There appeared to be a few hundred people protesting outside tonight's Democratic Puppet Show at Hollywood's Kodak Theater (although, that number is just a rough guess on my part). Various groups were represented: besides ANSWER (the main organizer), there was Code Pink and Global Women's Strike. Although the focus was U.S. agression, there were also numerous other issues addressed as well: from impeachment, to the silencing of Kucinich, to pro-choice, to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to calls for 9/11 truth, to justice for refugees south of the border. (Unfortunately, the only mention of global warming that I saw was on the back of a "HIllary for President" sign(1).)

Sometimes costumed characters (probably advertising the Wax Museum down the street) wandered through the demonstration. Among them was Spongebob and Snoopy.

Supporters of Clinton and Obama also intermingled with us as well as at least one Huckabee supporter and various Ron Paul people.

Generally, pedestrians seemed to take an interest in us. Also, on one occasion, I could see an employee of the adjacent Virgin Megastore looking down on us curiously as she squeezed around a manniquin for a better view.

After the debates, several well-dressed people exited the theater and were met with our signs and chants which included: "Democrats lie, GIs die! Democrats lie, Iraqis die!" With one exception, they did not seem very responsive (based on my observations).



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(1)I almost brought a global warming sign of my own but decided to focus on the occupations. Hopefully, there will be vigils of this size focusing on global warming sooner rather than later.

Sign by Linda Krausen of the South Pasadena weekly peace vigil.

"The guy in the wheel chair"

They're encouraging people to engage in tax revolt--"Don't buy Bush's war."