The Studio City, CA protests, held at Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd every Friday from 5 to 7, are really gaining momentum. At the last demonstration, 02.28.03, well over 100 participants showed up. The success of the protests is due to the energetic skills of the organizers Steve and Jocelyne Fine of Neighbors for Peace and Justice (NPJ), Studio City chapter.

But more friction is evident at the demonstrations as well as the war supporters are feeling the pressure of the world wide peace sentiment that was reflected back on February 15. I was personally physically accosted by one such war-supporter at the Studio City protest of February 21. I was shoved from behind as my sign was grabbed. While we played tug of war he ripped the sign from its handle and ran off with it.

Just last Friday a pedestrian deliberately yelled pro-war opinions at the top of his lungs in the faces of as many protestors as he believed he could get away with. Our people deserve kudos for their remarkable constraint. We really have a great group of committed and conscientious people here.

Also, this last Friday, we had a motorized supporter pulled over by a police officer for honking her horn in solidarity with our message. Here the protestors were a lot less forgiving. I saw little more than a blur as ten or more of them flew by me on their way to confront the officer. By the time I caught up with them they were defending the motorist with fervor and a fire I have rarely witnessed. This moment has defined the movement for me. I was so proud to call these brave citizens friends and to be a part of this historical movement. There was no reason for me to say a word. The situation was being handled just fine and as a direct result of their passion the driver, I believe, received at most a warning (I have no direct confirmation of this. She may well have been ticketed. I gave the passenger NPJ’s email address and as of yet they haven’t received any word).

Yes, things are heating up. And although even the negative responses from the drivers-by are increasing, anti-war support from them is increasing more. Smiles, waves, honks and two-finger peace signs abound in ever greater numbers. The positive energy is just phenomenal.

Also, this last Friday we were accompanied by a well known actor who read a Mark Twain poem at the end of the night. There are two reasons I don’t wish to mention his name: First, out of respect for his privacy. Second, I don’t wish to trivialize the demonstrations by turning them into star-sighting events.

Lastly, let me comment on this. I am suspicious of these “celebrity” elitists who are suddenly monopolizing the movement. Even before 9-11 the media ignored the hard work and diligence of common, everyday citizens like you and me. But now that these celebrities have recently decided to finally voice an opinion on something the media focuses only on them. Where were Mike Farrell and Martin Sheen during the pre 9-11 G8 protests? Why haven’t they been speaking out the last ten years against the horrors of American poverty that presently inflicts 50 million of us? As far as I’m concerned anyone can join the peace movement but no one has a right to take it over. After all, this is not a peace movement… it is a social justice movement of which peace in Iraq is only one goal. Are Farrell and Sheen going to continue their involvement when the war is over and the protests return to the strict objective of social justice? Of course the media elite will only interview other members of the social elite but the best thing these celebrities can do to help is to join us… don’t try to lead us… and differ to the media the real hardworking people responsible for igniting and popularizing this incredible movement; people like you and me.

COME JOIN US IN STUDIO CITY! Or attend the NPF demonstrstion nearest you!

03.04.03
c. j. macq
equality IS freedom!