Major Peace March Diverted by Cop Car Convoy

Transfered from old site

 
By Elaine Russell, Rochester Indymedia
 

 
(March 21, 2003) An energetic anti-war rally that began at 4:00 at the Liberty Pole turned risky when the more than 1000 protesters left to march through downtown to the Federal Building. A fleet of gas-guzzling police cars appeared and moved bumper-to-bumper bullying marchers away from the street. The officers then diverted the march to side streets where one was overheard saying, “They won’t be seen from here.”
 

 
Along the route there was excrement on the sidewalk similar to that often observed leaving police horses. According to a City ordinance dog poop commands a $35 fine.
 

 
As the marchers approached the Federal Building from the rear Federal Marshals were lined up with video cameras.
 

 
The rally continued in front of the Federal Building with speeches by members of the Rochester Campus Action Network (RCAN) who organized today’s protest. Other speeches were given by community leaders. Student leader Jeff Ray who was arrested at yesterday’s protest was one of the speakers.
 

 
After the last speaker Jason Crane told the crowd that he was informed by the police that they would start arresting people as soon as the media left. As the crowd dispersed carloads of police in riot gear were moving in.
 

 
Today Baghdad was pounded by a vicious bombardment with U.S. weapons of mass destruction. The Defense Secretary proudly announced the capture of oil fields, air fields and a major sea port. In Rochester there were reports of threats made to the Islamic Center.
 

 
And here in Rochester Democracy suffered another defeat to the police state as officers tried to intimidate American citizens assembled in peaceful protest. What was it that they didn’t want Rochester to see? A few hippies who might appear offensive to tourists? No. It was the sight of American citizens standing in fearless dissent against a war they were expected to dutifully support.
 

 
Similar anti-war protests will continue every Friday at 4:00pm at the Liberty Pole.