A noon pro-immigration rally and march got underway at Cermak and Ashland, Sat., March 17th. About 100 spirited activists, a good mix of ages, with chants and banners took to the streets of the Pilsen neighborhood, linking the issues of immigration and the Iraq War. This mostly Latino, high visibility demonstration marched up Ashland, taking up one north-bound lane, turning east on 18th street for a speak-out four blocks down. Amongst the activists was a Senn High contingent whose teacher addressed the problems of the Naval Academy at his north-side, multi-ethnic school and the militarization of the Chicago Public School System in general as well as how people of color are being aggressively targeted by the American war machine. The march also featured members of Chicago's Gay Liberation Network and their pro-immigration banner.

Also on March 17th, the North Side Peace Gathering held a five-hour 11am - 4pm marathon anti-war, anti-US imperialism rally at the three-cornered Island Of Peace: Milwaukee, Logan & Kedzie Avenues. A small but feisty group of activists (13 in all) with signs, cow bells and chants blasted George W. Bush if not off the face of the earth then far off their highly visible triangle. With cars regularly giving the thumbs up honk at that busty intersection, no one passing by on foot or behind the wheel could mistake the group's tenacity for anything but a kick-ass blast against the horrors of the Bush Military/Oil Junta. NSPG has been regularly holding its anti-war protests at the triangle every Saturday mid-afternoon since the Iraq war began. Newcomers are welcome.

- Craig Teichen 3/19/07