5,000 PROTEST in PHILADELPHIA to say "Stop U.S. Wars at Home and Abroad"
July 9, 2003--On Friday, July 4, approximately 5,000 activists from the East Coast, Midwest, West Coast and South gathered in Philadelphia to say "Stop U.S. Wars at Home and Abroad." The A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition congratulates the local Philadelphia organizations who came together two months ago to issue the call for thousands of people to join in the demonstration that coincided with the opening of the National Constitution Center.
Activists protested for hours in almost 100-degree heat. The day included rallies with a diverse group of speakers, musicians and performers, a speak-out, and a march throughout downtown Philadelphia.
Taking place just two months after George Bush's May 1 speech in which he declared "victory" of U.S. forces in Iraq, the demonstration sent a clear message that the anti-war movement recognizes that the war in Iraq is far from over. As the movement predicted, the Iraqi people view US. forces as colonial occupiers, not liberators. On July 4, thousands said no to the occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine, and no to the daily threats against Iran, Korea, Cuba, Liberia, Colombia, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Liberia, and all other countries that are targets of the Bush administration.
Under the banner of Stop U.S. Wars at Home and Abroad, the demonstration called for freedom for Mumia Abu-Jamal and all political prisoners, and recognized the war at home that includes cuts in social programs, police brutality and attacks on civil rights and civil liberties.
In addition to the July 4 protest, which coincided with the opening of the new National Constitution Center, a number of groups sponsored local and regional protests between July 1 and 4. Philadelphia organizations involved in the local, regional and national protests include Philadelphia A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism), PRAWN (Philadelphia Regional Anti-War Network), Minority Experience Network, Unite for Peace, International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, and others. The Kensington Welfare Rights Union July 4 march to the new Constitution Center to deliver a Declaration of Economic Human Rights was disrupted by police when KWRU leaders Cheri Honkala and Galen Tyler were thrown to the ground, handcuffed and arrested in front of the Constitution Center, even though they both held tickets to the center. Supporters are being asked to contact the Philadelphia DA's office to demand that these ridiculous charges be dropped and to denounce the actions of the police department. For more details go to www.kwru.org .
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