Chicago Police Form Line Between Competing Ideologies.
Oak Park Journal photo
Protesters and Supporters Gather at the Federal
Plaza in Chicago This Morning
by Ed Vincent
People began to assemble around 11:00 am and were ushered
into two distinct groups by the Chicago Police.
Supporters of the War in Iraq on the north side of the
plaza.
Oak Park Journal photo
Anti-War Demonstrators on the south side of the
plaza.
Oak Park Journal photo
The Anti-War protesters were on the south side
of the plaza and the Supporters of our Troops were on the north end of
the plaza. The Supporters of our Troops greatly out numbered
the Anti-War protesters at the rally, estimates put the ratio at 4 to 1
in favor of the supporters of our Troops. There were address systems
in place, and words spoken but the ambient noise
and the rolling thunder sound of a group of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles made many of the words inaudible to the crowd
on the surrounding streets. The Supporters of
the Troops
had organized the rally and sought out the permit
to assemble
on the plaza. The two groups were separated
by both distance and perspectives. The police had plenty of officers
on overtime and ready for any contingencies that might occur.
Supporters of the War in Iraq waving flags.
Oak Park Journal photo
Supporters of the War, on Motorcycles are cheered
by the Pro Troop Demonstrators.
Oak Park Journal photo
The event was loud but peaceful. There was
some exchange
between the two groups of people. One of the
Anti-War protesters yelled that they too supported our troops and a
person with a bull horn from the Supporters of our
Troops
group asked back which troops “the Republican Guard?”
This was to date the largest gathering of persons in
support of
the United States effort in Iraq. The estimates
from the Police
and others are a little over 1000 people.
Press, Police and Protestors all stand toe to toe.
Oak Park Journal photo
A Man in a Tan Suit Holds up a Pair of Cutters to
Apparently show his supporters that he can remove
Police Plastic handcuffs.
Oak Park Journal photo
Draped in the Flag This Man Offers
Support to Others Waving Flags.
Oak Park Journal photo
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