Chicago took to the streets earlier today to protest the war and occupation that has gone on for almost a decade. In general, I agree with most of the statements that were being shouted at the protest. Everything was fairly peaceful and calm from my perspective; topics mainly focused on the bringing of the troops home to use the money we spend on war for better education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

The only minor moment of hostility I noticed was a passerby shouting “Support our troops! God Bless America!” multiple times at the crowd. I’m not sure what she thought we were doing. None of the rhetoric used by the crowd, that I witnessed, was saying anything derogatory about our troops. Though I personally oppose the war, I have had multiple friends and family fight in our current and past wars. I’m sure it’s that way for others in the crowd today, let alone the veteran’s that were marching. Protesting is not Un-American or unpatriotic.

I won’t get into any more of my personal beliefs on the matter, but topics of conversation that interest me: the Bradley Manning Debacle, the Military–industrial Complex, Ivy Lee (Lee coined the phrase “Crowds are led by symbols and phrases”), or the goal behind Osama bin Laden attacking America.