350 war denouncers march in Uptown

Protesters called for an end to both wars and to the plan for more troops in Afghanistan.

By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune

Last update: October 17, 2009 - 11:52 PM

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Decked head to toe in red, complete with tail, combs and bright yellow beaks, Mary Laurel True and Josie Winship, also known as the Radical Roosters, said the message behind their getup at Saturday's war protest was clear.

"Wake up, America!" True said of the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Wake up and look at what we're spending; look at what it's costing us. We believe violence isn't going to solve the issue. Violence always begets violence."

The Minneapolis women and veteran protesters were part of a boisterous crowd of about 350 people who marched down Hennepin Avenue from the heart of Uptown to Loring Park on Saturday afternoon to protest not only both conflicts but the Obama administration's consideration of a plan that would send 40,000 more soldiers to Afghanistan. The Minneapolis event was one of more than 40 protests taking place across the country.

Carrying big signs that read "Not one more death, not one more dollar" and "Troops Out Now," the protesters were escorted by police and met with supportive honks from afternoon traffic as they walked down the busy thoroughfare.

At Loring Park, speakers took to the stage with megaphone in hand, including Sami Rasouli, founder and director of Minnesota-based Muslim Peacemaker Teams. Upon his recent return from Iraq, Rasouli lamented not only the ongoing war, but damage from depleted uranium in the area that, he said, continues to hurt Iraqi children. He urged President Obama to end the conflict.

"We wanted change when we voted for Obama," he said. "This is the right change. It should stop."

True and Winship stood on the ramp of the pedestrian bridge crossing Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues and waved to motorists. The two, who have been to dozens of antiwar demonstrations, say their mission is not only to end the bloodshed but to keep their fellow protesters in good spirits.

"What's the alternative?" Winship said.

Abby Simons • 612-673-4921

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