Yesterday, I reported on the Antiwar Event in Washington D.C.
That's what it was billed as. That's why I went-- to send a message to stop the war, to stop Bush, Cheney, Lieberman, McCain and their enablers.
But I finally realized something quite extraordinary. This was not JUST an antiwar event. It was the largest and perhaps the first major IMPEACHMENT event ever to occur in Washington DC.
Photo by John Mihalich
The crowd estimates ranged from tens of thousands to half a million. Judging by the signs carried and the sentiments of the protesters-- a good 30-50% of the signs were about impeachment, prosecution, trial for war crimes or imprisonment of Bush and Cheney. And I'd guess that theren't more than a handful of people out of that 100,000 to 500,000 person crowd who disagreed with the message of those signs.
John Conyers talked about firing Bush. Most of the speakers talked about the war. But underneath the antiwar message, something historic happened. The USA's first major, massive impeachment march was held, or maybe I should say, it happened. It wasn't planned. It wasn't orchestrated. It emerged. It took on a life of its own.
Of course, the mainstream media didn't discuss it. But then again, neither did the progressive media, at least that I saw. It sort of happened and it was such a natural part of the demonstration. But I don't recall tens of thousands of impeachment signs during the Viet Nam anti war demonstrations. I remember tear gas.
Tear gas. Bush doesn't have the guts to use tear gas. If he went after Americans for protesting THIS war... well, I grit my teeth just thinking about what would happen. I truly wonder if the capitol police would even obey such orders. I wonder if the nation al guard would. (Actually, the capitol police were ordered to leave protesters alone as they spray painted the capitol steps )And I know that the American people would reach such a fury... well, that's why it didn't happen, and maybe... why it should be pushed. It might just take Bush's popularity down a few more points and move a few more Republican senators into the "what the hell am I doiong supporting this idiot" camp.
Photo by John Mihalich
Frankly, I don't think, if there was a call for an impeachment protest, that there would be anywhere near the response we saw on Saturday. But underneath the antiwar energy, perhaps underlying and energizing it, there is a clear, huge massively building energy-- a momentum that, as manifested by the historic impeach Bush turnout-- is something the US and the congress has never seen before.
People will probably be patient for a few months, as Waxman, Conyers and others start their hearings. But it is clear, very clear, that tens of millions of Americans expect the congress to protect the constitution, and that means stopping the abuses Bush and Cheney and Gonzalez have perpetrated and prosecuting them for their illegal acts. Tens of millions.
Saturday was historic. Make no mistake about it. It produced, naturally, without a call for it or any effort, the most massive impeachment demonstration in the history ot the USA. It is a beginning. It will not be the last. Americans have had enough of this administration. The Democratic led congress would be wise to smell the coffee.
Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com and is a columnist with Northstarwriters.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as organizer of several conferences, including StoryCon, the Summit Meeting on the Art, Science and Application of Story and The Winter Brain Meeting on neurofeedback, biofeedback, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology. See more of his articles here and, older ones, here.
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Why Won't the Corporate Press Discuss Bush's Crimes?
Surely by now a majority of Americans have realized that the Media is owned and controlled by the Republican party. Actually it ought to be called the Plutocratic party and instead of Media, rightfully called the Ministry of Lies and Propaganda. Media Moguls are millionaires and billionaires whose primary intent is profit, while maintaining the Establishment status quo. They are the Plutocratic Establishment and hoarding and increasing their wealth and power is their reason to be. Media Moguls are not in business to inform, preserve and protect the interests of the masses. They are in business to misinform, exploit and repress the masses.
Plutocrats see the masses as the enemy and a threat that must be controlled for their own well being. That is the sole intent of capitalism, and trickledown is carefully constructed myth to justify pissing downstream.
by
rabblerowzer (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 227 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 9:35:18 AM
My husband and I took part in the protest march in Austin, TX on Saturday. There were at least 1000 people participating. That evening, the local CBS affiliate had the protest as their top story and began with the statement that the protesters want our troops brought home AND they want President Bush removed from office. I was happy to see that at least in Austin, the press noticed all the "Impeach Bush" signs like mine.
I looked at the same scene as you did, but you had the clearer vision and the ability to correctly interpret what was actually occuring. This explains why C-span played down the coverage, which really disappointed me- I had hoped that at least one network was free of the neo-con poison that has permeated our mass media. Now I guess it's up to you, and people like you to reveal the truth. "without hope, without vision, the people perish."
I'm not religious, but that pretty well sums it up. We need to know that the truth exists, even when there exists mighty forces to suppress it. Please keep up the good fight.
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Chuck Garner (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 118 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 11:34:37 AM
NIce piece, Rob. One historical enhancement. There was an Impeach NIxon rally in April 1974 on the Mall. Around 100,000 people attended. I was there.
ron jacobs
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Ron Jacobs (60 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 16 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 1:37:11 PM
Now that the Democrats won, it is time Impeach for such actions as the gov't rountinely violating our Constitutional rights.
They violate the 1st Amendment by opening mail, caging demonstrators and banning books like "America Deceived" from Amazon. America Deceived (book) They violate the 2nd Amendment by confiscating guns during Katrina.
They violate the 4th Amendment by conducting warrant-less wiretaps.
They violate the 5th and 6th Amendment by suspending habeas corpus.
They violate the 8th Amendment by torturing.
They violate the entire Constitution by starting 2 illegal wars based on lies and on behalf of a foriegn gov't.
Fix up that, impeach all guilty parties and while you are at it, investigate 9/11 more thoroughly.
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Lorring II (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 86 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 3:31:12 PM
Did you notice that one hundred thousand (100,000) marched against the government of the United States and not one person was killed, wounded or thrown in jail?
It is a pretty good so called "Fascist" country you ask me. I can name about one hundred nations where that will not happen without blood shed on the streets. We will change four fifths of the government January 2009 (all the House, All the Executive Branch, and one third of the Senate) and not one bullet will be fired. Pretty good country you ask me.
Bush is a bad case of the flu who has all most lived out the time of his viral infection. He will either be impeached or retired; in either case, he will be gone. Voting is the American way.
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pratliff94 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 969 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 11:29:36 PM
My question Rob, what the hell has Pelosi done since the march on Saturday? It's not going to get more obvious than Saturdays impeachment march. She's pathetic, it seems were being dared to fend for ourselves, well law makers from the congress and senate shrug there shoulders, as if they were to ignored once again.
My guess if Bush is not stopped, people will get seriously pissed at our government. I no that if we go to war with Iran, are over worked national guard will want to come home to do a little Bush hunting there selves.Seems that most of the people I run into these days have had enough, even the republic news paper in this town seems testy with Bush.
I think we should tar and feather Bush and toss him out of the USA, with no money and keep him from ever receiving an money from family and friends.
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Fred F (1 articles, 1 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 361 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 5:11:20 PM
The Pitchforks and Torchlite Parade. The Fife and Drum Corps down the street from here is "an organized militia", has been since the Indian wars, Served with Honor in the First American Revolution, Bout time for a revival, don'tcha think?
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CV (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 5:39:15 PM
Hi Rob, Notice? No cops in riot gear? or did I just miss 'em? No, I don't miss 'em.
Does Op-Ed have the resources to lay hands on a high res satelite shot of the Mall and Capitol Hill about, say, three thirty, Saturday?
As far as the Guard or even the DC Metro cops responding to orders under protestor confrontation? I hope we never have to find out, but I wonder if Cheney flies off his perch and orders up 150 cruise missiles into Iran, will anyone in the chain of command have the decency and the courage that Ehren Watada is displaying currently. To refuse to obey orders to commit war crimes, To stand up to the thug and tell him no, risking not just their career but their freedom.
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CV (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 5:33:22 PM
Thank you Rob. I was at the march--one of five people holding a Code Pink "Give the President the Pink Slip" sign ; yet, until your article I didn't realize I was in the "first ever impeachment march.' I am even happier I was a part of last Saturday.
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Judy524 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 6:44:51 PM
Great piece Rob, but we don't have time to wait around...
...for our reps to schlep through a bunch of investigations and hearings to decide whether they should have more investigations and hearings, only to get to the point where they say "it's pointless to impeach because Bush will be out of office soon anyway."
Hell, Conyers expressed almost that exact sentiment when you talked with him on Saturday, did he not?
We don't have time to wait around for Congress to wake up on its own. We need to be repeatedly asking them with ever-increasing indignation when they are going to start honoring their oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and not be afraid to tell them exactly how they are failing us.
We need to be asking them how many additional deaths of American troops and innocent Iraqi civilians are acceptable to them while they play politics and try to position themselves for '08.
We need to be keeping a count of the deaths since the Democrats officially took over control of Congress (perhaps someone is - I would appreciate a link if someone has it), and reminding them that this blood is on their hands.
If that sounds harsh, try to put it in perspective. Picture the scene of a mother falling to the floor in hysterics upon learning of the needless death of her son in Bush's illegal war. Picture 24 innocent civilians being murdered in Haditha. Picture a 14 year old girl being raped and murdered, and then the rest of her family also murdered in Mahmudiya.
Picture any one of the countless pictures of the Bush-induced carnage in Iraq, and suddenly it's the refusal to move immediately on impeachment proceedings (especially when Conyers himself has all the evidence we need, already expertly compiled) that's disgusting.
Now picture the most corrupt, ignorant president this country has ever had, with several thousand nukes ready to go on his orders, who is currently cranking up the anti-Iran propaganda machine to a fever pitch, dropping nuclear weapons on a country that does not have any, and picture what exactly that occurance might precipitate.
I'll say it again: We do not have time to wait around.
Every time Bush stirs up the bee hive to anger the bee's, it's a one way street to escalation. Bush and Company want to annihilate everyone in the Middle East to cover up all there bad politics they used for years and years.
Bush will get stung one way or another for be such a bonehead.
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Fred F (1 articles, 1 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 361 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 7:13:53 PM
Chapter 58. Has the Clock Begun Ticking Against . . .?
== Chapter 58. Has the Clock Begun Ticking Against Police State Amerika? ==
By Larry W. Bryant
[Author's Note: "As soon as a government starts controlling for the sake of controlling, watch out!" -- Larry W. Bryant (Jan. 27, 2007). In his orchestrating of Iraqnam, 'resident Bu$ch has committed at least three egregious abuses of his official authority: (1) he lied, (2) he lied, and (3) he lied. The People's Truth Commission -- i. e., the impeachment process -- now must begin its work. Every day that the Bu$ch-Cheezey junta remains unimpeached means putting more of our servicemembers at grave risk of death/injury. And every day that any congressperson turns his/her back on demanding the Truth means that (s)he accepts the unacceptable: a lying regime's scheme for Amerika's self-destruction. Had enough? Alas, we can't turn back the clock on the course of Iraqnam, but we can use the impeachment process to build a NEW clock -- one whose loud, positive, just, and irrevocable tick can be heard 'round the world. Our pro-impeachment energy will serve as the electricity to run this new instrument for the people's will. In the meantime, let's remain vigilant as our "urinary" control freak-in-chief -- the lesser of that two-headed serpent called the Bu$ch-Cheezey junta -- seeks to resist the irresistible force of public accountability.]
SCHMOE [polishing a scuff mark from one of his Italian-made patent-leather shoes]: I realize, guys, that we all prefer not to have a session here two Mondays in a row, but -- hey -- things are heatin' up, so we ought to, uhm . . ..
TROVE [seeming to have lost 25 pounds from his recent bout with the hot-tub-borne Legionnaire's disease]: Tell ME about it, Tony! As soon as I left the hospital, I got slapped with a subpoena to testify for the defense at Skooter Shabby's CIA-leak trial. And, on last Saturday, January 27th [2007], I got caught in traffic down near Union Station when some of those anti-war protestors spotted me in the W-H limousine. I knew the protestors really couldn't get to me, but too many Park police on back-firing motorcycles converged upon the scene and, in so overreacting, they delayed my escape. Anyway, it's good to be back on my feet to help y'all cope with this dark cloud of public opinion.
CHEEZEY: Sure enough, Karl. We've been doing fairly well without your direct input, and Bob Grates did a fine job filling in for you last week. So, I think we're prepared for the next crisis.
BU$CH: Well, the next big demo's scheduled for March 17th -- at the Pantygon, where the marchers plan to "resist" by "forcing Congress to vote no to war funding." And I bet those fools McConnell and Bryant will be out there near the South Parking entrance to hawk those stupid IMPEACH HIM buttons.
CHEEZEY: Yeah. And now, Gen. Walbomb tells us, they're allocating more of their proceeds toward purchasing those fancy yard signs bearing the same message -- IMPEACH HIM. Already, you can see several of these signs sprinkled around McConnell's neighborhood in Silver Spring, Md. And Bryant even has stapled one of them to his front door there in the Parkfairfax section of Alexandria, Va. I'm surprised that his condo association is allowing him to get away with such sedition.
TROVE [coughing into his handkerchief]: That won't last for long, I'm sure. Al Walbomb's counter-intel folks are drafting up an anonymous complaint letter to be sent to the condo manager, urging him to demand the sign's immediate removal from Bryant's door.
BU$CH [edging his chair away from Trove's]: What about those two signs Bryant has mounted on either side of his car's rear windows? He's now calling that relic "my Impeachmobile."
TROVE: One of my staffers recently alerted the Alexandria city's parking police, who've proceeded to remind Bryant, via a pink slip, that they'll impound his car if he lets it stay in the same space for more than 72 hours. Of course, he keeps referring to Amerika as a "police state." He'll know soon enough, won't he?
SCHMOE: We've just received some of the film clips from Saturday's protest march. One of them shows Bryant lugging his tote bag full of buttons up and down the Mall area. Every now and then, he's seen handing out flyers explaining the grand-jury-impanelment project still alive in Muskogee, Okla. [Tony moves to the Oral Orifice's TV set and installs a cassette tape.] And -- guess what? There were several Oklahomans taking part in the demonstration. Now [pointing at the TV monitor], take a gander at this: here's a frontal view of Bryant.
BU$CH: Isn't that poster slung upon his chest one of those IMPEACH HIM yard signs?
TROVE: You got it, Dubya. And the sign's eye-catching design prompted a roaming German TV-news crew to interview him. We're waiting to receive a copy of the tape from any broadcast of the interview -- to see if Bryant uttered any seditious remarks.
SCHMOE: Some of our sources from within the crowd have reported that Bryant had a field day greeting and networking with other activists. For example, a bus load of 'em had traveled from Richmond, Va. -- most of whom want to help pressure members of the state's legislature to introduce an impeachment resolution. They plan to model the Virginia bill after the one recently filed in the New Mexico legislature. And get this: on his way toward Union Station, Bryant somehow managed to catch sight of a Houston-based member of Military Families Speak Out whom he'd first met last fall at a demonstration at our LaFayette Park. He knew she was coming back to attend this one, but never dreamed he could find her amidst such a crowd of thousands. Could there actually be some psychic bond among activists?
I don't know what you are talking about Rob, because I saw alot of other news networks cover the demonstration and protests. Are you projecting that you cover exclusive news only? You in my opinion are pushing your agenda and you were never elected to anything. Who says the media has the right to now be the government? Elected officials are the ones who were voted into office, and now you are rabble rousing to get people into a frenzy to even make comments of Tar and Feather the Bastards? Where is your sense of responsibilty? You can make opinions but it is not you in charge of report news making to turn and make the dscisions on who, when and where impeachment will take place. I am losing your sense of leadership in thinking news reporting is now and has become government.
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Dom Jermano (20 articles, 0 quicklinks, 40 diaries, 930 comments)
on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 9:16:37 PM
