[Mb-hair] March Article

[Michael Ramirez]

From the Arkansas Indymedia Newspaper:
The past two weekends in Fayetteville have seen residents of Northwest Arkansas in the street expressing dissent against the continued U.S. occupation of Iraq. 

On Saturday, March 4th, 20 bicyclists took part in the "Bikes Not Bombs" protest against the war. They started their ride on the Fayetteville square and proceeded from there to ride all over the downtown and Dickson St. areas and also along College Avenue and 6th St, chanting, "Bikes not bombs!" and, "No more oil war!". Not only was this a protest against the war but also against the car culture, which is fueling our dependence on the oil economy responsible for the war and environmental destruction. 

Then, this past Saturday, March 11th, the "M11: Bring The Troops Home" protest turned out one of (if not the) biggest anti-war protests in Fayetteville since the invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. Approximately 500 people from Northwest Arkansas crowded into the Walton Arts Center parking lot, and at 2:00 PM, the diverse group, took Dickson Street. Carrying signs, beating out rhythms on their drums and chanting, they made their way to the Fayetteville Square. 

Along the way, a small group of bicyclists broke away from the main demonstration as it turned down Block St. They decided to take College Ave., blocking southbound traffic during busy Saturday afternoon traffic as they slowly pedaled to the square to rejoin the march. The original route of the M11 march had been to march to the square via College Ave., since it is a major street and would increase visibility. But, since a permit couldn’t be obtained for that route, marching to the square via Block Street was settled on for the official march. 

As usual the Fayetteville Police Department was filming the people in attendance. 

Upon arriving at the square, the Adult Choir of St. John's Episcopal Church sang songs of peace to kick off the rally, followed by Miller Williams reading his poem, "Of History and Hope", which he composed and read for Bill Clinton's second presidential inauguration. Next came Dr. Charles F. Robinson II, University of Arkansas Associate Professor and Director of African-American Studies, giving a powerful speech about resisting the war. Following him was slam poet Russ Ritter who gave us a great poem representing more radical views. Bill Williams took the mike next and stirred up the crowd with his speech, ending by everyone chanting. The last speaker was Barbara Porchia of Camden, Arkansas, whose son, Pfc. Jonathan Cheatham, was killed in Iraq in July 16, 2003 at age 19. Folk singer Nick Masullo ended the rally with his song, "Support Our Troops, Bring Them Home". 

The M11 event was sponsored by the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology and supported by Gold Star Families for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, NWA Veterans for Peace, National Organization of Women (NWA Chapter), Green Party, Quakers, Social Justice Committee of UUFF, Buddhist Society of NW Arkansas, Family of Faith Christian Fellowship, Mennonites/Brethren of Rogers-Garfield, Members of St. James Methodist Church, United Campus Ministry & Unity Church. 

There were also a few groups present with information tables including the Livable Futures Sustainability group, the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology, the Green Party, and the All Peoples Unite Infoshop. 


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