UPDATE! On September 14, an estimated crowd of 2,000 gathered in Westwood for a spirited rally and a highly-charged march against Bush's pending War on Iraq. It was the largest Anti-War demonstration in Southern California this year. Read a
brief report from the event's organizers.
Photos from the demo: 1,2,3, 4, 5.
The events one year ago today (9-11-02) had a tremendous impact on the social justice movement in the United States. Before 9-11-01, widespread opposition to Bush's imperialism and his illegitimacy were drawing more people into the already vibrant anti-corporate globalization movement. After 9-11, the movement fell back to the margins. Now we know the set back was temporary!
With Bush & Co. all-but-promising an illegal imperialist, neo-colonialist war against Iraq, the American Social Justice Movement is back and gaining momentum with each passing day. In Southern California alone, there are numerous events every week (and around the country and the world, virtually too many to keep track of).
On Saturday Sept 7, there was an Anti-war Rally and March in Santa Monica (more photos from the 7th: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). On Sunday the 8th, an Anti-War Rally in Macarthur Park drew over 500 people. On Tuesday night the 10th, hundreds packed the First Baptist Church at a Gathering for Civil Liberties and Peaceful Tomorrows. And on the 11th, countless peace vigils were held throughout SoCal, including a silent vigil (view photos) that attracted hundreds in Santa Monica sponsered by the Coalition For World Peace.
The Whole World is (and will be) Watching