PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Dick Cheney "Protest"
by Matt Flege Monday, Jul. 12, 2004 at 7:56 PM
fmatty02@yahoo.com (513) 403-6061 South Side

My perceptions of the "protest" that took place during Dick Cheney's visit to Pittsburgh on 7/12/04.

As I was driving home from work on Thursday, I heard on the radio that Cheney was in town, and would be speaking at a fundraising dinner at the William Penn Hotel. I decided to forget about dinner and go protest. I stopped at Giant Eagle to buy some posterboard and markers, and made a sign that said "No War, No FTAA, No Bush."
When I finally found my way to the hotel where Cheney was speaking, it was pouring down rain, but there were about 30 people out holding Kerry/Edwards signs and chanting. At first, I was happy to see that there were people out protesting, but I gradually became more and more confused and disillusioned the longer that I stood there.
I listened for the chants about peace, social justice, and the power of the people that I hear at any good protest, and tried to start a couple myself, but it they just weren't there. Everyone was much more interested in their pro Kerry/Edwards slogans. It became evident that this was not any kind of protest, but a rally for John Kerry.
I then began to think about what I had written on my sign, "No War, No FTAA, No Bush." After all, John Kerry voted for the war in Iraq, and he voted for NAFTA, the precursor to the FTAA. I realized I had just as much reason to write "Kerry" on my sign as I did "Bush."
The thing that made me the most sad was a woman standing with a sign that said something to the effect of "I'm homeless with 3 children. We live under a bridge and haven't ate in 2 days. We need money for rent and food." What would George Bush do for this woman? What would John Kerry do for this woman? What did I do for this woman? Nothing. Pick your corporate sponsored candidate in 2004, pick your 'liberal' or your 'conservative' activist. It just doesn't seem to make any difference to the people who are really in need.
So what am I trying to say with this? I really don't know. It was just one of those moments that made me look at my country, my views, my life, and just wonder what was going on.

add your comments