March 19, 2011 will likely be remembered more as the first day of the Libyan War, but the protesters were in the streets before the first bombs fell, commemorating the eight year anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq.
Significant protests were reported nationwide, with rallies in Bangor, Maine and Santa Barbara, California, and countless major cities from the heartland to the coasts. The Iraq War may not be the high profile story it once was, but eight years in a committed core of the war’s opponents still notice that it is a war far from over.
Protesters rallied near the White House, including legendary whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, who was arrested for being too close to the White House gates, and likely too close to reminding President Obama, as he starts the war in Libya, that his promises to end the war in Iraq have not been kept.
In the eight years since the US invaded Iraq, 4,440 American soldiers have been killed in the nation, along with innumerable civilians. Some 50,000 soldiers remain on the ground, and while the Status of Forces Agreement calls for them to leave by December, talks are under way to extend their presence far beyond this date.
The idiot in the White House and the idiots in the Congress do NOT care about the American people – it is endless war despite the financial and human cost.
The Republic is dead – our 'elected' officials do NOT represent the people.
America needs a regime change!
VietVet, you've got to admit that it's a 'nice touch' that Obama started his own new war in Libya on the date of the Iraq war.
Maybe he wants to emphasize his bona fides as a 'war president' — just like W. — to increase his 2012 poll numbers and likely success in 2012?
What a guy Obama is — a real Oman (or Zeroman).
You have to wonder if he will reprise W's landing on a carrier.
Best,
Alan MacDonald
Sanford, Maine
Liberty over violent empire — People's Party 2012
Too bad the president and sec. of state were too busy to be out there with the protesters. They both make great addresses about the first amendment, and not only that but their staffs have the power to designate any spot in the USA as a free speech zone. They can also have barbed wire erected to protect the protesters from everyone (except of course the police, who are there for general public safety). Troublemakers beware in a free country!
SO what can WE do. This is not retorical! WHAT CAN WE DO?
The president, the congress and the Senate are all running loose.
I thought we had to have congress declare war before we could attack another country.
It seem slimy to coerce the UN into attacking Libya!.
Obama is no better than Bush and at best he is 10 times worse.
Bush had no brains, But Obama is a calculating turd.
This government has GOT TO GO!