Pima Democrats greeted by anti-Kerry protestors : AZ IMC

A dozen activists holding signs and a banner with a variety of anti-Kerry and anti-voting messages greeted Tucson democrats as they arrived at the carpenter’s union hall for a DNC party where they watched the closing speech given by democratic presidential nominee John Kerry. We had a variety of reactions, from pissed-off to curious and sympathetic.

The theme of the action was "A vote for Kerry or Bush is still a vote for war." We reminded people that Kerry says he supports the wars in the Middle East; the targeted assassinations of Palestinians and the separation wall; the patriot laws and the creation of a national intelligence agency and an intelligence czar, the continuation of the trade agreements that have lead to millions of lost jobs and sweatshops; the over throw of the popular democratically elected presidents of Haiti and Venezuela.

The first few 20 minutes went off well, as we engaged people on their way into the building. Then a handful of the organizers came out and attempted to kick us off the property. An older man, Don, (pictured below as the grumpy-crat) began shouting “This is private property! You’re trespassing!” He then began to call us “retarded” and “assholes.” He mocked our hand-painted “Vote Kerry = Vote War” banner, then walked over to his mini-van and took out a “Remember 9/11” banner and told us that this was a real banner and that we didn’t know anything about what America was. Others also yelled and scolded us, demanding that we leave. We just held our ground and politely ignored them.

Although they threatened to call the police, the decided to let us stay (thanks to the guy running the front desk!) as long as we didn’t block the door. We stayed from 6:00 pm until the party ended at 9:00. Many of us ended up having several decent conversations with a variety of people, young and old. Although many felt that we were wrong to protest Kerry, people admitted that they too were not fond of him or his record. One person even called Kerry a “Bush-lite.”

Most people were shocked when we told them that we probably weren’t going to vote at all. I heard many say, “we must change the system from within.” Although no one jumped in to join us, several said they were happy we were there and that we had an important message.

Don yelling at us and calling us retarted. The woman is Lori, she was also very upset and rude.

This guy kept telling us to move, we just ignored him

Grumpy-crat gets in our face...

Don and Lori get frustrated

I think this guy's name was Tom

Actually the Dems were going to call the cops on us (as if you couldnt guess given Bostons situation) The only reason they didnt is because the guy from the Carpenters Union had enough sense about him to disuede them from it.

When they threatened to call the cops we repeatedly asked them if we were getting in people way or hindering access and if freedom of speech didnt apply on private property. They ignored it and walked inside very flustered.

Throughout the protest some of the Dems came outside to talk to us. One particularly funny moment occured when a Dem was arguing against Anarchist stating they never accomplish anything. To which "we got Mckinley out of office" was replyed. The man seemed very unamused unlike hte rest of us.

bush and kerry are both war mongers. it doesnt matter if you vote republican or democrat we will still get 4 more years of war.

vote libertarain Michael Badnarik the Libertarian for President is the only canidate i know who is against the war.

dont waste your vote and vote for 4 more years of war. vote LIBERTARIAN. vote for Michael Badnarik.

ps - those libertarians also want to legalize dope. another good reason to vote libertarian.

Nader opposes the war, as does David Cobb of the Green Party.

Vote for whom you will, or don't vote at all, but those who vote for warmongers have no business bitching about the war.