Reports from around the country...
Anti-war movement hits the streets on 8th anniversary of Afghanistan War

Within days of ordering the invasion of Afghanistan, George W. Bush predicted an easy victory: "People often ask me, 'how long will this last?' It may happen tomorrow, it may happen a month from now, it may take a year or two, but we will prevail." Another fine example of Bush's "deep understanding" of the countries he ordered invaded.

Although there were no Afghans on the planes that struck on September 11, tens of thousands are now dead from the invasion and occupation. So too are nearly 1,500 troops from the U.S./NATO forces. If the Generals get their way those numbers will shoot way up in a war and occupation that will last for years to come.

People in Afghanistan, including those who despise the reactionary policies of the Taliban, view the foreign military intervention as a colonial-type occupation.

At home, anti-war protests are spreading, taking place in numerous cities yesterday on the 8th anniversary of the invasion Bush ordered. They are demanding an immediate end to the war. That position is emerging as a majority sentiment according to recent polls.

Yesterday’s demonstrations took place in more cities than ever since the start of the invasion of Afghanistan (Oct. 7, 2001). More local demonstrations are planned for Oct. 17 and the ANSWER Coalition has initiated a mass national March on Washington for Saturday, March 20. Many organizations are working together to build the spring action.

We can’t do it without your help. Please make an urgently needed donation today to help build these demonstrations.


Los Angeles

Oct. 7 LA - Travis Wilkerson
Los Angeles photo by Travis Wilkerson

In Los Angeles, over 300 people came out to protest the war on Afghanistan. Longtime progressives in the anti-war movement and new activists alike chanted outside the Westwood Federal Building. "Hey Obama, yes we can, troops out of Afghanistan!" rang out loudly as passing cars honked in support.

Vietnam veteran and author Ron Kovic addressed the crowd: "It's so important that we are out here tonight to oppose this terrible war. Keep fighting. We will continue to build this movement."

The ANSWER Coalition initiated the action, which was endorsed by dozens of organizations.
 
The next step in L.A. is a teach-in on the Afghanistan war on Oct. 17, 2 p.m. at Los Angeles City College.


Chicago

Oct. 7 Chicago
Chicago photo by Paul Saini

In Chicago on Oct. 7, over 300 people came out to a protest on Michigan Ave. to demand an immediate end to the war on Afghanistan. Youth and students were the biggest contingent at the action.

Protesters joined together in loud and vibrant chants of "Money for Jobs, Health Care and Education, Not War and Occupation!"
 
The protest was initiated by ANSWER Chicago and endorsed by dozens of organizations.

 
San Francisco

Oct. 7 SF Bill Hackwell
San Francisco photo by Bill Hackwell

More than 250 people joined a spirited after-work picket line and rally at the new Federal Building in San Francisco.

A large number of anti-war and community organizations, along with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, called for the immediate, unconditional end of the occupation and war in Afghanistan. They pointed out that, in addition to the growing loss of human life, the financial cost of the Afghanistan occupation will rise to nearly $200 billion this year alone.

The protest was initiated by the ANSWER Coalition and endorsed by many organizations.


... and elsewhere around the country

Demonstrations also took place in cities across the country, including Boulder, Colorado; Dunedin, Jacksonville and North Miami, Florida; Bloomington, Indiana; Lafayette, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Twin Cities and St. Cloud, Minnesota; Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey; New York City and Rochester, New York; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington.

Click here for a list of upcoming events.