The Hill-Protest inside congressional chambers Sept. 4th

The Hill is the first media outlet to cover America Stands Watch. With all this talk about Congress in September, shouldn't we be there to greet them on their first day back from vacation. Check it out:

Anti-war Group to Protest Inside Congressional Chambers
By Klaus Marre

August 29, 2007

An anti-war group is planning to protest inside the Senate and House chambers next Tuesday in an effort to persuade Congress to get U.S. troops out of Iraq.

The group, America Stands Watch, said participants will enter the chambers through the congressional galleries, which are open to the public. Many participants will not know initially who the other protesters are, but they will get a signal: when a group of Iraq veterans stands up, the anonymous participants will also rise and "stand watch" over Congress.

"We tried voting. We tried marches. We tried writing letters and making phone calls," the group said in letters to senators last week. "Now we’re coming to the Senate chambers. Congress works for the nation, and Americans are not happy with your work."

The group is providing volunteers with a step-by-step plan on how the protest will be carried out, including details on where to pick up tickets for the galleries.

In addition, America Stands Watch warns protesters not to bring anything into the chambers.

"Leave everything you can at home. Nothing can be brought into the galleries – no pens, no paper, reading materials, cell phones or cameras," the group stated. "You’ll be asked to check all of these things before entering, and security may not be very helpful in retrieving your items after the action."

While the group anticipates some trouble, it makes clear that it does not want participants to escalate tensions.

"We will remain standing as long as we can, but we expect that security will not allow this to go on for very long. This action is about standing watch over Congress, not interrupting its work, so if you are asked to leave, please do so in an orderly fashion."

Capitol Police Sergeant Kimberly Schneider said that all gallery visitors are required to sit down.

The group also asks participants to leave "buttons, signs and t-shirts at home."

•  I can't make it but I hope it goes well and

  that it's peaceful and effective.  How many are you expecting to attend?

  by blubryeyes on Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 04:46:36 PM PDT

•  Televised?

  I watch C-Span quite a bit throughout the day and I'm wondering if we'll be able to catch this on the air?  It would make a wonderful YouTube video, imo.  

  I sure wish I could go, too.  

  by HoosierDeb on Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 04:54:29 PM PDT

•  this revolution may be televised

  It's possible that C-Span cameras will be able to see this happen - if you're watching set your tape/dvd/whatever-the-kids-use-today-to-record-stuff to start recording at 12 EST.

  re: how many will attend?
  One of the things about this action is that no one knows - not even the organizers - will know until the action begins. We know we have enough to be noticed, but we can always use more, so please pass the word! And as an extra incentive, if you stop by the America Stands Watch site, you'll find free ringtones of some of the Bush administration's greatest hits. Haven't you always wanted to hear our soon-to-depart A.G. say "I do not recall" every time your phone rings?

  Please spread the word - especially to people in the DC area - the more people standing up with these vets, the more impact we'll have.

  by Nick Action on Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 05:06:12 PM PDT