A gathering of approximately 700 gathered Oct. 5 at the Federal Building in Minneapolis to let their voices be heard in protest against the Bush regime and call for the impeachment of this administration. People of all ages and from various peace groups came together to speak as one about the despair they share with this nation’s current trends, and to express forcefully their hope for change.
Some stood silently, dressed in black and holding a symbol of liberty. Others raised signs reflecting their views: Buck Fush; Nurses for Peace; Impeach Bush/Cheney; No more, No more, No more.
Members of Minnesota 9/11; the Sen. Paul Wellstone foundation; the Green party and several other organizations spoke.
One of the most moving speakers was Vernon Bellcourt, a long-time member of the American Indian Movement. He told the crowd how his people have been fighting terrorism since the Pilgrims first landed on American shores.
As the Impeach for Peace group (Minneapolis branch of World Can’t Wait) outlined its plans for a do-it-yourself impeachment process, and proceeded to line up individuals to march to Loring Park, several blocks away, many volunteers came forward to assist with marshalling.
Since this was a weekday, numerous people were walking along the streets as the group marched, waving signs and shouting slogans. Many individuals came off the sidewalks and joined the parade. Others honked their horns or raised their hands in support of the marchers.
At one point, the parade passed by what appeared to be a number of cooks at one of the local colleges, and they were out on the steps, shouting out their support and their disdain for the Bush regime. There was an excitement in the air that is just not present in a number of marches, and a feeling of all-inclusiveness that seemed to be surrounding the group.
Upon reaching Loring Park, there were additional speakers. Among them was Keith Ellison, a Democratic candidate for the 5th district Congressional seat. If he wins, he will be the first Muslim in Congress, and the first African American from Minnesota. Papa John Kolstad, running for Attorney General from the Green party, and Michael Cavlan, a Green party candidate for the Senate, also spoke.
Jodin Morey, a member of Impeach for Peace, read the Call. He also spoke about do-it-yourself impeachment. Mikael Rudolph, founder of Impeach for Peace, also spoke about what we have worked for and what we are hoping to achieve.
The audience was extremely responsive, shouting out their concerns and anger with this administration.
The speeches were interspersed with music, with entertainers from Chicago and Tennessee, as well as local bands, appearing. The music ran the gamut from folk and protest songs to boogie-woogie to heavy metal. As twilight approached, and the crowd dwindled, there were still some old-time peaceniks in the crowd, keeping time to the heavy metal sounds of Harsh Reality.
