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similar events in two communities near me. The first is Norwich, in Chenengo County, NY. For quite a while, there was a anti-war rally in the West Park, and a pro-war rally in the East Park, just across the street. And there were numerous LTTE in the Norwich newspaper, questioning the patriotism of the anti-war folk. Things have changed -- I have not seen any pro-war rallies in Norwich for some time.
I also went to the Federal Courthouse in Binghamton, in Broome County, for the trial of the St. Patrick's Four. There were two groups there, again anti-war and pro-war, separated by police. I was told that for the first two days, the groups did not communicate. By the day I went, everyone was mixed together, getting along fine, and realizing that we had more in common than things that separated us. Most of the pro-war folks were primarily expressing support for the US troops, rather than support of the Cheney world view.
Public demonstrations are protecting by that Bill of Rights for a very good reason -- the Founding Fathers recognized that they play an important role in keeping a democratic state strong. I salute those Americans who continue to participate in anti-war rallies.
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