01/14/03

Demonstrators gathered at the entrance to Universal City last night to protest the presence of Henry Kissinger; speaking at the Universal Amphitheatre in North Hollywood as part of a lecture series sponsored by the University of Judaism.

Henry Kissinger, considered by many to be an unindicted war criminal, is wanted in several countries for questioning about his long career of, among other things, destabilizing and overthrowing legitimate governments, secret bombings, and foreign invasions. He is responsible for the blood of millions of people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, and East Timor.

Kissinger has expertly surrounded himself with a brilliant cult of celebrity, hob-knobbing and seen over and over again in the company of the richest and most glamorous society. In so doing, he has created himself into the ultimate celebrity statesman, accruing credibility and trust in the eyes of gullible Americans who are so easily led by glitter and glam.

Under the bright smoke-screen lies a dark side of lies and deception; secret dealings with heads of state in the historic tradition of European statesman who believed that governments had the imperative to seek power for the elite on the backs of the citizens.

Protesters gathered to let the world know that many in Los Angeles are aware of his crimes and don’t welcome him here.

The exuberant rally was organized by the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring Southern California District and was additionally endorsed by a broad coalition of groups including CISPUS (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador, Coalition for World Peace, GALBO (Grupo Apoyo a la Lucha Bolivariana), LA Catholic Worker, LA Freedom Socialist Party, National Lawyers Guild, Office of the Americas, Radical Women, Seeds of Simplicity, Women in Black, Tendencia Revolucionaria, Refuse and Resist, and the Wages for Housework Campaign.

The gathering was also attended by a group of Christian Jesus Freaks, whose loud comments and (bigger than everyone else’s) colorful placards added to the sense of inclusivity and diversity. All are welcome.