Relax, it's not an anniversary that will get me a rolling pin-beating because I forgot it. Three years ago yesterday, I was at The Ohio State University protesting Bush as he gave a commencement speech to graduating students. Here are excerpts of the words I wrote when I finally got close enough to a computer......
As I sit here before you, I must admit I am truly exhausted from a full
day. I've read the thread about Ohio State on LBN, and I am here to
tell you it is true...and then some. I'll try to hit all the details.
.........
Graduating students were told that they would be expelled and arrested
if they turned their backs. they were alerted that dozens of staff
memebers and police officers would be watching the stands, as well as
the Secret Service. A few students asked for the definition of
expulsion....did it mean removal from the stadium or refusal of their
diplomas, or both? One of the persons at the front said "Both".
.........
We entered the stadium later with family and friends, and similar
statements swirled around the crowd. "Please make sure you stand and
loudly cheer our President. Our graduates have been requested to do the
same, and have agreed to give a loud cheer for Mr. Bush", etc.....
.........
It didn't take long for our stomachs to turn....the first speaker (I
believe the OSU President) began spouting about how proud they were to
have Bush there. He said "We have a long tradition of inviting great
men and women to speak at our commencements." I quickly responded "but
since we couldn't get one, here's Georgie".
That got the attention of the state trooper in front of us. His eyes were on me the rest of the time.
The speech continued to mention that Chimpy was "a tireless worker
in the field of education" and "a man who unified this country after
the terrible events of 9/11". It was interesting to note that it took a
LONG time for the 9/11 applause to turn into a standing ovation....they
held out for that one, not continuing the speech intentionally.
About 10 minutes later, Shrub was introduced to speak. Before he
even got to the stage, we did our about-face. I looked over my shoulder
to see how many graduates were doing the same. However, everybody was
standing at that point, and in pure black robes, it was impossible to
see who was facing what direction. Furthermore, over that same
shoulder, I saw one of Columbus' Finest heading our way.
We never got to see how many students participated. We were being
led out of Ohio Stadium. To the officers' credit, he realized there was
a 3-year-old in my arms and was not at all hostile. I asked him if I
was under arrest, and he did not answer me. When we reached the exit, I
asked the SS man why we had been ejected, and he told me we were being
charged with disturbing the peace. If we chose to leave, the charges
would be dropped immediately.
With our daughter in mind, we chose not to fight it. I am sure we
will regret it someday when Bush's fabulous economy strikes us and we
need a few million in a lawsuit. But our daughter did not need any more
irritation on this day.
On this day, June 14th, 2002, I came to the realization that we no
longer live in a free society. This is rapidly heading in the same way
Nazi Germany headed. Questioning our leaders is no longer the most
outrageous crime you can be charged with. Not paying attention to them
is.
As you take in this message I give to you, I would like to add a footnote.
Next time, I will not leave quietly.
Next time, I will not allow you to intimidate my fellow Americans who wish to speak out.
Next time I will not be so blind when I confront you.
Next time we meet, I will have more people with me to oppose you.
Next time, I will have brought voter registration cards for people whose eyes I will open to your oppression.
And next time, I will have a babysitter.
Happy anniversary to me. Since that day, I founded a Peace Coalition, we protested Bush and Cheney a combined 33 times, and I gained the votes of 101,812 people in the 16th District of Ohio. That day seemed like a very dark chapter in my life, but in fact, it woke me up and I have since become a VERY vocal activist/politician. I grew up someone who didn't like to rock the boat. I've since learned to stand up for myself and the standards I believe in...and it'll take a pine box and six feet of dirt to pull me out of the path I've since chosen.
So a VERY Happy Anniversary, I say.
Jeff Seemann
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