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beginning a week of freedom and democracy
August 29, 2004
Last night I began my participation in this historic week of democracy in action by joining several thousand other bike riders at Critical Mass, a monthly ride of civil disobedience through the Manhattan streets. What set this ride apart from the other two rides I've been on was not that it was so massive (which it was), but that the vast majority of New Yorkers on the streets were cheering us on. The report in the Associated Press predictably focused on anecdotes a few annoyed drivers and clashes with Police, who excessively arrested nearly 250 bikers. But the real story is that thousands of bicyclists rode through the streets of Manhattan for over 2 hours with support from the people on the streets, setting the positive tone for a week of actions in which 81% of New Yorkers are supportive of the protests.
Today's March for Women's Lives was similarly positive and peaceful as thousands of people walked across the Brooklyn Bridge with signs like "I love pro choice NY." Unlike many protests I've participated in over the last 5 years, the actions of this week are different in that we are in the city that is the home of the culture of resistance to the Bush Regime. The Republicans are coming to our house, and we will use our talent and creativity to represent for real transformation and healing for our country. Come out tomorrow and march against the Bush Agenda and for a new America.
Posted by Colin at August 29, 2004 3:36 AM
