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HARTFORD, Oct. 13-- Marching from the State Capitol to the Federal Building, five hundred students, peace veterans, union members and religious leaders took to the street today to protest the U.S. administration's policy of bombing and retaliation for the September 11th tragedy.
Speaking to the crowd was a wide array of local activists who condemned the Bush military response as morally wrong and politically ineffective. Originally planned before events of September 11th, the rally was organized by the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Star Wars, led by American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), War Resisters League (WRL) and other peace groups.
One of the featrured speakers was George Springer, former president of the state teachers' union, who drew on the historical connection between the peace movements since the 1960's. The program, held on the north steps of the Connecticut State Capitol, was emceed by Joanne Sheehan of WRL and included representatives from the Arab-American community, citizen action groups, and local colleges. Reverend Alvan Johnson, long known in Hartford as both a spirtual leader and a progressive activist , brought the crowd to its feet when he challenged the perception that protesting war policy is unpatriotic. He also drew parallels bewteen the civil rights movement and the struggle for peace.
Local organizing against the U.S. military response continues in Hartford. A Muslim "safe house" has been established by the AFSC and local African American ministers for "our Muslim or Arab-American brothers and sisters who feel harassed or threatened in the wake of the September 11th terrorist incidents," according to the group's website.
In addition, the AFSC and the St. Martin dePorres Catholic Worker House are sponsoring weekly vigils in front of the Federal Building on Main Street in Hartford every Tuesday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The vigils are gatherings to "mourn and remember all victims of terrorism, militarism, and war all over the world," the groups say.
September 11th Commemorations: Don't Mourn, Organize
"Hope Out Loud"
Hundreds joined a community peace gathering on September 8, 2002 featuriing music, drama, art, puppetry, speakers. Guests included nationally known peace activists, artists , and musicians including Swivel Hips. There were activity booths for children and lots of folks selling books, shirts, posters, aand food
Sponsors of the event included the Connecticut Coalition for Peace and Justice, American Friends Service Committee and a number of other grassroots community organizations.
A Vigil for Peace took place on Tuesday, September 10 at the Federal Building at 7:00 pm to mourn the victims everywhere on the anniversary of 9/11.
On October 7, 2002, more than 200 people staged a rally on the bridge between Constitution Plaza and the Phoenix Insurance "boat building" during rush hour traffic in downtown Hartford. Despite some hostile shouts and gestures, the protestors received a mostly positive response to their presence and the banners hung over the railing.
For more information on upcoming events, call the Connecticut Coalition for Peace and Justice at 860-523-1534
Jill Friedman didn't expect the reaction she got when her photo exhibit opened in a city-owned office building. But despite charges of being unpatriotic and unAmerican, Jill stood her ground-- and won. more
