Anti-War Action in West Bend

Adeline, 28.01.2007 15:38

Anti-Authoritarian West Benders marched against the War on January 27th, to coincide with actions in DC.

On Saturday the 27th, West Bend Anarchists and other anti-war activists demonstrated against the occupation of Iraq and U.S. Imperialism. at 8:30 in the morning a small group set up in front of the Police Station on Main Street. In the morning hours, The demonstration remained small-scale and peaceful. The corporate media came in the morning to briefly interview a handful of participants.

Things quickly picked up pace in the afternoon. Before long there were over 30 demonstrators. They bore sign and banners reading; "Stop U.S. Imperialism", "End the occupation", "No Troop Surge", "No War / No Militarism", among other slogans and facts. One activist made an effigy of George Bush accompanied by a sign indicating that he was "the real terrorist". For a short while, the demonstration was also joined by members of liberal organizations such as "the Peace Seekers".

The police made a conscious effort to suppress the demonstration and keep the participants in a passive role. But by the time the sun began to set, the participants were brazenly defying the police department; the demonstrators began to march downtown. The now sizeable force, lead on by the anarchists, marched right into the streets of downtown, actively reclaiming the otherwise bustling commercial area as their own. They succeeded in bringing a sense of radical awareness to the inhabitants of downtown, all while obstructing traffic and disrupting 'business as usual'. This instance of resistance and reclaimation of public space proved to be a valuable expercise for many of the participants that lacked previous radical or activist experience. The march continued back from downtown and up to the corner of Paradise and Main, the busiest intersection in the city.

There was, of course, negative response to the days activities. Countlyess angry passerbys, and motorists irritated by the march's obstruction of traffic expressed their anger through the time-proven middle finger. One man in particular came to argue with the demonstrators (we have recordings of him explaining to us the importance of "Killing all Islams" along with other disturbing opinions). For about half an hour, there was even a counter-protest across the street. About four young men held signs that read "Honk 4 War" and "George Bush is the MAN". After a slight altercation with anti-war demonstrators, the pro-war individuals made a quick departure.

Despite the negativity, A majority of response was entirely positive. In the morning, a man brought coffee for all of the participants. Later, another well-wisher brought enough hot chocolate for all 30 demonstrators. The overwhelming positive response is quite unexpected considering the extremly conservative nature of the West Bend area. Yet, such unexpectedness is telling of the exponentially growing discontent with The occupation of Iraq and America's other imperialistic actions. Some of the most positive response came from Soldiers recently returned from Iraq. These individuals expressed their anger at the government and spoke about the carnage they saw in Iraq.

The day's action was the largest anti-Iraq-war activity seen in West Bend. It also forced awareness of radical discontent upon the unsuspecting public. Most importantly, it provided a valuable learning experience for most of the people involved throughout the day.

...the more things stay the same 28.01.2007 - 18:29 I lived communally near West Bend and did anti-draft and other work there in the early 70s. It was extremely conservative even then. We didn't have nut-case legislators like Grothman back then, though. Maybe it won't take as long this time around to stop the current war(s). Keep up the great work. milhouse> anti-authoritarian anti-war planning in MKE 29.01.2007 - 13:05 People are having regular meetings to get ready for the aniversary of the war here in milwaukee. It would be awesome if people from west bend would want to be involved in any way. If you're interested in finding out more of what we're planning and other upcomming anti-authoritarian events in milwaukee you should check out  http://lists.riseup.net/www/subrequest/mkeanarchy a herd of kittens> Anniversary 29.01.2007 - 16:26 Some of us are going to try to come fo'sho. Owen Sykes> George Bush IS THA man 30.01.2007 - 09:07 Dude bro can do keg stands like no one's business. Respect. Spring break!!! Woooooooooo!!! Chad> Same faces, different places.... 30.01.2007 - 18:19 Once again, protestors hiding their faces like common criminals. I don't see how you're changing anything at all, let alone bringing positive attention to your cause. Unknown> Way to go, West Bend! 30.01.2007 - 22:17 Small actions in smaller towns like these have a bigger impact than everyone running out to DC (and spending tons of money to do so) for one big protest which is forgotten the next day. Keep up all the good work. nmc> Hey unknown- go fuck yourself 30.01.2007 - 23:21 Protesters hide their faces because the police take lots of pictures, and harass people. Get a clue you neo-nazi dick. common criminal> Name calling? 31.01.2007 - 16:03 Just because I don't agree with you and your cohorts hiding your faces makes me a neo-nazi? My point has been proven. I was going to march WITH you in Milwaukee, but I carry myself and people I'm around to high standards. Have fun making no progress and not being taken seriously. unknown> Name-calling? yes please 31.01.2007 - 22:18 No, I'm calling you a neo-nazi because there has been a slew of them around here lately, and they all seem to have a stick up their ass about people wearing masks. You expressed the same idea and even equated it with "common criminals" (oh noes), so forgive me if I wrongly suspected you of being one of them. And that's a big if. tiger style> ? 02.02.2007 - 08:54 Some Responses: >Once again, protestors hiding their faces like common criminals. That is a classist and racist statement. Do you not occasionally j-walk, drive over the limit, or not signal on your bike? We are all "common criminals" and to make the statement that common criminals only wear black masks perpetuates one view of criminals, one with race and class connotations. >>I don't see how you're changing anything at all, let alone bringing positive attention to your cause. Doing small symbolic actions and demonstrations reminds people that there is resistance all over the country. Obviously one action isn't going to stop the war, but I'm sure many people drove by the demonstration happy that people were still protesting, and they considered coming to the next protest. Not everyone is scared of black masks. >>Protesters hide their faces because the police take lots of pictures, and harass people. Get a clue you neo-nazi dick. First: often police don't start taking pictures until people put black masks on. Masking up when no radical or overtly illegal action takes place is strategic nonsense as it just increases police surveillance. If black blocs were really concerned about security (and not just making a statement about looking radical) they would take this into consideration. Second: The assumption that because someone has a criticism about masks they are a neo-nazi is about as prejudice as you can get. >>My point has been proven. What point was proven? How was this proven? This doesn't explain anything. >>I was going to march WITH you in Milwaukee, but I carry myself and people I'm around to high standards. First: you "were going to march" with people you called "common criminals"? Than why are you interesting in bantering without any attempt at constructive discussion or criticism? Second: assuming that everyone who does black bloc shares the same prejudices of "common criminal" is about as prejudice as her/his calling you a neo-nazi. Why aren't you both realizing your unjustified assumptions? >>Have fun making no progress and not being taken seriously. This is another weird assumption. You don't know who you are talking to and you don't know the extend to which they are taken seriously, unless you are a cop or a fed. Given the amount of attention they receive from the police in terms of repression and containment, radical protesters are regarded as a serious threat by the government. This, I would say, is a much more serious response than normal anti-war activities. >>No, I'm calling you a neo-nazi because there has been a slew of them around here lately, and they all seem to have a stick up their ass about people wearing masks. Aren't assumptions like these the basis for a lot of prejudice, and ultimately racism, classism, heterosexism, etc? >>You expressed the same idea and even equated it with "common criminals" (oh noes), so forgive me if I wrongly suspected you of being one of them. And that's a big if. Why bother apologizing if you have to say "thats a big if"? Because you are too busy bro-ing down to admit you said something completely out of line? Why are you sticking to your formula for uncovering fascists DIRECTLY AFTER you write a sentence completely undermining your own formula? Yikes! I think we all have enough work to do without wasting our time with illogical and thoughtless banter. This tactical discussion COULD be actually constructive, something that we can learn from each other about. This would be of benefit to radical activists. Isn't this something much better to strive for (and a much better use of indymedia's public space) resorting to base accusations. Are we actually concerned with active resistance, or just messing around? Yikes> black bloc 02.02.2007 - 16:07 not everyone who masks up for a black bloc is there to 'look radical' some of us are out in every day life protesting more than once or twice a year in the same area, and it's essential to have our faces covered, why make it easier for nazis and other haters to seek us out...? polo> pixxx 02.02.2007 - 18:48 "First: often police don't start taking pictures until people put black masks on." The police always take pictures, and if through some miracle of God they aren't, then plenty of other people (news media, other marches) are. Some of us just don't want our faces out there. "Masking up when no radical or overtly illegal action takes place is strategic nonsense as it just increases police surveillance." And so we waste more pigs time and energy on absolutely nothing, or shit actually goes down. What's the problem? "The assumption that because someone has a criticism about masks they are a neo-nazi is about as prejudice as you can get." Like I said, they've been hanging around and making the same complaint, and given this d-bag's lame "Well I wanted to come, but now I won't!" response, I sincerely doubt the sincerity of their sentiment. "Aren't assumptions like these the basis for a lot of prejudice, and ultimately racism, classism, heterosexism, etc?" Not really, the logical thought process, while perhaps a bit off, can pretty clearly be followed in this case, unlike the examples you mentioned. I think my suspicion was more than founded given the tone of that person's response. Or maybe I was just having a bad day.. whatever. "Why bother apologizing if you have to say "thats a big if"? Because you are too busy bro-ing down to admit you said something completely out of line? Why are you sticking to your formula for uncovering fascists DIRECTLY AFTER you write a sentence completely undermining your own formula?" I don't have a "formula," I was just apologizing on the chance that I was incorrect, though I don't think I am given what was said. "Once again protestors..." tells me a lot. "This tactical discussion COULD be actually constructive, something that we can learn from each other about. This would be of benefit to radical activists. Isn't this something much better to strive for (and a much better use of indymedia's public space) resorting to base accusations. Are we actually concerned with active resistance, or just messing around?" Both. If you'd like to have a better discussion, let's have it. common criminal> Good 06.02.2007 - 16:19 Glad you are interested. Lets leave the debate about masks for another time when such trifles are important and work on more constructive issues. Here is a question I think "anti-war activists" (and anyone who opposes imperialism) should consider: How do we organize our communities against the American war machine? That is, how do we get to the point that our communities will actually stand against recruiters, arms dealers, government officials, and so on BEFORE a war starts? This isn't a question about protests or marches, but about how we become a society which rejects imperialism, imperialistic wars, violence for profit, etc. I would love to hear some ideas... Yikes> ha 07.02.2007 - 09:11 OR THEIR FACES ARE COVERED BECAUSE THEY ARE COLD. PS, I LOVE YOU OWEN SYKES SQUIRREL> good job 07.02.2007 - 14:38 small scale actions in small areas tend to be as effective and empowering for that area as large scale protests are for their own regions. ssu> good job 07.02.2007 - 14:38 small scale actions in small areas tend to be as effective and empowering for that area as large scale protests are for their own regions. s!mke> Question 08.02.2007 - 13:28 What do you mean when you use the words "effective" and "empowering?" Effective how? What are your goals? Is empowerment a goal? What does it mean to empower someone? This is meant to clarify, not criticize. nmc> I see 08.02.2007 - 14:37 I see how much empowerment and change your protest had on the community. I see nothing but world peace and liberty for all.... You changed nothing, as usual. People could careless. Your march was forgotten the next day (as was the rest of them in various cities). Bush is still in office. Crime is the same. Cats aren't marrying dogs. amused> What have you done lately? 08.02.2007 - 21:18 As one of the people there that day, I think I should qualify what I believe was intended by "effective" and "empowering". We all realize that the days actions were not going to end the war, neither were they going to change the minds of a vast majority of the people who saw us. BUT, that wasn't the purpose. West bend is, without a doubt, the most backwards, reactionary town of its size in the state. We have the largest conservative voting margin, the most police per capita, and on the whole, the most conservative population. While not seeming that radical, what happneed that day was without a doubt, the largets anti-war action seen in the city. And yeah, i'll be the first to admit that protests accomplish nothing when it comes to ending the war. But, as the first experience that a lot of people there had, its the first step towards taking direct actiong against the war, as well as participating in anti-capitalist organizing. So yes, it was effective. It was effective in breaking the overwhelming silence that has been experieenced in washington county for decades. and yes it was empowering. It showed dozens of young kids that they don't have to stay put, shut up, and do nothing simply because cops tell them to. It didn't change the world. And yeah, the war is still raging. But its just the beginning for a community that is just starting to wake up. Owen Sykes> Great 24.02.2007 - 15:54 Whis was such a great day. We had many people in favor of our being there. But as always, there were people who didn't agree. We even saw some very ignorant teenage boys (wearing aeropostale/hollister/american eagle obviously,) appear across the street holding "Honk 4 War," and other similar sayings. They had no idea what they were doing though. It's great that Indymedia has all these things up here. Thanks. Ian Thornton Ian Thornton> e-mail:: goskate_ian@hotmail.com By the way,... 24.02.2007 - 15:57 Owen Sykes is the fuckin' man. Ian Thornton> anti wbpd 11.04.2007 - 21:40 I say protest the West Bend Police Department in general. So many police officers for a town of West Bends size, which I believe is somewhere around 30,000 in population. MAKER> waste cops 12.04.2007 - 23:23 planning for protesting of the wbpd should be taken into consideration for the near future if you are still down for it. gonzalez> Yay 28.07.2007 - 20:46 VEGANS FUCKING ROCK! =D NO MORE WAR! I live in Sheboygan but there's a chance in hell I might be getting involved with you guys through a friend of mine... Hopefully. 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