More than 5,000 people converged in downtown Chicago to tell the world that "Chicago Still Says No to War." The demonstration began with a rally at Pearson and Michigan, the site of massive arrests last year when thousands of protesters took over Lake Shore Drive and shut it down. Clearly, the location held a symbolic value for both sides.

Police were MORE than ready this time, coming out with an overwhelming show of force. Despite statements made in the media that we would not be allowed to gather at that location or march to the rally at Federal Plaza, for which organizers had a permit, thousands gathered at the location, which is at the tip of the Mag Mile, an upscale shopping district for the moneyed class.

As I approached the demonstration, I began seeing clusters of police scattered on both sides of the street, the numbers gradually increasing as I moved in closer. I was hardly prepared for what I saw when I arrived, though. Wall to wall police dressed in their robocop gear, complete with blue helmets and shields. Many had batons pulled and on the ready.

Buses parked end to end were used to block Michigan Avenue to keep protesters from impeding shoppers. I was alone and I had my game plan for the day. Since I wanted to get lots of pics, I dress nondescriptly and didn't carry any sign or wear buttons. Because of that, I was able to move pretty freely in and out of the police lines. (If you're obviously a protester, they won't let you cross the line.) And, I'm not one to provoke anything although I had goggles, a bandana and water in my backpack.

Nonetheless, approaching the massive show of police force was intimidating to say the least. At one point I was thinking, what kind of fool am I for willingly walking into this situation? But, then you remember how important our fight is and what's at stake and it all seems worthwhile.

Both sides made concessions and marchers moved down Clark Street, which denied them the visibility that they had wanted. Side streets were all blocked to keep splinter groups from breaking off. There were helicopters in the sky and police boats near the bridge where marchers crossed the Chicago River.

That said, the police and protesters were amazingly well-behaved for what looked to be a violent confrontation in the making. Last reports I heard, only three arrests were made and nothing too serious. I did see one confrontation between police and a black bloc group that tried to break away. There was some shouting, but it was so obvious they weren't going to get anywhere, the splinter group backed off. Everyone there had a job to do and there was some sort of tacit agreement to abide by expected boundaries.

Although rain had been predicted, the skies turned bright blue and the temperature reached nearly 60, which is warm by comparison to the weather here lately. I heard one onlooker comment, "It's such a nice day. Why do these people have to ruin it by doing this?"

One thing that struck me and has always struck me is the diversity of protesters in Chicago. You always see all types of people from all walks of life. As much as they vary in age and race, they also vary in messages as you will see in these photos.

Even though I attend alone, I always make it a point to talk to several people to learn more about their personal stories and their beliefs. Everyone is always so open and friendly. It truly is amazing and shows the best of what humanity has to offer — love. The energy and vibe that you feel in these crowds is transcendent and I wonder how that power cannot somehow to be harnessed to overcome the hate and fear that have cast a dark cloud over the world.

Every day should be a march for peace and social justice in our own lives.

Of course we had counter demonstrators. Too bad they can't must a big enough crowd for a demonstration of their own. Surprisingly enough, they didn't bring their own portapotties. However, we're so nice, we let them use ours.

This one woman broke my heart. She has a son over in Iraq and a daughter heading there. She was arguing with everyone about them not supporting the troops and being disrespectful to the troops. There was so much hurt and anger in her voice. I just wanted to wrap my arms around her. Her hostility was so misplaced. It should be directed at Bush. We support the troops — we're not the ones sending them to their possible deaths.

See police presence here:
homepage.mac.com/prolesunited/PhotoAlbum77.html

View marchers and signage here:
homepage.mac.com/prolesunited/PhotoAlbum78.html

View counter demonstrators here:
homepage.mac.com/prolesunited/PhotoAlbum79.html