Fourth of July protests - Richmond,VA Photo Gallery by Garrie Rouse at pbase.com

Fourth of July protests - Richmond,VA

This protest was timed with Fourth of July celebrations, when we as a nation reflect on our origins as a country and its founding principles. This was a small but invigorating march (approx. 500-700 participants) that saw involvement from a diversity of groups (young and old ... conventional and non-conventional ... black, white or what have you ...) who believe that our Country is on the wrong track in Iraq (specifically) and in the Middle East (in general). The rally and march was organized by the Virginia Anti-War Cooalition (VAWC) which consisted of the following sponsoring organizations ...

- D.C. Anti-War Network (DAWN)
- Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality
- Richmond A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & Racism)
- Richmond Food Not Bombs
- Richmond Green Party
- Richmond Independent Media Center
- Richmond Peace Education Center (RPEC)
- Richmond Queer Space Project
- The People United
- The Progressive Muslim Network
- Unitarian Church of Richmond (Peace and Justice Committee)
- VCU Living Wage Campaign
- VCU Muslim Student Association
- Virginia Public Service Workers Union UE Local 160.

Contrary to some expectations, the march was peaceful and extremely laid back. Over 15 marshals were on hand to assist. The march proceeded down Franklin to Capital Square, then up Main to 2nd Street, and back to Monroe Park via Broad. Several stops were made along the way, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Richmond offices of CACI (a private military contractor involved in the recent Abu Ghraib atrocities). Many shopkeepers and their patrons came out to lend us their support and those in their cars along Broad and Belvidere energized us by honking their horns and waving us the peace sign. Returning to Monroe Park, there was a open mike and a small band. All in all, a very fine way to spend a hot Fourth of July weekend while holding our Country to the high standards it was founded upon.

pre-rally meeting of event marshals	US Ambassadors to France	Bush Lied. People Died	Chomsky for President
dissatisfied American	Rally MC	Bushgate	Vietnam Veteran Robert Powell speaks out
no more blood for oil	Ana Edwards from Defenders	slam poetry (muslim style)	Salim Khafani w/ the NAACP
US jails the World	in the shadow of the Jefferson	unlikley protesters for peace	sickboy choppers
looking at you ... looking at me	Richmond Times-Dispatch	"Oh really!"	shielded equine
marching down Franklin	Capitol Square	peace baby	Connie Moss of Military Families Speak Out
surveillance	Richmond City Chief of Police		onlooker
security for peace	in front of CACI Richmond office	musical commitment	torture is not a family value
unlikely partners	peace, love & crabs	3rd Street Diner supporters	police cyclist
taking it up Broad Street	supporters - both young & old	support from Broad Street	ready this time
bringing up the rear	peace sign (I)	peace sign (II)	peace sign (III)
responding in kind

comment |

Garrie Rouse		04-Nov-2004 13:54
Dear Guest, You say "can I ask you a personal question ..." but you neither identify yourself nor provide a way for me to answer you in a more personal way. I have identified myself by name and through my personal photography to you and the whole world. I have given many countless hours to educating myself and contemplating issues in the Middle East, starting back in the early 70s when I was a young teenager living in Iran. Reflecting on the events that have occurred over the past 30 years, it would appear that I have come to a different conclusion than you regarding our Country’s past and present approach there. The election of George Bush as our president does not automatically change what a person feels is the correct course of action for their country. To imply otherwise is to suggest that my convictions, and those of many others, are founded on shallow grounds. That simply is not true. I have tried to make it a point to not turn my galleries into a forum for lobbing political accusations and have responded, instead, to others by email or other discussion formats. I would be happy to discuss with you some of our likely differing views by email. Please make use of the email address that I am not too afraid to put before you and others who are prepared to make the kind of hostile comments that you apparently do. Assuming that I will never know who you are, or have a way of answering your "personal question" in a personal way, I will try to address it (at least in part) here. I, personally, have had no involvement in Fahrenheit 911 (I assume you are talking about that particular movie of several produced by Michael Moore). This gallery makes no reference to Michael Moore or the film. I did see the movie, however. I suspect that it did help to mobilize some, but have always felt that the film was mostly preaching to the choir. I did not support all of its content, but do agree with most of its central tenets. Much of it was not new information for me, however. It appears that many presumptions are made about my photographs. It is true that I do not support our actions abroad, but your statement "face it your side lost" implies that all of the participants at the Richmond protests were Democrats. I would venture to say that many (if not most) were not. In fact, I have attempted to show (through my photographs) the wide diversity of Americans who are opposed to our actions in the Middle East. Look again for yourself. You will see young and old, "blacks" and "whites", straight people, gay people, mothers, veterans, Christians, Muslims ... you name it. I dare say that they have not changed their convictions because of the election and I doubt that they are going away. Garrie

Guest		03-Nov-2004 15:37
It's over, face it your side lost. I know it’s gotta be rough for you right now. Hey, we’ve all been there. “You lose” are two horrible words when put together in that order. Bin Laden surfacing this weekend to reminded the American people of why Bush is needed as president was a cruel trick or treat. But there he was. 3,000 people were killed and the president was the only choice to defend us. Our Special Forces are going after him? Why did your side forget about bin Laden on the DAY AFTER 9/11, the American people did'nt. There he was, Michael Moore, all fat and rested with his videotape Army (hey, did you get the feeling that he had nothing in Florida or Ohio to videotape?) Speaking of his stupid movie - can I ask you a personal question before we part ways for good on Wednesday? Did you and your friends really think that piece of crap would help Kerry win? The people are much smarter than that. What a waste of your time and resources! Sure, I know what your pollsters told you, that the film had convinced some people to vote your side in. I just want you to know that was Michael's original intent. Funny things happen at the movies. Hope you get to see a few at the multiplex. It’s a great way to relax.

Guest		28-Sep-2004 01:18
Bring on those Allies, John.... No French or German turn on Iraq By Jo Johnson in Paris, Betrand Benoit in Berlin and James Harding in Washington Published: September 26 2004 21:13 \| Last updated: September 26 2004 21:13 French and German government officials say they will not significantly increase military assistance in Iraq even if John Kerry, the Democratic presidential challenger, is elected on November 2. Mr Kerry, who has attacked President George W. Bush for failing to broaden the US-led alliance in Iraq, has pledged to improve relations with European allies and increase international military assistance in Iraq.

Guest		18-Sep-2004 19:55
What kind of stupid idiot would try to unjustified the men and women who serve our country in the first place. Stan and "I like Pie" can shut their pie hole. Much love goes out to our troops.

I like Pie		14-Sep-2004 22:49
What sort of stupid argument is the one below by Guest, trying to justify the deaths of our men and women!!!

Guest		09-Sep-2004 18:11
Stan: "15,935 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes - an average of one every 33 minutes." "Deaths from Flu: 63,730 annual deaths for influenza and pneumonia" (NVSR Sep 2001) It definitely does hurt to lose a thousand men and women who served our country proud but it doesn't come nearly as close to those we lost at home to our annual fight with drunk driving and the flu. So I guess now you are going to want to get rid of President Bush because people are dying left and right from common illnesses and idiot drivers. I would rather lose 1000 brave souls fighting for our freedom instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for a war on our soil which would cost millions of American lives. Quit whinning and support our troops and our president for having the courage to make tough decisions, even when it's the right decision. Otherwise grab a gun and stand your post since you think you can do a better job, Stan

Stan Marsh		08-Sep-2004 22:59
1000 of our boys and girls dead in Iraq! the iraqi people love us being there for them, just like we'd love to be "liberated" by them if we had an oppressive president.

EMangl		07-Sep-2004 09:53
i enjoy all those galleries who show people with a brain that's not rotten by continous propaganda

Guest		04-Sep-2004 02:16
The "Chomsky for President" sign tells you all you need to know about this group. http://www.pbase.com/wtracyparnell/bush04

nevadaoutback		02-Sep-2004 12:37
Good journalism, only in America can so many diverse people and cultures exercise this right. Thank GOD we have the American military to defend those rights.

Carolyn		13-Jul-2004 16:10
Garrie, these are great pictures, sorry I couldn't make it. We were there in spirit, cafb

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