Over 400 attend Kansas City protest - my photos

[graphixtech]

Over 400 citizens attended yesterday's protest/vigil in Kansas City. The local representative of the AFSC asked that I take photos and publish them online.

All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy being outdoors (with like minded people) on this beautiful day. There were several speakers and a few musical bands which added to the interest. As you can see, the crowd was very diverse. As was expected, A few troublemakers showed up (I have no interest in sharing photos of that particular activity.)

My new photo album can be viewed from this page:

http://digitalstyledesigns.com/pages/PhotoAlbumMedia.htm

[Neecy]

1. terrific photos!

I figured there were about 400 there as well - of course, Channel 4 last night reported 200. I had the feeling they'd cut it about in half.

Do you know what happened to the troublemakers? I had to leave just as they started getting ugly.

Next year, I hope the organizers can put together a march to the fountain, rather than us standing there milling around for the entire time. I'd love to see us marching down Main or 47th (not that they'd let us close down traffic on the Plaza for even a minute, but you can dream).

[graphixtech]

2. par for the course

Yes, I agree that a march, perhaps in a different area of town would be a refreshing change of pace. There were some strong speakers there. Did you happen to hear Reverend Samm Mann speak? Wowza!!

The troublemakers (ages 16 & 14?) eventually were peacefully picked up by their father, in his small pickup (with W'04 and Blunt stickers.)

One of the organizers gave me an estimate of about 400 attendees. My guess was 400-500 at the peak of it. Of course counting the crowd requires a sincere interest to represent the truth which is very rare in KC media.

To be FAIR, the FOX NEWS crew probably missed the class on BASIC mathmatics. Learnin ta count is vary hard work dont ya'know!
:)

Here is one of my favorite snapshots, taken last year at the Plaza (same misreporter):

[Neecy]

6. yep

I heard Rev. Mann, he was terrific. I was really impressed with the organization - it was well put together. I stood for a while and listened to the names of the war dead, American and Iraqi, read aloud and it was very moving.

It was interesting that in the group of troublemakers was a punk, maybe 20, filming the little fascists and shoving his camera in people's faces. You could tell that the father had put these teenagers in potential danger by having them incite the crowd - like somebody attacking the 14 year old would score political points for them. What father would put his son in that position? It's all so sick (as is holding up a sign that says "THIS GROUP HATES OUR COUNTRY" during the reading of the Hughes poem).

I know the fountain is high-visibility, but next year I'd like to see us march past Crown Center. The Hall family are enthusiastic Bush supporters and have helped enable this evil war - time to turn our attention to THEM.

[pstokely]

7. I don't think the Hall family spends much time at Crown Center

they spend most of it in Mission Hills 66208 where other big Chimp donors live

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. The Halls are bu$h donors?

I hadn't heard that before.

They do a lot of good things for KC. This surprises me.

[graphixtech]

9. yes

from what I have also read,
Halls = Big Republican donors

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. They are really good people

Maybe they are just misguided.

[graphixtech]

11. common

Most of my relatives are Republican.
In many ways they are beautiful people
and I love them dearly.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. I talked to my mother about this tonight

We know the family. I went to school with the kids. My parents knew their parents pretty well. We both feel that the Halls have done so much good for KC that we can ignore their political party. It's unfortunate if they supported bu$h but the Halls are great philanthropists.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Awesome, thank you for posting

Sounds like a great crowd. I'm glad there was a good turnout.

I love the bottom picture of the kids! I want one of those signs for my yard. Anyone know where I can get one?

[atommom]

4. If anyone knows a source for the signs, I'm interested too.

Great pics!

[xmas74]

5. these are wonderful!

I hope that we do not have to worry about a protest this time next year but fully expect to be at one.