Freedom Dogs

The StarTribune reports today that the march against the Iraq War in Minneapolis saw a lower attendance than in previous years — interesting because this week marks the War's 5th anniversary.

Organizers said nearly 1,800 people participated in the two-hour event, while police estimate closer to 1,000. Either way, several marchers thought attendance was lower than in previous years.

"I wish more were here," said Tyrus Thompson, 18, of Minneapolis, a member of Youth Against Racism and War. "I wish they knew how much power we actually have."

As Dick Thompson of Minneapolis stood waving a U.S. flag upside down (a military sign for distress) and carrying a red sign that said, "Impeach," near a bridge at Loring Park, he, too, wanted a larger turnout.

Perhaps these protesters didn't catch the latest Pew poll showing more Americans believe the U.S. will ultimately succeed in Iraq. Other protests were held around the country, and This Ain't Hell reports from the Gathering of Eagles rally and March in Washington DC today:

Instead of a bunch of people trying to act like they had PTSD, it was a group made up largely of veterans (oh, and the were a goodly number of people who weren’t veterans at the [Winter Soldier II] thing, too, in case someone wants to debate the “Never Served” argument again) who were exhilarated by their successes over the last year and looking at a bright future for our nation.

Like I said yesterday about the protest against WSII, I was amazed at the number of people who honked their horns in support of the Eagles, et al., and the folks who applauded as the march passed them. Maybe we really are making a difference.

In case protest kooks are wondering why they were largely ignored in Minneapolis today, some of our guys were marching in DC with these guys — including members of Families United. Ooo-ah!