any event. the nation's tax dollars are being used effectively. Just a little reminder that Freepers coast to coast get to pay for making sure these fun and games don't get out of hand.

One last thing FTH, I notice that you keep harping on the DC Chapter's need to conduct ourselves in a lawful manner. I know that this is for public consumption and not directed to "Chapter members and lurkers in good standing."

Regards,
JV's b

[FreeTheHostages]

"One last thing FTH, I notice that you keep harping on the DC Chapter's need to conduct ourselves in a lawful manner"

No, I don't. I worry that you make sure you have your paperwork in order because the police are being very technical. I said that out of maternal concern. Angry criticism of this point in Freepmail -- as suggesting that I was trying to scare people away or suggesting that the DC Chapter is planning on acting inappropriately -- is simply wrong. I gather there's must internal discussion on the point since I'm getting it from many directions.

I stand by my comments. And I only post publicly to defend myself since the comment is made publicly.

I think "keep harping" is inaccurate, in any event. I mentioned.

[leprechaun9]

Some of these professional demonstrators get arrested at several of their protests and in different states.

Why aren't they prosecuted under the RICO statutes?

Speaking out and demonstrating is a right, but breaking the law and repeatedly getting arrested is not a right, but a penalty for not obeying the law!

Where is the (in)Justice Department?

[leadpenny]

How do we get to Freedom Plaza? We're late!" Vivien's coworker could not contain her laughter. The protesters got very huffy.

Vivien should have given them directions to Iraq.

[FreeTheHostages]

"Why aren't they prosecuted under the RICO statutes?"

Good question! Police are talking about this, I think. Some indication on the news that they are. And Chief Ramsey is consulting with a local FBI official.

So who knows, maybe they're trying to make such a case.

[FreeTheHostages]

on CSPAN right now, spokesman for protestors saying:

IMF and World Bank need to be reformed and need to take on new roles. "Shift these institutions so that Third World organizations can have a greater voice." With U.S. $.

[DoctorMichael]

Thanks for the info and commentary.

[FreeTheHostages]

CPAN totally covered the anti-capitalists.

A caller complained that this was biased. CSPAN responded: but we're having the World Bank people on on another day!

Great: that's CSPAN's idea of balance: people who want to give LOTS of $ to developing countries (or, rather, their nondemocratic oligarchies) v. people who want to give just a little.

[FreeTheHostages]

I hear helicopters overhead!

[FreeTheHostages]

(looks like the party is beginning)

[tgslTakoma]

I hear helicopters overhead!

Are they black?

Just KIDDING

;-)

[tgslTakoma]

Psssttt... please check your freepmail from me. Contact info inside

[FreeTheHostages]

Ok. And sorry guys if I got a little snippy. I've had my morning coffee. I guess Jimmy has a point. Sigh. but a *little* one.

I'm up and ready to go. Going to launch the live thread soon. Got my WTOP radio and TV news links going.

[FreeTheHostages]

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!! BRACE YOURSELVES: I'M SOON GOING TO PUT UP THE DC CHAPTER LIVE THREAD FOR TODAY'S COUNTERFREEP!

It'll be up by 10:15 a.m.