Chicago Indymedia : http://chicago.indymedia.org/archive
Chicago Indymedia

LOCAL News :: Elections & Legislation

Bringin’ it From the Streets to the White House, Baby: Bus Caravan to DC

Buses carrying 104 passengers left Jackson and Columbus for DC on Wednesday, January 19 to participate in events surrounding the inauguration of George Bush. In addition to transportation, medical and legal support were organized by an ad hoc coalition, Chicago Organizing Coalition for the Counter Inaugural (COCCI).

Travelers came primarily from Chicago but also consisted of people from Michigan and Missouri expressing anger and frustration against the Bush administration but also carrying a spirit of hope through efforts to show their dissent to the rest of the country. For those who were unable to afford the costs, full and partial scholarships funded through donations were made available.

Before departure, 3 protesters supporting Bush displayed signs to the on-looking passengers that Bush is “STILL our president.” The confrontation escalated to the extent of glares from both sides. After filling out necessary paperwork in the event of a hospital emergency or arrest while in DC, the buses departed by 5:34 p.m.

Driving along Lake Shore Drive in COCCI Bus #1, the bus captains suggested passengers talk on the mic about why they were going to DC. People spoke of factors in their lives or of their own analysis as they saw it of how the administration performed within the last 4 years and where they believed the administration would be taking the country.

Critics of the J20 protests argue there is no official evidence made public of a fraudulent election. Therefore, it appears that protesters are rallying against a democratic process where Bush won the popular vote. Andrew Solomon, like many who have reservations about the protest of the inauguration say, “He won the election fairly. How can the inauguration be protested if he won?”

As the people on Bus #1 spoke, it became evident people were going to the inauguration not solely based on counter-inauguration events and the voting system (although this was a reason for many) but also for various other reasons. Each time someone came up, some would cheer in agreement, some nod their heads, but everyone was applauded after speaking because there was a strong support against the administration.

While on the road, Nick Garcia, a comedian, expressed his concern over censorship since it plays a major part in his career and art. What is and what is not being said on television, read in the newspapers, and heard on the radio in relation to the Bush administration, he believes has hurt the people’s right to freedom of speech saying, “We are still the people, and we have the voice.”

Hours would pass gradually as the landscape changed from vivacious city to bustling industry to quiet towns and then nature. Then the scenery would change again. Passengers would get up to stretch themselves from the confining seats.

At the rest stops, the passengers expanded on ideas they had first brought to the mic.

Christopher Drew, an advocate for bringing progressive art into the community, vehemently spoke out about the danger of a voting system he argues is ineffective because computer voting systems lack an audit trail, which is “permanent proof of votes to prevent fraud.”

“George Bush does not represent me!”Donna Esbjornson had first said at the mic. Her husband is currently serving and she believes he is “risking his life for Bush’s special interests.” She also explained how frustrated she was with the religious fundamentalism that seems hypocritical. “What a terrible message to military families that he can talk about morality and have a $40 million party while soldiers and families are dying.”

Healthcare continues to be a priority for many Americans. But for Anne Burnett, it is an intrinsic part of her life because she works as a case worker for mentally ill adults. “They need the medications to survive and to properly function. Without them they have a hard time finding jobs, and this forces them back into an institution.” “The monies are going into faith-based services, but you shouldn’t have to say I’m Christian to get services for health— that’s Anti-American.”

At another stop, Suzanne Adely, a coordinator with the Arab American Action Network, works with immigrant youth who have explained in workshops their experiences with racial profiling and police brutality. "The War on Terrorism is an excuse to profile immigrant youth. It serves to legitmize all forms of racial profiling and criminalize in the name of security."

One of the young women she works with created a film in response to the continuous portrayal of Arab/Muslim women in need of liberation from the US and are depicted as submissive under their country and husbands. According to Adely, the purpose of the film is to show that "these stereotypes have to continue in order to justify the War on Terror and the US involvement with Israel."

Ferdinand Asidao while primarily going because he is against the war in Iraq, also drew connections with the "occupation of Iraq united in struggle with how the Philippines was also occupied by the US."

The reasons to participate in the counter-inauguration varied for many. Some of the passengers went for documenting purposes and even brought their equipment hoping also to talk with the protesters in DC and on the bus about the Bush administration.

"Human progress has been by people themselves organizing for it," said Andy Thayer, a gay rights activist, as we crossed the bridge into the DC area around 9a.m. "I don't believe that things can't change because within the gay movement, sodomy laws in Texas have been decriminalized."

For the people on the bus, the sentiment that was aroused through talking on the mic and knowing that everyone was there to make a statement somehow either for themselves, their family and friends, and/ or also to get their point across to the country appeared to be key.

"We gotta take back our morals and principals," said Sylvia Kareemah Gant, "We gonna fight it, and we're bringin' it from the streets to the White House, baby." The feeling of power in the hands of the people was consistent throughout the ride.

The 15 and a half hour travel appeared to serve as a microcosm for the actual day of inauguration. DC was a gathering for the young, middle aged, and elderly, people of different races and ethnicities, class, sexuality, religion/ spirituality, and citizenship status. Upon speaking with protesters, these factors and more manifested in the reasons people explained why they chose to participate in J20.
 
 

Donate

Views

Account Login

Media Centers

 

This site made manifest by dadaIMC software