Posted on 09/27/2002 8:15:31 AM PDT by 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.
It's disperse....
Of course, those guys think nothing of going on the sidewalk. Did the rope block off the sidewalks too?
By the way, although a lot of the donkey and elephant sculptures were removed a few days ago in anticipation of the demonstrations, the last time I looked (two days ago) the donkey at the southwest corner of N and Connecticut was still there. Ironic, in view of the fact that these guys rallied in that part of town.
FReegards...MUD
A Socialist...MUD
Big police presence, including mounted police, at Franklin Square (between I and K Streets and 13th and 14th Streets) at about 7:30AM. Police in full riot gear on K Street, particularly in front of buildings with big plate glass windows on the ground floor.
My office is at 18th and I Street, not far from the World Bank headquarters. Things are pretty quiet, though sirens in the distance have been pretty constant.
Drove my SUV today instead of my usual ride. Figured the 4 wheel drive might come in handy if they decided to block the street. Seriously, though, the DC police seem to have this under control. Serious high fives for those guys and gals.
I arrived for work at 7:00 am this morning and got off at Union Station, where, as per the washington post, thousands of protesters on bikes were supposed to gather at 7:30 am.
I saw a bedraggled kid or two, but nothing that would indicate the anti capitalists were massing. The DC police were there in HUGE numbers. They also had about 40 white bikes all lined up in a neat row, in case of trouble, I guess.
I must say, the DC police did a magnificent job during the last IMF protest and appear to be doing well this time also.
Local news here keeps expecting huge, massive traffic jams to be caused any minute now, but rush hour is well over.
From this perspective (on Constitution Ave by the Capitol Bldg, where nothing is slated to happen), it is just another day.
HAH !
I have begun a Ping list to keep track of the Radical Left. If you are interested in joining or have found a relevant story drop me a line.
The personal flag of George Washington during the Revolutionary War
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.