Even people in Orange County, California, one of the most conservative counties in the country, feel compelled to express their opposition to U.S. aggression in the Middle East. Every Friday evening for the past year people have gathered along a busy street in Costa Mesa amid the din of blaring horns, squealing tires and roaring, gas-guzzling SUV’s to protest U.S. war-mongering. They hold signs espousing a variety of views in opposition to the so-called war on terrorism and the impending invasion of Iraq. What began as a handful of protestors in October 2001 has grown to over 70, with more people showing up each week.

The demonstrators, informally known as the Coalition Against Unnecessary Wars, have no planning meetings, no leaders and no rules. Participants come from a number of different political backgrounds, including the Peace and Freedom Party, the Green Party and those who oppose Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Surprisingly, given Orange County’s conservative reputation and large Republican population, the response from the public has been largely positive. Passing motorists typically honk their horns and flash thumbs-up signals or peace signs, but occasionally respond to the demonstrators with obscene gestures or shouted epithets to “nuke Iraq.”

The group meets from 6—7 p.m. every Friday along Bristol St. (at Anton Blvd.) across from the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. For details contact Chuck Anderson at 714-956-5037 or quetzalcoatl38@aol.com.

70? last week i think it was closer to 100. and as someone who's been going for months now i must say that it's encouraging to see that the louder the war drums beat the more people get out and join us. i've been there when there was less than 20 people.

the most encouraging thing i've seen is a woman who heard about this demo and drove all the way from riverside with her two kids to join us. she was so moved that she got together with a bunch of peacnicks from uc riverside and started her own friday demo.

this starting to feel like a real movement, or what?

...I know this spot...I''ve done some campaigning there before...great location...right off the 405 fwy. The South Coast Plaza management used to call the cops to try to get us moved (that first amendment inconvienence again).

I have been organizing in OC for years...it is a very concervative area, but the population in general are very receptive...they are not like the syncophantic scumbags who troll this board...

I've been going to this protest for a few months now, and it is so encouraging to have more and more people join us everyday- from every age, every race and even "puppies for peace!" Even the conservatives of the OC cannot keep us down. "I will not go silently into the night!" Come out and join us!

...I will join you and bring family and friends!