War Rallies Losing Steam
Five years ago the U.S. led an invasion of Iraq. Even before the first shots were fired anti-war protesters made their voices known. Lately pro-war (they’d label themselves “pro-troops”) supporters have rallied to counter groups like A.N.S.W.E.R. and Coke Pink. But judging from the turnout at events the last few days both sides are losing energy.
Anti-war turnout today and yesterday was not expected to be any earth-shattering numbers:
Permits filed with the National Park Service by United for Peace and Justice, the umbrella group organizing the protests, estimate that crowds at the midweek demonstration will likely be in the hundreds rather than the thousands.
A few dozen people here and there do cause a scene and interrupt Washington, D.C.’s daily business, but it’s not making a loud statement.
Last Saturday, I was at a pro-war rally organized by Gathering of Eagles. There were only a few hundred people there. That fact was mentioned in a number of speeches. They said they needed to do more to get organized and increase turnout at future rallies.
The rally was great with plenty of people standing up for the troops and decrying the defeatist attitudes of anti-war protesters.
The small crowds at these events reflect public opinion that they’re tired of everything about the Iraq War. They’re so tired they don’t want to get active on either side. There’s a reason television news isn’t covering Iraq as much anymore. Fatigue has set in.
UPDATE: First Friday got pictures of some of the anti-war activities today. The polar bear is so cute.
