Spring Break
Antiwar protesters march in Washington
Amy Jennings
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: ViewPoint
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An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 people gathered at the Ellipse to march along the streets in protest of the Iraq War. Many signs adorned the march in D.C. Some reading "Bush Lies, Who Dies," or "Darn Good Liar," along with many other messages.
A coalition of about 1,300 local and national groups organized the protest with numerous speakers and a concert.
A roar of excitement and support echoed through the crowd when Cindy Sheehan took the stage. Sheehan's son 24-year-old Casey Sheehan died in the Iraq war.
Sheehan gained wide media attention in early August, for what started out as a one-woman protest at President Bush's Texas ranch.
Sheehan tried to obtain a meeting with the president to demand an explanation of what "noble cause" did her son die. The meeting was declined.
During the protest Sheehan made remarks aimed toward Congress and Bush, "Shame on you," Sheehan said. "How many more of other people's children are you willing to sacrifice?" She led the crowd in a chant, "Not One More."
Another speaker was Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, who is leading a grassroots campaign to impeach President Bush. Clark quoted to the crowd Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution.
"The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
Bush was not at the White House to hear the protesters. He left town to deal with hurricane recovery.
Vice President Dick Cheney was at George Washington University Hospital having surgery for aneurysms behind his knees.
This was a peaceful protest, but security was obviously ready for any problem. Hundreds of D.C. and Park police lined the streets each carrying riot gear.
However on Pennsylvania Avenue several hundred counter protesters stood behind a gate with a line of security in front of them, as they yelled and argued with the antiwar protesters.
The counter protesters held signs that read "Hippies Go Home," or "The Republic Is Worth Defending."
One antiwar protester yelled and said, "The republic is worth defending, you just have that sign on the wrong side of the gate."