Stop the War Demo March 18-19

[ian neal]

Another demonstration is planned to mark the anniversary of the Iraq War

http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

At previous demos we have had a banner and stall in Trafalgar Square plus distributors of leaflets/DVDs and a post demo film screening.

As well as (or instead of) doing this again, does anyone have suggestions on how to make the most of this opportunity.

How about a vigil at the memorial to UK victims of 9/11 opposite the US embassy in Grosvenor Square? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3098546.stm

Would need to be solidarity with family groups supporting a further investigation.

Other ideas?

[alkmyst]

So, the Blair Government has permitted another 'Stop the War' on March 18-19. Permitting the march to take place is necessary to maintaining the facade of an ersatz democracy.

At least one million people protested against UK participation in the invasion of Iraq ........ the media reported that there were maybe 50,000 people on parade.

Tony Blair took absolutely no notice whatsoever and sent the British troops into an illegal was. Why didn't Tony take any notice? Mainly because the protest was no more than a 'token gesture'.

OK, so a million people hit the streets in London alone and were joined by many millions more in towns and cities around the world .......... but it was still no more than a 'token protest'!

Protest marches that take place at the weekend are of minimal consequence. Police and other emergency service personnel benefit from a few hours of overtime, the train, bus and coach companies make a few extra bucks 'cos a million people want to be in London, food vendors do very well but in terms of overall effect, the impact on Goverment is zip .... zilch...... nada (for Government read Tony Blair - the Cabinet is inconsequential). Everybody has a great day and feels good that they made the effort to join the march .......but in the overall scheme of things? It matters not a jot!

So how do we change this? Whether 10,000, 100,000 or one million people turn up to protest in March (by this time the attack on Iran will be imminent!), they need to be prepared to stay there ....... until Tony takes real notice. Go with backpacks loaded with sandwiches, snacks, fruit and water ......... as much as you can carry. Be prepared to share what you have with your fellow marchers but be ready to stay for two, three, .....seven ..... ten days and then some. Stay in London for however long it takes. Imagine this scenario repeated across the world? Do you think that it might get some attention?

Alternatively? Have a nice day out in London ........ then go home and watch the NeoCon psychopaths and puppet Tony launch another illegal war ........ in your name and in the name of feedom and democracy.

Two million people took to the streets of Madrid after the bombings on March 11, 2004. An estimated ten million took to the streets across Spain. The goverment was defeated in the general election which followed shortly afterwards and Spanish troops were subsequently removed from the coalition of the (un)willing.

Peaceful protest can make a difference and the difference will be directly proportional to the determination of the people to make their voices heard.

Please also bear in mind that due to the determination of Tony Blair to continue with his quest to introduce more and more restrictive legislation, this may be one of the last chances that the British public has to express the strength of public opinion via the medium of peaceful protest.

Al K Myst

[Pikey]

Hi Ian,