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Report: antiwar action, 1/18 in Tucson
by Sonya & Hidro, AZ IMC Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003 at 10:14 AM

summary of the day's events.

In Tucson today, thousands demonstrated against war in Iraq.



By ten AM, approximately 2500 people had gathered at the Old Main building on the University of Arizona Campus.

 

After speakers and singing - including Peg Millett singing "Women Come Forth" and a mock wedding of polygamist George Bush to his special interests (War, the NRA, Big Oil, and Corporate Farms) - marchers proceeded North on Park Avenue, taking the street in a negotiated deal with the police.

 

 

The march turned West on Speedway, and stretched over two city blocks, nearly a mile long. Along Speedway as well, marchers occupied the far right lane of Eastbound traffic, walking against the flow of cars.

At about 11:15 AM, the march reached De Anza park, an official count putting the number upon arrival at 3500. People rallied here, listening to music, exchanging information, and enjoying the beautiful day. Speakers and music included newly elected Southern Arizona Representative Raul Grijalva, and the Raging Grannies performing songs with clever, original lyrics.

 

A small crowd gathered around a silver bus parked on an adjacent road, with a drumset, bass player, and freestyle hip-hop inside.

 

 

 

Many demonstrators engaged in autonomous creative, theatrical effects.

 

 

Two counter-demonstrators were present, one wore a shirt that read "Support Bush." That of the other said "I Love Bush." Anarchists engaged them in a conversation of US foreign policy. The discussion remained calm.

 

The final count at the park was 5000. People from all over the state participated, including at least 100 from Phoenix and 50 from Prescott.

Five arrests were made this day, three men and two women. Early in the march, the following statement was clearly overheard on the police radio: "Watch the people dressed in black, they are the trouble-makers. That's where the arrests will be made." From the beginning, police closely tailed the black bloc, some 50 people strong. Between Park and Euclid, one of the black blocers walked near the cones, and was snatched by three bicycle police. This began an intense verbal confrontation with the black bloc shouting, "Let him go!" At some point between Euclid and Sixth Ave, police closed in and pointed out another male of this group - as he turned down a side alley, riot cops chased and tackled him. Two female observers were also arrested as they stood nearby. A third male was arrested at some point in between these incidents. All were cited and released, two are confirmed to have been charged with obstructing traffic and interfering with a traffic officer, and it is likely that the other three were charged likewise. Police continued to shadow the black bloc, even forming a semi-circle around the group as they sat in the park.

When asked, Sargeant Woolridge denied that anyone was targeted based on their appearance or dress. He did comment that it was "a nice day, and a nice crowd."

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LATEST COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
Listed below are the 10 latest comments of 16 posted about this article.
These comments are anonymously submitted by the website visitors.
TITLE AUTHOR DATE
Truth and Freedom Corey Monday, Mar. 31, 2003 at 5:20 AM
The Governments of the US and UK don't care about Iraqis compilation Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 at 1:21 PM
Patriot Big Al Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 at 9:02 AM
Fuck Bush's Racast War!! Brent R. Widener III Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at 10:50 PM
Fuck Bush's Racast War!! Brent R. Widener III Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at 10:49 PM
Arguement leaving out key facts Daniel Brockert Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at 11:32 AM
to the troll(s) American Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 12:35 PM
Protesters Hypocrites American Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 2:10 AM
rt js Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 12:44 AM
2003 Year Of The Sheep c Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 at 9:25 AM

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