By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
Israeli President Shimon Peres spoke today in favor of peace in the Middle East, but some in the audience likely couldn’t hear his call, as protesters within the room shouted him down. Three eruptions of protesters in the audience were stopped by police. The protesters shouted from tabletops and waved signs saying “stop the occupation” and “free gaza.” This all transpired at the Washington DC Convention Center, at a conference led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Peres spoke of his commitment to the peace process, saying that one of the big challenges they all faced was to “disconnect religion from terror”, so extremists are not killing in the name of a higher power.
“History is on the side of peace… history’s on our side,” Peres said. He continued that the extremists leading Iran “are on the wrong side of history.” Peres acknowledged that most Iranians are good people whom he respects, but pointed his finger at extremists like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as being the problem.
“Iran is not threatened by anybody,” Peres said, and continued that Iran’s new missile programs are unnecessary. He said that Iran’s missile development and nuclear program are a threat to Israel “and the global community at large.”
Peres said that he trusts President Obama to make meaningful bilateral negotiations, and to contribute significantly to the peace process.
Today at Talk Radio News, the Washington Bureau will be covering Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement for funding to be given to Amtrak, a discussion on “A Year After the March 2008 Protests: Is China Promoting Stability in Tibet?,” a news conference on respiratory and immune disorders, a discussion “Iran: Internal Social and Political Dynamics,” a discussion on “Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: A Reconciliation,” and a book discussion on “Life Equity: Realize your true Value and Pursue Your Passions at Any Stage In Life,” with author Representative Marsha Blackburn, (R-Tenn.).
NOTE: The figure of 7k protesters came from two different bicycle police. Considering varying reports post-protest and post-RNC, I doubt the number of protesters was that high.
- DHP
More pictures from this event can be found on the TRNS Flickr page.
Today at Mears Park in Saint Paul the Swift Students For Truthiness gathered to advocate their standpoint on contemporary politics.
The peaceful, non-partisan organization, mainly comprised of students from Wisconsin and the Will Mitchell University in Michigan, stood promoting their progressive views on education, taxation, war and other similar issues.
Thomas Fraint, one of the organizers, said “I think one of the biggest reasons I’m out here is because we have been hurting for the past eight years and I don’t think [McCain] really realizes it.”
He detailed one of the group’s liberal views when he spoke of universal health care: “from a moral standpoint, every American deserves health care; but from an economic standpoint we spend more money than any other country, yet we are ranked right above Cuba, so maybe it’s about time we should steal someone else’s good idea.”
When asked why the group is non-partisan as opposed to Democrat (since the Swift Students For Truthiness clearly share the Democratic point of view), he replied: “if I was out here with an Obama sign wearing blue, people’s minds would then close.”
“You cannot make a program that works for everyone only work for some Americans”, said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). She attended a protest, which was held outside of the Republican National Headquarters in Washington D.C, to celebrate Social Security’s 73rd birthday.
Protesters were greeted by Republican National Headquarters employees handing out rainbow leis, referencing Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) decision to vacation in Hawaii in the thick of campaign season. Protesters rallied across from the headquarters until greeted by Norton, who led them across the street where she gave a short speech blasting Sen. John McCain’s strategy to privatize Social Security. Afterwards, she joined the crowd in signing “Happy Birthday”, and cut a tattered cake that was filled with holes to represent what the protesters feel are holes in Social Security’s coverage.
Washington D.C.’s Shadow Senator Paul Strauss attended the protest as well, attempting in vain to deliver a birthday card signed by protesters to the Republican Headquarters. However, he was met with locked doors and security guards. The senator also caused several interns and other employees to run away as they made their way to the locked doors when he tried to pass the card to them. After several attempts, Strauss accepted defeat, saying “well at least there’s more cake for us!”
At the protesting House Republicans’ afternoon press conference, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) says that Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) efforts to silence the Republican protest for energy this week has only energized the Republicans’ efforts to bring back Congress and force a vote on their American Energy Act. (0:59)
At a press conference in the Capitol with protesting House Republicans, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich says Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) thinks it’s a better idea to go on a book tour than bring back Congress to solve the energy crisis. (0:34)
