Reading (For Dummies): Protesting in Berlin

February 16, 2003

Protesting in Berlin

Allies

I went to the war protest in Berlin today. I guess it's safe to say that I've caved on the Iraq issue. While I agree that Saddam should go, I don't think dropping bombs, killing Iraqis, and sending GIs in to die is the way to bring it about. All that will succeed in doing is pissing off more of the ME countries, while leaving Iraq a more bomb-ruined country, probably complete with minefields. Sometimes comics say it best.

And besides, I think should we should focus such military strength on targets that actually have the potential to strike first. If America's real reason for removing Saddam is because of humans rights violations, it should say so clearly, and work with the UN for a more peaceful removal of him. If he really has weapons, well, let's see some proof already. The US has had plenty of time to show some evidence behind closed doors and allow the UN to slowly come around without tipping anyone off vis-a-vis spies in Iraq.

Ouch...

I have to say I took a minor offense to some signs. I think this thing isn't the US' fault. I guess America's democratic revolution has been hijacked. Too bad the conservatives are interested in bombing Iraq, but "don't want to talk about foreign policy." (warning: Clip from Bill O'Reilly of the O'Reilly factor which may raise your blood pressure enough to cause problems).

Holy Mother...

And more...

And more...

As we were leaving, we heard the official police estimate at 500,000 people. 100,000 were expected. Unbelievable. Even more people showed up in Rome (estimates at 2 MILLION!!!).

Protecting the US embassy

And, of course, we weren't allowed anywhere near the US embassy, not even to take pictures. This fear of terrorism is getting ridiculous...and it's making me more curious how my brother is making out in NYC. Rumor has it that there are sharpshooters there...

Posted by reid at February 16, 2003 02:18 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Things are a giant mess. Interest groups and lobbyists are in firm command of the country. Elected officials are just figureheads. This country has finally been bought and the final payment just came in. Maybe I should make like you and find grad school in some other country. Preferably one I know the language of.

Posted by: Orion on February 17, 2003 06:18 AM

It's interesting the ones who are protesting. Germany? Where were they in WW2?

Maybe if someone such as the US would have taken a more proactive stance towards Hitler earlier on.. maybe that would have saved the millions in the holocost.

Untill someone tells me a better way to deal with Iraq I'll continue to support our leadership.

Posted by: J on December 31, 2003 10:30 AM