More Photos

Photos from the protest and around DC.

Reflection

Photo taken from: MSNBC.com

If I've learned anything in the past week, it's that the voice of the American people can't be ignored, and that it does have some impact on how our government interacts with the general population. I look to the number of arrests resulting from yesterday's demonstrations as evidence of this. If the events we participated in had absolutely no significance , and were, as some people alleged, absolutely pointless, the Metropolitan Police Department wouldn't have bothered with arresting protesters. People wouldn't have waved and flashed the peace sign at us from their office windows as we picketed their buildings. Others wouldn't have ignorantly flipped us off or made idiotic comments as we exercised a right afforded to us the same Constitution that allows them to behave in such a moronic and immature manner.

This trip has definitely given me a broader perspective on political activism. Although I was all for taking a trip to DC during spring break, I had a bit of trepidation and apprehensiveness regarding what we were coming here to do. I've always struggled with the notion that political activists are a legitimate vehicle for change, and that fact alone makes them valuable. I'm aware of the fact that our country wouldn't have made the progress it has without the candor and dedication of political activists and demonstrations, but in light of how far we've come, protesting just always seemed to be a colossal waste of time, money, and effort.

My opinion changed when I participated in Wednesday's events, particularly the March of the Dead demonstration. It was then that I realized that what I was doing mattered, that I was taking a stand against an unjust war and demanding that my government end the nonsense immediately. The March proved to be a bit of an emotional thing for me, especially after I researched the fallen soldier who I represented in the March. It's something I'll never forget.

The trip wasn't all business, however. We were given some time to ourselves on Thursday, which allowed me to go trolling for potential internships and take photos whenever I could. Overall, I'm glad I got to be a part of this, and I encourage anyone reading this to take advantage of similar opportunities in the future.
I found this by accident, but considering that the thirteenth anniversary of the OKC bombings are upon us, I decided to take it and share it with you all.

Into the Streets

A marching band performs songs of protest in front of the American Petroleum Institute during a blockade of the building.

A group of protesters performed a water boarding torture demonstration in front of the White House. The demonstration was to show that water boarding was torture and that the victim would literally drown during the interrogation.

Students participating in the action "Funk the War" dance in front of a police officer as they blockaded 15th and I street. Nearly 500 students participated in the action




Protesters froze at the intersection of 1st and Independence at the end of the "March of the Dead" in an effort to stop the flow of traffic. The police gave each person in the group three warnings before they were arrested.

Our apologies.

We all want to blog a lot more than we have. We all have so much to say.

Today, for instance, was amazing. We were involved in a protest with about 500 other young people. That was pretty powerful.

But...we're all exhausted. Therefore, we're not posting right now.

After a good night of sleep, I'm sure at least Preston and I will post.

So, get excited about that :-)

More later.
- Jaclyn

Here we go!

Photo by Preston Bezant


The ladies and men of Code Pink marched the mall Tuesday in an effort to "Take back the Constitution." The march started at the archives where Code Pink "requested" to have their constitutional rights back, then the march took up a lane in Madison Drive to the IRS building and went onto to Constitution Ave. and finally ended on the steps of the peace memorial infront of the capital building.



The ladies and men of Code Pink carried an enlarged constitution to the archives and then ended in front of th Capital building.

Code Pink Party

I've always known that peace activists can be...dedicated, but spending time with the women of Code Pink has given me a broader perspective on why they do what they do.

A little intense...

Last night, we attended a Code Pink fundraising event.
For those you who don't know who "Code Pink" is...let me explain.

From the Code Pink Web site:
"CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities. We reject the Bush administration's fear-based politics that justify violence, and instead calls for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence."

The picture above is one of the Code Pink members confronting Condoleeza Rice:



Last night, I was in a Code Pink "I Miss America" pageant. I did OK. After a 40-hour bus ride, I wasn't my usual perky self, but I held my own. I wore a pink afro...did some dancing...it was a good time.

All and all, I believe these women showed us that a group of people most definitely can make a difference. These women reminded me of that Laurel Thatcher Ulrich quote:
"Well-behaved women rarely make history."

I don't have a lot of time to reflect on Code Pink because we're about to leave, but I will most definitely expand at a later date.

More later. :-)

- Jaclyn

Photo by Preston Bezant
Within 6 hours of our arrival signs of protest were popping up. Like this George Bush representation on a paper mache rocket that was to advertise www.notanotherwar.org a group that is protesting the movement to a war in Iran.

Photo By: Preston Bezant
The ladies of Code Pink, a group of predominantly women who oppose the Iraq war, hosted a gathering to prepare for the 5th anniversary of the American involvement in Iraq. The event consisted of poetry readings, contests and speeches of past protesters.

We have arrived.

U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial Metro station, NW.
Photo by: Jennifer Moore


After 40 hours on a fantastic Greyhound bus, we have arrived in D.C.

I'm sure each of us has many ... many stories to tell from the bus trip. It was definitely an experience all in itself.

Anywho, we're checked into our hotel and ready to rock.

Tonight, we're going to see the monuments, I believe.

Thanks for reading :-)
- Jaclyn

Our purpose.

Oh, how exciting! The first post of many at our Students for a Cause
blog.

After much hard work and dedication, we're on our way.

In case you're not up-to-date on who we are and what we're doing, a little back story:
http://ocolly.com/2008/02/13/students-arrested-in-war-protest/

Side note: I wasn't involved when I wrote the story and did not become involved until after the story was completed and published.

Also, from The Tulsa World:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080309_1_A23_spanc01213

Most importantly from this story:
" The students participating in the "Our Spring Break" project will go through training in civil disobedience and grassroots campaigning. The trip will also give them access to a range of resources in the nation's capital and opportunities to debate and pick the brains of fellow college students and political activists, Cosgrove said.

When the OSU students get back to Stillwater, they'll bring the ideas they learn and have an open forum at OSU to discuss how the campus could foster political discussions, she said."

Anywho, we leave out from the Tulsa Greyhound bus station at 2:30 a.m. tonight. We'll arrive in D.C. about 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Oh my.

The point of this trip, as stated above, is not only to protest. We are learning. We will bring back thoughts and ideas to our campus.
My vision is that we start debates and political discussions -- and not just with our evil liberal viewpoints. Also, conservative people. Moderate people. Blue people. Green people. Even people who like Ron Paul ;-) Oh, I'm kidding ;-)

Anyway, I'm excited about what's to come, whatever that may be.

Hopefully we'll have Internet access so we can constantly update you on our oh-so-exciting lives. Preston will take photos. I'll dabble in some writing.

Basically, it's going to be a good time, and we're excited to share it with you!