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We never intended to snarl traffic nor obstruct
the bridge, only to march quietly across the bridge to commemorate the
dead, as they did in 330 places around the country--without incident.
The fault was not with us, but with the overreaction of the police.
Best,
Medea Benjamin
Do you REALLY think snarling traffic on the bridge does anything to endear
you to like minded people such as myself who have been against the War
inIraq from day 1?
Its pretty clear that the majority of the people you and your organization
inconvenienced are also against the War in Iraq. Why don't you take the
dog and pony show to Charleston SC, Salt Lake City Utah or some such place.
You know... places that supported the war and goober up the traffic there.
At least then you will be punishing people that voted for Bush and Co.
Medea--Just wanted you to know that I rode my bicycle from my place in Mill
Valley through Sausalito, Fort Baker and up to the Golden Gate Bridge to
join your protest march/action--even wore a pink
t-shirt!
The authorities—quite a few CHP officers and a couple Bridge District
patrols had closed off the pedestrian and bicycle access areas, and wouldnt
let anyone on the bridge starting around 12:10 or so. They had a variety
of excuses—there was a police action going down on the bridge—there
were hundreds of protesters blocking crossing access—there was a
security threat—people had gathered (without a permit) and were blocking
traffic.
A few Code Pink supporters were allowed
off the bridge to the north and reported that they had been respectful
and well-behaved, had walked in a single file line, did not disprupt any
traffic, and had a permit.
I asked one CHP officer who had made the decision to close the bridge
to walkers and cyclists and was told it was Department of Homeland Security.
All of the officers in line tried to blame everything
on the protesters, called them kunckleheads for not having a permit and
for disrupting traffic. Many of the dozens of angry bicylclists
(many were on day long rides i.e. from Sonoma to San Mateo, and their
whole trip was thwarted--awwww). They were diverted to a place where there
were supposed to be shuttle buses, but there were hundreds of walkers
and bike riders and I never did see a bus come. Many of the frustrated
riders started to agree with the cops and yell at a few of he protesters
who had exited the North bridge. The majority didn't even seem to know
what folks were protesting. I explained that they
were protesting the against the Iraq war, supporting the troops and demanding
that they be sent home. I also explained that we have First Amendment
rights to dissent in a peaceful manner, and that we had developed a police
state, as exemplified by this event, whereby all dissent is stifled, and
the authorities continue to vilify those who might want to excercise their
first amendment rights to express an opposing view. Several arguments
ensued. Finally after more than an hour 1/2 of waiting (they would not
provide any updates of what was happening, or when they would re-open
the walkways) I left and returned back to MV. It was most unfortunate.
I was looking forward to joining you guys in solidarity.
What actually happened? Is their a blog or website with the details.
All the best for a better '07.
--Larry Fahn, Executive Director, As You Sow
www.asyousow.org
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