By Khalida Sarwari
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco today to protest the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a nationwide “Day of Action” on the sixth anniversary of the Iraq War.
“No justice, no peace, U.S. out of the Middle East!” demonstrators chanted around a stage displaying the sign “Occupation is a Crime: Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine.”
Demonstrators of all ages representing a diversity of causes, from the wars in the Middle East, to healthcare in the U.S., wore anti-war T-shirts and memorabilia, chanted along with speakers, carried signs and placards and conversed amongst themselves about the necessity for the U.S.
government to end the wars abroad.
“Money for drugs and education, not for war and occupation!” the crowd chanted.
Sarah Carlson, a volunteer with the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism coalition, and one of the organizers of today’s rally, handed out anti-war placards and said that although she had no expectations about how many demonstrators would attend today’s rally, it was a good turnout of people demanding change from the government.
“With Obama in office, people are under the illusion that change will just happen,” Carlson said.
Diana Macasa, a representative of the International Socialist Organization, said she believes positive change is possible with mobilization on a grassroots level. Macasa said demonstrations like today’s are essential in putting pressure on the Obama administration to rethink Middle East policies.
“Troops need to come out of Afghanistan and Iraq,” Macasa said. “We need to fight for a one-state solution in Palestine.”
A San Francisco police officer at the scene said there were no reports of any problems or arrests related to the protest.
Officers lined along both sides of Market Street and followed demonstrators on bicycles as they marched to Civic Center Plaza for a second rally at about 1 p.m.
Among the groups that participated in the rallies and march today were members of the National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations, the Act Now to Stop War and End Terrorism, the U.S. Labor Against the War, Veterans for Peace, Muslim American Society Freedom and Democrats of America.
Demonstrations were held in many major cities across the country today, including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago.