Summer Iraq Project Kicks Off in DE

Today, Friday, July 6, 2007, the midday protest in downtown Wilmington, DE, aimed at Republican Representative Mike Castle was held.    The group, organized by the Iraq Summer project and sponsored by Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, began to assemble about 10 AM for the llAM scheduled protest gathering.  Organizers were busily setting up a table and beginning to arrange their signs when the missus and I arrived.  

As a last minute invited speaker (the call came the night before) I was feeling pretty anxious and excited about the whole affair.  Thankfully the weather was beautiful if a bit on the hot side.  Follow over the fold for the text of my personal speech and more pictures (all from my personal collection) of the affair.

Before the speaking began we had some time to stand around and visit.

Myself (the taller one) and Michael Berg, father of Nick Berg, the man beheaded in the infamous internet video.

The organizers were easily identified by their shirts.

There were lots of signs in the group.

A well known (at least around here) Michael Berg sign.

Used by permission of the subject who reminded me he is over 16 and able to give that permission for himself. :)

along with at least one pretty interesting button:

Michael Berg was the first speaker.

Next up was me, possum.

We were invited to speak for 2-3 minutes each.  The text of my speech follows.

Good morning everyone.  Thank you for being here today.  I'm grateful to be here this morning.  I am especially honored to represent one part of the voice of so many veterans who find themselves standing in opposition to the war in Iraq.  The company of speakers and organizers for this event is a fine and representative group indeed.  I stand before you today as one proud American; proud of the gathering and purpose of this morning.  

In late 1969 and early 1970 I spent time in Vietnam as a member of the United States Army.  As a direct result of that service I find myself obligated to speak up and speak out against any further war.  As a member of an infantry company in the Central Highlands of Vietnam I have seen what war can do to the citizenry, the enemy, and to the American soldier.  

Like Dwight Eisenhower said so very well,

I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, and its stupidity.

President Bush and the Republicans led us into Iraq.  Now is the time for for those same leaders to end the occupation, and bring our troops home safely.  President Bush’s current policy, that many in Congress have continued to support keeps our troops in harms way on the battlefields of Iraq.  Americans are dying on a daily basis while Congress twiddles its collective thumbs.  We here in Delaware can no longer continue to stand by leaders who support this mismanaged war.

Congressman Castle has voted time and time again to continue the occupation.  The amounts of money wasted to date are nothing short of staggering.  It is time to end the losses of both money and lives.  To that end I urge Congressman Castle to cease his support of the occupation and to vote only for those bills which contain withdrawal plans which include a definite timeline for ending the American occupation.  I urge Congressman Castle to join the majority of Americans who today stand in opposition to the war.  We deserve politicians who represent both our interests and our ideas.  Continuing support of the occupation of Iraq is no longer acceptable.  The time has come for real change.

Let the message ring out loud and clear.  The only way to really support the troops is to bring them home alive.  We have no more children to lose to this illegal and immoral occupation.  Bring them home now.  Thank you.

After each speaker finished his/her words, they were asked to sign the petition.

Once the speeches were completed the group marched around the corner to a position across the street from Congressman Castle's office.

While marching the group chanted " Take a stand, Mike Castle, take a stand."   We were little but we were loud.

The local newspaper and at least one local television channel sent people.  The TV crew set up at the end for some interviews and everyone in attendance was given a chance to sign the petition.

Even the Peace Pup

might have put her paw print to the document if her legs were not so darned short (she is a dachshund).

This was the first of a series of events in Delaware and part of a summer of such events planned across the country.  The goal is to stir people to protest.  The numbers of people opposed to the war as indicated by various polls is huge compared to the numbers of people who bother to take a stand on a street corner.  Action is all that will change the world.  We each and every one must keep our feet on the ground and make our voices heard in all the ways that are possible.

Also posted at NION and Truth and Progress.