About 200 anti-war activists picketed in front of the Boston armed forces recruitment center on Tremont Street. Protesters had a picket line directly in front of the center on the sidewalk. Across the street info tables were set up from Troops Out Now, Veterans For Peace, IrawqVeterans Against the War, and other peace groups. There was a small pro-war counter demonstration there with no incidents.
It was quite the scene last Saturday in downtown Boston. About 100 very vocal people paraded in front of the military recruiting station on Tremont St. chanting their disapproval of the Bush wars.
While across the street, Iraq Veterans, Socialist Alternative, and other left groups set up tables of information for passerbys and tourists. All these people intermingled with a few counter protesters as well.
Patrick Doreghty is with Iraq Veterans against the War. I asked him when he first enlisted, if he thought he was going over there for a just cause.
Patrick act.
Veteran anti-war activist Michael Borkson is not a veteran of the armed services, but a veteran of the peace movement.
He explained the reason for Saturday’s action.
Michael act 1
Michael Borkson also talked about his activism with alternative media, and criticized mainstream media for not living up to democratic ideals.
Michael act. 2
Forclosure act
An anonomous protester tying domestic issues to the war. There were a hand full of counter protesters, some of which carried signs accusing anti-war demonstrators of treason. Those carrying the derogatory signs would not speak to me. Others were more willing. The group was called “Gathering of Eagles,” and Ron had an American flag.
I asked him what he thought of the “Traitors” charge.
Ron act
Raging Grannies
The Raging Grannies had a presence at the rally, as did the Campus Anti-war Network. Nicole is from the UMass Boston Chapter.
Nicole act
Workers, too, played a roll in the event. Steve Kirshbaum is with the Boston School Bus drivers Union. He compared their union struggles to the anti-war effort.
Steve act
Union worker, Steve Kirshbaum. There were many tourists in the area, and they found the scene quite interesting.
Texas Tourist
Chant up
From Tremont Street, in front of the military recruitment center, I am Chuck Rosina for the Boston Community Radio Project.
