Statewide Coalition Demands No More $$ For Israel's Crimes

Our monthly antiwar coalition protests have now been seen at big intersection all across Maine. Yesterday was Waterville, next month Saturday  June 8 will be in Wells -- our first foray into conservative, populous York County. Previously we've been seen in Belfast, Topsham, Ellsworth, Skowhegan, Portland, Brunswick, Freeport, and probably a few other places I can't recall at the moment. Since I write a blog post reporting on each one, my archive here will tell the tale.

Yesterday was a strong turnout with about 10% new people including several who saw/heard us marching on Maine Street and joined in. A reporter for the Waterville Morning Sentinel did a great job of covering the full spectrum of opinion and took some good photos which made the front page: "Protesters hold pro-Palestine rally in downtown Waterville."

I was most pleased with the rich commentary in our final circle where we passed the mic and explained why we had joined the protest. New participant River shared that they had researched Israel's treatment of Palestinians during 2021 as a school assignment and then been told by their teacher, "You cannot share this with the class." This experience radicalized them (my description) and created incentive to raise their voice louder, in public.

Able leadership from our Maine Party for Socialism and Liberation coalition members included leading the march and chanting, providing signs for participants to borrow, and bringing a portable sound system. Zach and Ash do this work at risk of their ability to earn their living as teachers in the area, and I have great respect for their dedication and courage.

A heckler who drove around us at the intersection of Maine Street and College Avenue screaming, among other things, "What Jew would rape women?" waited until we marched and then cut down the iconic banner created by the Maine Union of Visual Artists AART! group back in 2014. 

Iconic banner displayed in Skowhegan earlier this year provides evidence that attempted genoicide in Gaza did not begin on October 8, 2023 as many in the U.S. seem to believe.

When the thief stopped to talk with the reporter, our intrepid Mary Beth said, "This is our property. I'm taking it back now," so thankfully I will not have to explain to Natasha Mayers how I had lost it. 

Join us in Wells next month if you're able! Saturday June 8 intersection of Routes 1 & 9, at 1:30pm.