It's time for all people to say "No More War" because it is our children who die and are maimed for life.....and for WHAT?? Nothing is ever resolved with war, everything is made WORSE!!
It is beyond sickening to watch this coward who calls himself 'Commander-in-Chief', who pulled every string he could get his hands on to avoid going to Vietnam, now hide behind the bravery of our sons and daughters who are being sacrificed in Iraq in this debacle without end, merely to prevent his having to admit he is a miserable failure as President!! The latest news that there are now more 'mercenaries' than American soldiers in Iraq just adds to the insult to our troops, who are paid a fraction of what these guys get!
Those who keep saying "We're fighting over there so THEY aren't over here" are in effect saying our kids dying in Iraq are not part of America!! SHAME !!!!

This sort of thing is happening all over the country, even without a float. Every year since the Iraq war started there has been a controversy about marching on July 4th with anti-war signs. The parade in my town is a private one with the tab picked up by veteran's organizations like VFW and American Legion. They won't allow any political messages, which is code for no anti-war signs. A soldier who had been to Iraq came over to someone I know carrying an anti-war message and, very irritated and clearly offended said, without a hint of irony: "I fought in Iraq for your freedom of speech." Veterans for Peace are exercising it. Bravo.

ProWar is OK, right?

Unfortunately, the Right Wing and MalAdministration myth that supporting the troops means supporting the War makes this so.

Again, we see that one perspective, the negative, wins out in today's headline. Isn't the fact that it is causing people across the country to think about the cost of the war, the real issue in this article, not that a couple of towns object?

Talk is good; violence is not.

"Our bylaws clearly state we do not have any political solicitation in our parade," said Barb Fivecoate, a Land of the Loon spokeswoman. "Our festival is a family festival and we want to keep it upbeat and a happy day and a happy weekend for everybody."

Land of the Loony indeed.

Happiness is keeping your head in the sand. Let's not even sniff the realities. No ostrich could ever be as ignorant.

Russ said: Happiness is keeping your head in the sand.

How true indeed. I wonder sometimes where in the world the 20% who still support this administration are. Here's your answer.

Hey as long as you follow and do not question you are allowed. If you question and think for yourself you are "fore-botten, Mein Hier" . . .
The Bush/Cheney Doctrine is alive and well.
The sheep are trying to control the sheep dog . . . We will see what prevails . . . Only time will tel . . .

"the float scared children" That's a hoot! Children have ample opportunity to see much scarier sights than this float. All they have to do is turn on the TV or go to the movies, or play video "games."

It would be a scary float, if it showed graphic images of what the war in Iraq was doing to American service personnel and Iraqi non-combatants.

Which might not be such a bad idea. It would inflame lots more opposition, but it would get the point across much more effectively.

Please - every parade is full of political messages. Candidates all have floats. Military units current and past are all over the place. The mayor and all current politicians are there. Even the marching bands are in uniforms and frequently play patriotic songs that I am sure native Americans think are political. The flag is often in the hands of a color guard or military drill team a visual pro-war message.

Some parades have celebrated the end of past wars and honored the dead. Is that political? Would it scare the children? Is that a peace message?

"I fought in Iraq for your freedom of speech."

The utter lack or reason behind such a statement is stunning - how can suck bizarre logic exist? Orwell and Lewis Carroll combined couldn't come up with this!

My freedom of speech comes from the Bill of Rights - and only the Bill of Rights. Invading and slaughtering a people, who had absolutely no quarrel with me, has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Bill of Rights. The only threats to the Bill of Rights are from USAns themselves and their ongoing ignorance, and slide into fascism.

Be in DC on July 23.

shakker,

When someone says "political" they invariably mean antiwar or pro-worker.

Another good idea--I am struck by the fact that people fall silent--I think it's a strong indicator of the impact. Come on, people--WE KNOW these things even if we'd rather not think about them.

General Strike, anyone?

phillyprezzel,

yes, this is America, circa 2007! where the deaths of our soldiers only register if they're young and handsome/beautiful; and the rare Iraqi civilian death made visible is only of the youngest and most beautiful child. I wonder how long it will be before there's an "American Idol" show to vote for the most worthwhile death of an American soldier? based on the best looks, the most heartbreaking smile, the one most likely to have won the hand of a stunning Bachelor or Bachelorette, had he or she lived? no talent segment possible, unfortunately....

i was startled by the comment of the "trauma of a handsome, young man" returning injured from Iraq . . . would there be as much 'trauma" if he were old and ugly???

When I was a very small child in the early 60's there was a float in the county fair parade of a huge garbage can with legs hanging out of it. The caption on the float was, "Kennedy, Kennedy he's our man, we threw Nixon in the garbage can!" Or it may have been the other way around, but, anyway, how could the depiction of a human being thrown away in a garbage can be any less scary to a child than the simple slogan, 'No More War'? We have let this administration frighten us away from even simple dialogue. I keep telling people, 'grow up, grow a spine and quit whining, it's un-American.'

Conservatives have made freedom of speech and the idea of Peace the new BOOGIE MAN.

It's too bad that patriotism is associated with war in this country. I guess being peaceful is not what this country is about. It's too bad that these poor, delusional veterans believe that their fight in Iraq, Vietnam, or any war since the revolution had anything to do with freedom of speech. How can killing Iraqis have anything to do with my personal freedom? How can killing Vietnamese have anything to do with my personal freedom. It doesn't. Someone fighting for my personal freedom would be someone like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, or someone who wanted to expand freedom, both economic and otherwise to those who don't have it. Try telling someone that peace protesters are fighting for your freedom and the soldiers in Iraq are just killing people. You will see how deeply imbedded war is in this country's psyche.

Great message. Wish he could have used a more fuel-efficient vehicle to get it across.

"we do not have any political solicitation in our parade"

Betcha a nickel the local politicians ride down main street in every parade.

To expand on what chlorocardium said ...

What if people started carrying or displaying blatantly pro-war signs? Do you think that people would have a problem with that?

Signs could say:

"Keep the dropping bombs. Eventually we'll win."
"War is wonderful. Support our troops"
"Keep the blood gushing! Fight terrorism!"

Prairie progressivism at its best! I love Minnesota.

PJD,

Yep, that quote is a beaut. And if you were to respond "Yeah? How so?" to such a statement, the person would look at you like you were out of your mind and probably - no, certainly - call you an ungrateful such and such. However, if he or she were to attempt to answer that question, you would undoubtedly be treated to some stammering warning about diabolical forces of darkness that must be destroyed before they reach our shores and destroy our very way of life. Then you'd really be hurtling down the rabbit hole.

In other news,
"Olsen said that explanation came only after Veterans for Peace was told the float scared children at another parade the week before."

Boy, can I ever relate. It was just last week that I was getting into my car when I heard someone yell "Give me your money, motherfucker!" I jumped back about three feet, only to see that it was the Veterans for Peace float standing there laughing it's ass off. I gathered myself and shouted, "Jesus Christ, Veterans for Peace float, you scared the hell out of me!" It grinned sheepishly and replied, "Sorry, man. I couldn't resist!" to which I replied "Yeah, well, 'sorry' isn't going to un-crap my pants, you jackass." So I certainly can understand why children might be frightened by such a mischievous, puckish float.

I've been putting some serious (and facetious) thought into a new national anthem for these god-blessed United States of America, and I believe I may have a suitable alternative to the current one, based on George Dubya Bush's declared - well "alternatives for thought"; there isn't a word for the concept as yet; maybe Bushism fits that defintion "alternative for thought" - and the "no politics please, we're American" reactions of Americans such as these. I toyed for a time with Beck's "Loser", since the chorus:

"I'm a loser, baby,
"so why don't you kill me?"

seemed to resonate with the way the Bush-and-Cheney crew set about planning to invade Iraq, and the way they prepared the troops. But I've changed my mind. Or rather, these good Americans of the hinterland have changed it for me.

Ladiez and Gennlmen, I offer you your new national anthem, by the Pet Shop Boys, "It's a sin":

When I look back upon my life
It's always with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too

It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin

At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed
They didn't quite succeed
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too

It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to
It's a sin

Father, forgive me, I tried not to do it
Turned over a new leaf, then tore right through it
Whatever you taught me, I didn't believe it
Father, you fought me, 'cause I didn't care
And I still don't understand

So I look back upon my life
Forever with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too

It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a sin
Everything I've ever done
Everything I ever do
Every place I've ever been
Everywhere I'm going to - it's a sin
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin

Aren't the Minnesota iron range areas very conservative? Besides the geology, my familiarity of the area is limited to the movie "North Country" about a woman who was fought brutal harassment from men and an iron mine and taconite mill. She became a sort of Norma Rae of the north - ironic because I presume most of the mines are union.

George failed this country as a young man when he checked the box indicating he did not want to serve in Vietnam and skipped out on his commitment to boot;
George failed to protect this country on 11 September 2001 as he sat reading "My Pet Goat" while he knew airplanes were making u-turns in the skies and crashing into buildings;
George failed this country when he lied us into a War against a country that did not attack us for a grand neo-con scheme;
George failed this country when he failed to resolve the War he lied us into.
We have now suffered through six and a half years of
THE BU**SH** PRESIDENCY,
ENOUGH already, I am pleased that my fellow Veterans are doing this.
Vietnam (USN)

I wonder if a float reading, "Support the Troops: Frag Their Commander in Chief" would be considered too political?

Just returned from a couple of days on the range. Motel cable systems had all the fox news, but no trace of msnbc. Nice to know that there is a balanced approached of information for people to speek rationally about issues. When will we realize that our silence is killing innocent people, and our silence shouts in the halls of eternal justice.

I think the children should indeed be afraid, very afraid.

When I was a little kid, it DID scare me when the National Guard drove their Jeeps in a convoy...I was scared we were getting ready for a war...

Who is among that 20 percent still marching to Bush's drum?
Sadly, I have a profile for you; known by me on intimate terms:

I read somewhere that we become like the god we worship, and so this person is under the thumb of a hell, fire and brimstone god, feeling judged and punished.
This person sees doom and gloom everywhere and actually attacts negative energy like a super magnet.
Liking power so much, they do always feel powerless, and exert whatever power they may have over those who let them.
This person is always way behind on catching on to new ideas, as a matter of fact, they don't like change at all.
This person is lonely, always feels cheated, and sorry, but won't admit mistakes. This person is full of false pride; no amount of argument, however well said, and documented with facts, will change this person's mind.
We must pray for this person, and move on.
When it is the leader of the free world, we must also force out of office, as this person will not resign.

brilliant, Coyotita

What a surprize to see this article listed on Commondreams. My mother called me yesterday to tell me about the write up in the Minneapolis paper. My daughter and I marched with Vets for Peace in Cook, MN. This event took place a week before the Land of the Loon parade and Vets for Peace was accepted to participate there as well. I didn't see any scared children. My daughter had a good time handing out candy and these colorful pretty beaded necklaces, that had small peace signs spaced around them.
The only negative comment that was made to me was after the parade had finished and I was carrying my sign which reads-Lies=War, in red, Support the Truth, in white, and a small blue peace sign. A man dressed in VFW attire said to me, I should be Ashamed. I replied, you should get your facts straight and read more.

I decided to attend and march with Vets for Peace at the Land of the Loon parade. My daughter and granddaughter wanted to come with, ages 10 and 12, and my daughter had made her own sign. We get there and I inquire from the lady with the clip board where Vets for Peace is in the line up.
She says they have been denied. I replied what do you mean? She then said, go away. Well what a disappointment. I drive over 100 miles to show my support, so I decided to walk along side the parade route any way. The younger kid is worried we'll get in trouble or arrested. I reply, the last time I checked we still had freedom of speech. Overall, the mass majority of people responded in favor of us. There was a couple of, you don't belong here, and your not supposed to be here. There was a young boy, about 9 years old I'd guess, who approached me and said he liked my sign. I asked what he liked about it and he said Support the Truth. Trying just to have a small conversation, we were immediately interrupted by a irate man saying get away from her and don't listen to her. The boy backs off and we walk on.
Back home I get the e-mail saying the Vets for Peace was denied. Talked with Karen Olsen that evening and was told about the reason being that we scare children although they did not provide any sources.

The following week, published in the Mesabi Daily News there is a commentary entitled, Anti-war person used child to spread 'nonsensical' message at parade. I'm pretty sure I am the target of this man's rage. He claims I was yelling and running with children in tow, whackadoo, and spineless 1960's refugee. Gosh almighty, I think I'm having a Cindy Sheehan moment.

On July 4th my brother and I stood on the corner of a parade route with large signs. On one was the Declaration of Independence and the other was the number of casualties of Soldiers/civilians etc. Both signs ended with "End foreign occupation, end the war" In the period of 3 hours that we stood out there we recieved threats, were heckled and mocked. The irony is that as I held the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and people read it, I was told that I was un-American and that I should leave if I didnt like my country. I responded with telling them that I was doing simply what I was told to do by the founding fathers. Standing up as a patriot. Without getting into too much else, the bar owner whos corner we were ajacent too called the police and told us to take our "liberal trash" (always find this ironic how liberal the delaration of independence reallys is) and leave. The first police officer arrived and began to harass us. As I was breaking no law he struggled to find reason to arrest us. Now the best part of this whole story occured as the second officer arrived. The first officer, still harassing us, stated the following. "Have you been to Iraq? Have you sacrificed for your country? You are all cowards." He was cut off halfway through as the second officer spoke up. "No" he stated, "but I am". Then proceeded to tell the first officer that he had just begun working for the county police after serving 3 years in Iraq. He then looked at us, told us that we were why he had hope for this country, and proceeded to tell us that he too was against the war. The first officer, humiliated, told us to watch ourselves, and the protest continued. I have never felt more proud. Dessent is the ultimate form of Patriotism. Keep up the work America.

-Bill

Bill,

curious where you demonstrated. Where I live, corner demonstrations, and recruitment center demonstrations occir within the Pittsburgh city limits at least a couple times a week, and when I've attended we get virtually nothing but supportive comments and honks. But a acant 5 miles away, in the suburbs where I recently moved to, I suspect the reception would be rather hostile.

The stark city/suburb political divide is a big elephant in the living room that activists seem to be in denial about. Unless we can move the movement beyond the urban enclaves it's not going to go very far.

Quote: scottdw July 6th, 2007 10:23 am
To expand on what chlorocardium said …
What if people started carrying or displaying blatantly pro-war signs? Do you think that people would have a problem with that?
[...]
Closequote

There's some wonderful Vietnam "Pro-War" phrases that should be in the working vocab of every peaceworker. Such as:

"War is good business: Invest your son!"

Or you could take that "No politics please, we're American" phrase and use that in a parade. How many people would be left unable to stand, because they'd be laughing so hard?