Connecticut Opposes the War Rally!

Written by: Kim Hynes on Mar 17, 2007 9:20 PM EDT

So, I've been organizing for our state's anti-war group since January (hey - I needed a gig since the campaign ended!). In February, we held 21 town meetings around the state, with the purpose of doing some local organizing for the big rally today. We had hundreds of people at these meetings - it was fantastic. So, much planning, organizing, and anticipating for the big day - and then, the storm came. A huge Nor'easter yesterday. Arrggh! Long conference calls were held to decide whether to postpone until next weekend or not. Finally, what with not being able to secure the venue for the following week, and all the trouble we went through getting the police to agree to this thing in the first place, we decided to go ahead. We had buses from every corner of the state, so we encouraged folks to ride the buses if the roads were bad. We were really unsure of how many folks would actually show up, as every single other event in the state was canceled or postponed today. Including the St. paddy's Day parade. And they NEVER cancel parades!

Aldon, Fiona and I got there about an hour early to help set up. The roads were clear, though it took us several hours to get our of our driveway. There was about 6 - 8 inches of snow on the lawn, but the courtyard of The Old State House had been thoroughly cleared. Microphones were set up, chairs for the elderly and disables, etc. Everything was ready - how many people would show up? I ran around, nervously waiting for the speakers to arrive.

3 pm - people started showing up - buses dropped off crowds, the SEIU was out in force, and the courtyard started filling up. All the speakers got there on time, and a lovely woman with a guitar started singing Tracey Chapman songs. Fiona danced with abandon, and handed out signs we had made last night. It started looking crowded, and all the appropriate TV cameras went on. The MC was someone I had gotten to know through the Lamont campaign, <a href=http://www.mtaerybaptist.org/About_Us/pastor.html> Pastor Bennett</a>  from Bridgeport's Mt Aery Baptist church. Man, he knows how to wind up a crowd. We had several of our Congressfolk, the state majority leader, the President of the AFL-CIO in CT, and two recent Iraq vets. The energy in the air just buzzed, and we chanted, sang, and cried together. Senator Lieberman was roundly booed as a vigil outside his office was announced for Monday. Buckets were passed, and people gave generously to the cause. Everyone was thrilled to be there - from wee ones, to veterans, to the wheelchair bound, to grandmas and great grandpas. Last count I heard was 1500 people. 1500 people! On a cold, wet day. If it hadn't stormed so badly the previous day, we would have doubled that, but I am home - happy and tired and glad we did it.

You can see some pics after the jump.

 

 

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