facesof090208
On the homepage
Vikings
Out There
Artcetera
Table Talk
Home | Politically Connected | National Politics | Political Conventions
Faces of the convention: The dissenters
Thousands gathered on the State Capitol lawn Monday for a rally to protest the Republican National Convention and Republican policies. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 lounged in the midday heat or huddled in the shade of trees before the march began. With chants, speeches and music, they made their message heard. Here's a look at a few of those who attended the rally.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from Political Conventions
GAEL MURPHY, 54
Washington, D.C.
Decked out in pink and shaded by a pink umbrella, Gael Murphy meandered through the crowd, greeting friends and acquaintances from around the country with a wide smile and big hugs. As a co-founder of Code Pink, she couldn't seem to take 10 steps before running into someone else.
"I am here to spread the message of peace, getting out of Iraq and certainly not bombing Iran," she said.
Code Pink is a women-initiated movement working to end the Iraq war, promote peace and advocate funding for health care and education.
CHARLEY UNDERWOOD, 62
Minneapolis
Charley Underwood roamed the State Capitol lawn ensuring that participants wouldn't bake in the intense afternoon heat.
"Sunscreen anyone? You're going to need it if you are out here all week," he said.
Underwood, a St. Paul kindergarten teacher, said he decided to come to the protest to administer first aid and make sure everyone stays out of harm's way.
"I am expecting the protest to be big, wonderful and safe," he said.
ANDREW SCHULTZ, 21
Chicago
In a sea of odd characters and extravagant costumes, Andrew Schultz couldn't avoid posing for cell-phone photo ops with strangers. Covered in orange body paint, he didn't exactly blend in.
Schultz said he came to support the message of peace. "We're here celebrating and drawing attention to the cause," he said. "I'm thinking my makeup might sweat off before this is done."
GABE HOLL, 23
Minneapolis
"All of the elephants here are turning this place into a circus," said Gabe Holl of Minneapolis as a bike transformed into an elephant tried to make its way through the crowd.
Holl said he came to the rally to bring attention to Sen. John McCain's "pro-war agenda." Before the march started, Holl said he was concerned about protesters starting trouble or police overreacting to the rally.
"I hope it will be safe," he said. "Both sides can be crazy."
ALAN LAYENI, 22
Minneapolis
While the war in Iraq was the main focus of many, Alan Layeni came to support the Oromo community.
"Ethiopia is committing genocide against the Oromo," he said. "I am here to call attention to America's support of the Ethiopian government."
Leyeni, originally from Sierra Leone, came with a group of about 20 others. "The U.S. is pivotal in helping the people," he said.
PANG XIONG, 16
St. Paul
Pang Xiong stood in the growing crowd at the front of the marching line. Quiet and subdued in a crowd of chants and drum beats, Xiong said the number of protesters was the most important.
"I just want to see peace in the world," he said. "It was wrong to go back into Iraq."
He said the crowd would bring attention to his community and their support of Democratic candidates.
TEXT AND PHOTOS
BY EMILY KAISER
Recent Political Conventions stories
Intent on strong response to Gustav, Bush off to Texas to meet with relief workers, evacuees - September 1, 2008
Intent on strong response to Gustav, Bush off to Texas to meet with relief workers, evacuees - As Hurricane Gustav threatens the Gulf Coast, President Bush is out to show the nation that his government has learned the haunting lessons of Katrina and is ready to act. That includes a rapid response by Bush himself, who will be planted near the danger zone even before the storm hits home. More
The Whistleblower blog has moved
The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]
Recent posts
  Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! No resume? No problem!Create a skills profile in minutes, let a recruiter match you to an open position. Click here to get started. |
Win tickets to The Midnight Movie Society's screening of "Clue" at Red Stag Supperclub.Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh present the first meeting of The Midnight Movie Society at Red Stag Supperclub on Dec. 4, with drinking, dancing and a midnight screening of cult-classic film, "Clue." |
Comment on this story | Read all 5 comments | Hide reader comments