The demo really started to swing around 5:15 after we rounded the intersection of Main Street and Westport Road. The first to arrive placed themselves in front of the Military Recruiting Station situated in the shopping center between 39th Street and Westport Road. After unfurling a banner and grabbing signs, demonstrators were soon alerting others of their community that they were fed up with the predatory practices of the recruiters. Some signs told of desire to remove recruiters from the local neighborhood, some addressed the practice of harassing high school children while others spoke to the notion of ending the “poverty draft”. The signs garnered a host of reactions from the “one finger salute” to honking horns and peace signs. Most motorists slowed and read the banners and signs, some with a little bewilderment on their faces, others with a knowing nod and honk and others asking what we were doing. Demonstrators had literature they were handing out that further illustrated what their concerns were and possible solutions to military recruitment and endless war.

One of the great things about having counter recruitment and anti war demonstrations in front of the recruiting station and in our own neighborhood where we are affected is that demonstrators are able to directly engage their neighbors in one on one conversation concerning issues in their own community and their own experiences with the poverty draft in particular and the recruitment efforts in general. In one instance of irony, the recruiters via telephone contacted a demonstrator during the action asking if they were still attending school and had they considered a career in the military; many of those in attendance have direct experience with recruitment efforts. Many pedestrians would stop by and stand and talk of their experiences with the military. Some community members have served in the military and related their experiences as veterans and some spoke to why they would never enlist. In another instance of irony just a few store fronts down sits a vacant “Vet Center” adorned with a lone sign alerting the community to how many people have died during the most recent unprovoked war against Iraq. Some community members offered assistance for a next demonstration and others would simply enjoy the community discourse. Organizers had spent time in the past few weeks walking through the neighborhood and riding busses handing out informational fliers and speaking with their neighbors telling of the upcoming demonstrations and what they hope to achieve.

It was fairly eventful action that had security guards and managers from the neighboring predatory lending businesses concerned that we were driving away business. They would try to bully demonstrators into leaving the sidewalk only to finally call the police in an attempt to have us removed. The police did arrive within a few minutes with two squad cars and four officers approaching our group after circling the block twice. They asked very loudly “Who is in charge here?” and were met with a resounding “No One!” from demonstrators. Not knowing who to address they asked if anyone would be willing to speak with them and one of the demonstrators agreed to oblige them. While others took video and pictures the police informed the lone demonstrator that no laws were being broken and that unfortunately when a call is made they have to respond. They asked that we please do not stand directly in front of business doors and offered that they know this wasn’t taking place and please no violence. After relaying this message they seemed satisfied and then left without incident. Upon leaving demonstrators went back to their positions and were met with security guards and managers of the predatory lending establishment who asked if we had not heard what the officers said. Demonstrators responded that they had indeed heard what the officers said and that perhaps they should call the police again if they were confused about the outcome the first time.

Military recruiters came out a few times and walked up and down the block. At one point they expressed to a demonstrator that they didn’t mind us being there but that they would like it if we please would not block the door.

One woman from the group of demonstrators went into the recruiting station to “use the restroom” and took some photographs and engaged the recruiters in conversation. Upon leaving she was asked if she had placed anthrax in the restroom. A homeless man who had joined the demonstrators said he was in agreement with them and that the recruiters just wanted to enlist and kill people. This homeless man decided to also go into the recruiting station and converse with recruiters concerning a possible draft and his displeasure with them recruiting people to kill others and possibly die themselves; He was assured that there would not be draft.

A musical group passing through town drove by and upon seeing the demonstration decided to bring three strawberry pallets full of organic strawberries and stood with demonstrators in solidarity.

The turnout was great and the community response was overwhelmingly positive. One is encouraged to organize a group of friends and those who share your same concerns and come out prepared to share your thoughts, distribute literature and share advice concerning combating military recruitment in schools, colleges and in your local community!

There will be another demonstration organized in the following weeks and callouts will be issued so please join local residents and activists as they protest military recruiting in one of our neighborhoods!