As Bush speaks, hundreds gather to protest war (NY)

[struggle4progress]

While President George W. Bush was addressing this year’s graduating class from West Point, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Thayer Gate Saturday in opposition of the President’s position on the war in Iraq ..

.. “We have a broad group of people here today who have come to say that George Bush should resign and that his policies are counterproductive to our country and our well-being.” ..

“Our concern is with the policy-maker and the policies. We’re not here to disrespect the cadets graduating today, or their families. We’re here to protect them from the excesses and recklessness of this President.”

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/USMA_protest-27May06.htm

[tives12]

1. I'm glad they put in that quote about them only protesting Bush

Because I'm sure many would say that they were being unsupportive of the troops.

[Webster Green]

3. I don't support the troops...

...murdering innocent civilians, including women and children.

I don't support their mission (if there is one). I don't support the illegal occupation of Iraq.

I hate the bullshit phrase "Support the Troops". It has no meaningful value whatsoever. It's conjured up to make peaceful people look like traitors. Typical fascist bullshit.

Bring 'em all home now! That I'll support.

[tives12]

4. If we don't show them some support, then it will be Vietnam again.

Vietnam vets came home to ridicule. Many went to live out on the streets. Benefits didn't come through to them. Although what they fought for was not noble, we have to help them and support them in some way. Without that, then there will be many more suicides and ruined spirits than there already are. And that is the responsibility of us as American citizens to avoid that.

[Webster Green]

6. Yeah, I know we need to support them, but the folks who use the phrase...

...all the time are the ones who support the troops the least. It really pisses me off.

I'm a Vietnam vet, and I have been treated for PTSD and agent-orange related cancer, and I have been homeless and strung-out on heroin as well, so I know of what you speak.

Once the "troops" return home and become vets, the right wing assholes couldn't care less about what happens to them. Vets have to fight and wait for the benefits and the help that they deserve.

BTW, the stories about Vietnam vets returning to protesters spitting on them and calling them baby killers are accepted as fact, but in fact were bullshit.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

8. Thank you,for your brave service.We must support the Troops Now!

More than ever! :patriot: I am sorry that the government sent you off to war and then abandoned you.:patriot:Check this out;John Kerry bill to help Veterans affected by stolen data http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/
May 23, 2006 - Senator John Kerry has introduced the Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006, legislation that will provide free credit monitoring for all United States military veterans who have been affected by the recent theft of personal data. "I know that some active duty service members, some veterans, and certainly some politicians scorned those of us who spoke out, suggesting our actions failed to "support the troops"--which to them meant continuing to support the war, or at least keeping our mouths shut. Indeed, some of those critics said the same thing just two years ago during the presidential campaign.

I have come here today to reaffirm that it was right to dissent in 1971 from a war that was wrong. And to affirm that it is both a right and an obligation for Americans today to disagree with a President who is wrong today, policies that are wrong today, and a war in Iraq that weakens the nation.

I believed then, just as I believe now, that the best way to support the troops is to oppose a course that squanders their lives, dishonors their sacrifice, and disserves our people and our principles."by John Kerry:patriot: + more... http://www.johnkerry.com Please watch this video; John Kerry spoke at American University on Thursday, May 11 about patriotism and dissent at a time of war and the assault on free speech in America today. Below are Kerry's remarks as prepared for delivery.

http://www.johnkerry.com/video/flash/051106_speech.html
:dem:

[Felinity]

12. Thanks for saying that

about them not being welcomed home. Yes, there were no parades, and yes by the time the Vietnam War ended Americans felt humiliated and guilty for many reasons. But what I remember is a lot of the troops joining the anti-war movement, and a lot of protestors dressing in army camouflage. It's always the Congress that refuses to support the needs of our Veterans, which little miss Liberal here has always been vehemently supportive of. I think our Veterans Hospitals ought to be the best medical facilities in the world. How about that for a platform plank, instead of all the cheap lip service and magnetic ribbons?

Until I read your statement above, I never questioned that swill about how we treated the Vietnam Vets. Those repugnant Republicans are darned good job of getting people to deny their own experience.

Question everything.

[otherlander]

7. Agreed. How many among us would behave in a 'noble' way

if we were sent away from the only life we had ever known to do something we weren't prepared for, were flooded with orders day and night, practically brainwashed between the military propaganda and the constant fear of death, and propelled into a life-threatening scenario with a gun, insufficient body armor, and commanders who were passing along orders from their higher-ups to destroy an enemy that was half-fabricated and half could-be-anyone? Truthout described it best: they are atrocity-producing situations, in which massacre becomes the norm. It's the higher-ups we need to be angry at, not the young men and women who were used as pawns under conditions that could ruin anyone's mental condition.

[tives12]

5. One more thing

But I do not think that those who tortured and shot innocent civillians should get away with it either. They definitely deserve to be punished for what they do.

[cliss]

2. This is going to become

an event that is going to hound Bush. Wherever he goes, whatever the function, and he will have his protesters. He will never be rid of them.

The most effective protest, was the one at Stanford last month. About 100 protesters actually PREVENTED Bush from getting to his destination. He had to change his plans. That's effective protesting.

Thanks for posting, S4P.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

9. John Kerry spoke at American University on Thursday, May 11 'Video'

:patriot: John Kerry spoke at American University on Thursday, May 11 about patriotism and dissent at a time of war and the assault on free speech in America today.:cry:How I wish John Kerry was the President!

:patriot: Watch the speech (37:39)http://www.johnkerry.com/video/flash/051106_speech.html :patriot:

[rodeodance]

10. wishing wishing

[LeftNYC]

11. The Times didnt mention protestors this morning...nt

[1620rock]

13. Yeah, 'support the troops' buy a cheap yellow ribbon magnet...

...and slap it your SUV. I wonder how long it will be before the cops start beating up and gassing the peace demonstrators?