Occupation Project begins - to be continued

We heard over 20 cities were participating in the Occupation Project across the nation. Here in D.C., about 35 people trudged thru 17 degree weather to gather at the Methodist Building, review the action plans, and re-enter the frigid outdoors to the Russell Building and Senator McCain’s Office.

Lots of press showed up with the police in the halls of the building and we all lined either side of the hall in front of his office. The press conference began, the police mingled grabbing banners as they went up, herding people against the walls, and cautioning us to be more quiet.

Medea taught us a song that we had to practice and practice and practice – & it just flew outta my mind. Something about mccain funding war so we’re blocking his door.

The police ‘allowed’ us to enter the office, wait for the legislative aide to join us – which never happened. One of the Voices of the Wilderness folks began reading a statement and then we began singing the names of the dead – U.S. soldiers and Iraqis – and singing “we will remember”.

It was quite beautiful, solemn, and abruptly interrupted when the police decided we’d had enough time. We were ordered to leave the office and loudly told there would be no more warnings. Earlier the police had complained about how many chances we got to disperse before they finally arrested anyone. I asked them how come they want to arrest folks anyway?

Medea asked one angry officer why didn’t he get mad at those men who are sending us to war?