community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
M20 rally
by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
Pictures from the early part of the rally
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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Gladiator puppet
by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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Pete Schell
by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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Molly Rush
by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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East End Community Stand for Peace
by Mary
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM
mh5r@andrew.cmu.edu
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Who the Hell is Pete Shell
by Holly Blush
Saturday, Mar. 20, 2004 at 7:00 PM
Who the Hell is Pete Shell?
Why should we care what Molly Rush has to say?
What have either of them ever done to liberate a nation and a culture from a despotic ruler?
Why don't they drive big hulking American made cars if they want jobs so damn much?
Why don't they buy some new clothes and support local merchants?
Why didn't they talk about the historically low unemployment rates that we are experiencing?
Why didn't they talk about tax breaks for business owners?
Why didn't they ask the government to swiftly implement a national energy policy to keep natural gas prices at reasonable levels?
Why don't they support oil exploration in the tundra wasteland referrred to as ANWR, to create jobs and help the US economy?
Why don't they support the investment tax credit for energy exploration and natural gas production?
Why do they both look like they are in dire need of a trip to the day spa?
couldn't agree more...
by spirit of thoreau's dog
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 4:20 AM
how many more people felt this way? ...what a yawn, and in the pouring rain too. we need new speakers, new input, an open mike (what open mike? what? anarchy!)... unfortunately there is too much of a power struggle going on amogn organizers, too much censorship and favoritism. if it isn't taken away from them and given to the "people" who stand out there in the rain and snow every time, it will always be this way - so who else feels that we don't need the same old people and same old drudgery every time?
eghhh forgot to say...
by thoreau's dog agin
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 4:24 AM
...agree with the uh first line
throw us a bone
by just another wet dog at the rally
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 4:57 AM
Agreed. Change needs to start at home. We need something other than the same old tired speakers with their worn down messages. Open it up to the broader message. There are alot of voices out there. It is not all about POG and Friends.
Positive
by Not negative
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 5:10 AM
Rally speakers are always a tough thing. I support an open mic but that WAS available at the sit-in. Which by the way was (in my opinion) a pretty damn good event. Thanks to POG for creating an inclusive action and also for leading the crowd to a safe place and also for making the planning and preparations to keep people safe through-out the day. Yesterday was a day of growth for PGH. Also there were plenty of new energetic people who represented yesterday, please don't be discouraged by speakers who I agree with can be boring and uninspiring - its just how it goes. The positives from yesterday far exceed the negatives
PEACE
A24
by peppy
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 5:11 AM
I rather enjoyed the poetry back in August. It was very motivational. I am glad someone did it at the sit-in.
Positive
by Not negative
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 5:11 AM
Rally speakers are always a tough thing. I support an open mic but that WAS available at the sit-in. Which by the way was (in my opinion) a pretty damn good event. Thanks to POG for creating an inclusive action and also for leading the crowd to a safe place and also for making the planning and preparations to keep people safe through-out the day. Yesterday was a day of growth for PGH. Also there were plenty of new energetic people who represented yesterday, please don't be discouraged by speakers who I agree with can be boring and uninspiring - its just how it goes. The positives from yesterday far exceed the negatives
PEACE
Ehh
by RC
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 5:42 AM
I definitely agree. Alot of the speakers were fairly boring. It might have helped if we could hear them though. I thought the two guys from Pitt were good speakers though. I don't remember names, but the white guy who tried to use the megaphone...I was standing next to his mom. Lol, one of the coolest old women I've ever met. Next to the Raging Grannies of course.
suggestions
by thoreau's dog
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 6:45 AM
woof all!
you know I don't think pogs the real problem (although from the 'vibing out' stories I hear froma few people they could be in the future). I don't see pog kids fighting to speak on stage and i agree they doa great organizing job. i think the oldies are the real problem, the ones who just can't let a rally go by without climbing up there and saying the same things they said last time and who are so friggin obsessed with getting their faces in the press. here are myhumble suggestions-
- maximum of 3 'official' speakers
- speakers get 5 mins maximum each (not 15!!)
- any rally speaker has to wait for at least another 3 rallies before getting to speak again
- same for the MC
- forget trying to 'control' stuff - there is such an atmosphere of dumb officiousness at these rallies - loosen up and live dangerously guys, people will like you for it!
not trying to be negative, really, but things need to change. and hey, there's no harm in suggesting (dreaming).....
Positive feedback
by cats and dogs
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 7:04 AM
I agree. the speakers at these rallies are totally lame. The pogs do a fine job organizing and we all should appreciate their efforts. I too think it is the 'grey hairs' at the rallies that are the problem. most of them have been stuck on the same soundtrack since the 60's or their own bygone youth. They get up and ramble on witout really saying anything. It seems like most of them can't help themselves when they find a chance to hear themselves talk. Hey we heard your message and are glad you are out there with us. But it is someone else's turn once in the while. Didn't you learn anything in grade school.
I like the 'dog's' suggestions. Let's think about seeking out some new blood for speaking at these things. Maybe pog can lend its organizing skills to soliciting abstracts from prospective rally speakers in advance of the rally.
Keep up the good work pog.
Sit down and let someone else have a chance to speak 'gray hairs'
Gray hairs
by Dean
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 8:35 AM
With respect to the program at rallies, there's one simple solution to the "problem" that some perceive at the rallies and marches. When a rally is being planned, come to the meetings and help organize. Every rally is planned by the people who are willing to show up to the meetings. If you want to do something different, or have other speakers, then go to the meetings and make it happen. We're all looking for as much input and help as we can get. A larger collective can do nothing but improve and broaden the event.
As far as the media "faces" is concerned, that's all a function of the people who have volunteered to do that work. Right up to the last day, the media committee was looking for more people willing to be a spokesperson. If you want to be more involved, volunteer to help.
It's that simple. Please come. Please help.
Get off your ass
by A happy activist
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 8:35 AM
I thought that yesterday went great. All of the critcizims are valid, but if you think that its always the same-old, same-old in terms of rallies, speakers, etc., then get involved in the PLANNING and ORGANIZING. Go to meetings, express your opinion, and show that you can do more then complain on indymedia boards. Organize an event of your own if you don't have the time commitment to go to weekly meetings.
Overall, you should start a group of your own if you think you can do a better job then whats being done.
Good job to everyone yesterday!
Get off your ass
by A happy activist
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 8:37 AM
I thought that yesterday went great. All of the critcizims are valid, but if you think that its always the same-old, same-old in terms of rallies, speakers, etc., then get involved in the PLANNING and ORGANIZING. Go to meetings, express your opinion, and show that you can do more then complain on indymedia boards. Organize an event of your own if you don't have the time commitment to go to weekly meetings.
Overall, you should start a group of your own if you think you can do a better job then whats being done.
Good job to everyone yesterday!
Dean...
by **
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 8:57 AM
No, it's not that simple. If the powers that be at the Merton Center don't like you, you get edged out or effectively blacklisted no matter how many meetings you attend. Period. I've witnessed it several times and heard others say the same.
In relation to local activist leaders it's interesting to consider what kind of national leaders they would make. Would they be compassionate or driven by dogma/self-interest/egoism? Would they be truly democratic in their decision-making processes and bring about real change? How would they deal with those who oppose them or whose style they didn't like? How would they handle their power over the "forces of repression"? When I look at some (not all) of the players on the local scene - and especially some members of the anti-war-committee - I'm not sure I'd be anxious to see them wield any more power than they already have.
gray hairs
by Dean
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 9:38 AM
To**
Please get in touch with me personally. If there is an issue that I am not aware of at the TMC, and apparently you believe that there is, then I would appreciate it if you would address me or others directly so that the issue can be sorted out. I do not believe that there is any intentional or concerted effort to block anyone or any group out. Certainly I am not aware of any such effort.
There may be some biases on an individual level that get expressed at meetings, but each member of the anti-war committee has and equal voice and anyone can be a member of the committee. One voice equals one vote. If someone is at the meeting and is upset that their voice is not being heard, then they should make it clear at the meeting.
Certainly the coalition of folks who are trying to make change in society is diverse. Any such coalition leads to difficulties in communication. I am more than willing to do what is necessary for everyone to have a voice and communicate their ideas. I believe that most everyone else is as well. However, it should be anticipated that development of this communication will be awkward and difficult at times. That does not mean that most people are not willing to make the effort and suffer the growing pains.
In the development of this most recent rally, although I did not go to every meeting, I do not recall that anyone was shut out of the discussion. Please let me know if I am mistaken for I am often caught unaware when I am not specifically looking. But if I have some knowledge of the concerns, I will do what I can to make sure that those concerns are addressed.
Best wishes.
visitor
by visitor
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2004 at 8:22 PM
HoRie_Ujimori@hotmail.com (808) 538-5984
I think the entire event went well. This seems to be a generational controversy, the traditional tactics are not gonna satisfy the contemporanean ones. Personally, I was a punk rocker in the 80s, one that hung out with bloody punkers and nothing that POG is doing now is a new thing to me, their tactics were used decades and decades ago and I don't have any problem with that, I don't think there shouldn't be any issues to discuss about in relation to how things should've been done, both events worked. If POG wants to do this or that, hey, let them do it, but do not trash others' work. When there were problems last year with arrests, the elderly people like Pete Shell and others were there to take the Pgh 122 out of jail. So, just keep the working coming, keep your creativity pouring and let it all come out together. I get bored easily too, specially with black, we wore it for long time and it will possibly be worn for more years to come, who cares, after all, that's what we're all fighting for, to have the liberty to be ourselves. But then again, what would I know, I'm another oldie, not in the age range of the raging grannies yet, but real happy to be a hippi/hard core punk traveler, a weird breed, not easy to imitate, heck with imitations. Let's concentrate in telling those little Bush'kiss ass and the conservative Dems to go back to their temples and pray for their leaders instead of invading these type of sites for luck of ideas.
Boring
by Otto
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 8:49 AM
Overall, The entire event was a JOKE!..it was boring, dated and seemed to be staged to get a few photo ops for someones personal agenda and to make it look like more than it really was.
It was a complete waste of my time.
And I have to wonder - Do any partially good looking girls attend these things? They all look homeless. Fugly Dirtballs!
While on Flagstaff I was hoping someone would be passing out soap and they could take advantage of the rain.
I wont be back!
But, you looked
by so cute
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 9:51 AM
With your new red bandanna.
The camo pants were sexy too
Breakin'
by Turbo
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 10:05 AM
The 'cop bloc' outfits are even more transparent than the breakdancer costumes.
You guys are so terrible. You could have at least sent Barry Budd(if he grew his beard back)or the Willie Nelson look-alike narc who followed the PLA for a few blocks at the St. Paddy's parade. Although I seem to recall Budd and one of his little boyfriend going deep cover in the Arena parking lot, doing their cop walk with concert shirts draped over their shoulders.
Well...
by George K.
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 11:52 AM
vine_swinger_chuckie@yahoo.com
well, it is nice to see that the anti-war crowd got their collective rocks off with their small "protest" on a cold and miserable Saturday. The world-wide effort to grab news headlines sure wasn't effective.
And what happened Monday? It was business as usual. The world didn't change. There were some haughty speeches from the world-wide crowd about the evilness of "war", yet I still have not seen anyone from the "antiwar" crowd invite an Iraqi speaker to an antiwar march, to permit a native of the country that the US is "doing wrong by" to lay out how bad it must be in occupied Iraq. The native Iraqi could enlighten you about the "good old pre-war" days, when the population of Iraq could hold similar rallies and protests (only if they wanted to die and be buried in a mass grave south of Baghdad).
All I see in these protest pics are a group of self-righteous, over-educated "poets" who have no idea what the concept of living in a true police state means.
Try living in one. You definitely are NOT living in one now.
.
by .
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 1:26 PM
Thanks for the encouragement George!
To George
by Dean
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 4:03 PM
Welcome to 1984 George K. You're being watched. E-mail, phone calls, websites, doctors records, bank records...everywhere you go, everything you do scrutinized by the people given the power to control policy. Police state the high tech way. No court orders or search warrants required. Please check the Bill of Rights at the door. John Ashcroft and the so-called USA PATRIOT Act are here.
Time for a reality check Georgie boy ... billions of dollars allocated to watch Americans in America and no details released to the public. Democracy is slipping out the door and you have your eyes closed.
The last Iraqi friend that I know of who spoke out against the war was threatened with deportation. How can anyone believe in George Bush's version of democracy, when he tries to take Constitutional rights away from the very people who have come here to gain them?
interested in what iraqis think?
by matt
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 6:26 PM
matt@indypgh.org
George K. wrote:
There were some haughty speeches from the world-wide crowd about the evilness of "war", yet I still have not seen anyone from the "antiwar" crowd invite an Iraqi speaker to an antiwar march, to permit a native of the country that the US is "doing wrong by" to lay out how bad it must be in occupied Iraq.
I'd like to thank George for pointing this out. Listening to the voices of Iraqis is very important, unfortunately this sentiment would be better directed at the US Administration than at protesters. (If George would be willing to donate funds I'm sure the Pittsburgh Antiwar movement would be happy to host a speaker from Iraq.) The occupying forces, on the other hand, are not half a world away from the Iraqi people; are they listening?
While no Iraqis were known to have attended the Pittsburgh protest, Indymedia does have coverage of the March 20th protests in Baghdad that happened in tandem with those in Pittsburgh. The notable part of this event was that it
united both Shias and Sunnis in their opposition to the US Occupation.
When George K. claims to speak up for Iraqis, he is certainly no more credible than the so-called "self-righteous, over-educated" protestors he decries. Who has an agenda here?
For more photos of the 1-year anniversary protest in Baghdad, click here.
-matt, pittsburgh indymedia
photo of march in baghdad
by vincent / blast furnace radio
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004 at 8:49 PM
eirene@lm.com
the photo of the march is accurate. what they were chanting was "to go to war with the jews".
it shook me to my toes as stood on a roof top to record this demonstration in baghdad.
tribalism and religious bigotry are the enemy to democracy.
people bombed a hotel next to ours, that explosion burned down a house next door and injured people in a close by hospital...all because some kurds were staying there.
we got our work cut out for us.
want to see my slide show / with recorded interviews when it is finished? just drop me an email...
vincent scotti eirene' eirene@lm.com
i
by i
Tuesday, Mar. 23, 2004 at 5:41 AM
Hey Matt, got any photos of any anti-govt rallies before Saddam was ousted? Didn't think so. I think it's great that Iraqis can now demonstrate freely.
i
by j
Tuesday, Mar. 23, 2004 at 6:43 AM
Yeah they have the right to demonstrate and be ignored and particpate in phony elections, kinda like here
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