Protest Candidate
For weeks, we’ve seen large yellow signs about the September 15 anti-war march. Now that the big day is almost upon us, one question weighs heavy on my mind. Once this protest thing is over, who will decorate D.C.’s utility boxes?
Back in mid-August, the city threatened the antiwar organizers with $10,000 in fines for illegally posting their signs on utility boxes, according to the Washington Post. The protestors ignored the complaints---as anyone who has recently stepped outside in D.C. can attest. It’s hard to imagine a more passionate bunch.
However, one group does come to mind, and they’re already making some headway on the streets of our city. Walking up Connecticut Avenue NW the other day, I noticed Ron Paul bumper stickers on several stoplight posts.
Of course, it only takes one zealous person with a little extra time on their hands to slap up a few stickers. But, Paul’s an antiwar candidate, so maybe one of the A.N.S.W.E.R. sign-hangers just decided to multitask and put up some Ron Paul stickers while they were out.
I put this theory to Paul’s spokesperson Jesse Benton, who swiftly rejected it. He said some Paul devotees would most likely be heading down to the protest on Saturday. But aside from that, there was no connection between march organizers and Paul supporters.
“Your typical Ron Paul supporter would probably disagree with A.N.S.W.E.R.,” Benton said. “They’re very socialist.”
But, Benton says there’s a pretty strong contingent of Paul supporters in D.C.; 176 District residents have signed up for the local meetup.com group. This despite the fact that Paul doesn’t really like our city.
“For someone who’s been in D.C. for years, he’s not much of a Beltway guy,” says Benton.
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3:43 pm
I don't really agree with Paul supporters defacing city owned light poles with bumper stickers, but I am in favor of Paul supporters getting out and spreading the message in any way they can.... as long as it's not illegal or defaces property.
3:51 pm
I am sure there will be Ron Paul supporters there.
Because Ron Paul is the only candidate that can both get us out of this war and get the debt under control that is forcing our country in bankruptcy.
5:02 pm
Are you saying people are supporting ron paul?
I thought he only had one or two people in some room spamming the web.
This rally hopefully will create a lot of attention, watch out for those 2 spammer covering the streets with their clones. it may get to be thousands of clones :-)
5:56 pm
One of the reason Paul supporters are so "enthusiastic" is because the main stream media continues to ignore their candidate. They have little choice but to get the word out themselves using unconventional means. I do not necessarily condone these tactics, but I certainly can sympathize with them.
6:33 pm
A certain level of civil disobedience is necessary in these times. If I were DC, I would thank my lucky stars a few signs and stickers is all I have to deal with, opposed to the old fashioned guns, cannons and bayonets.
9:32 pm
Hi All,
I like Ron Paul. If you want low taxes AND peace, he's the only game in town. Obama is good, so is Huckabee, but Ron Paul is really the the best candidate right now.
Best,
James
11:10 pm
it's obvious that paul and his spokesman don't know much about the city at all, because i don't know anyone who lives here who refers to us with a "beltway" comment. the whole "inside the beltway" thing might work for and with people from far out in the hinterlands, but isn't just DC or not DC when you're from around here? or am i just crazy?
11:48 pm
I don't care where they place their "Ron Paul stickers" We are fighting to get our country and our freedoms back! THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN!!!..
8:08 am
IMGoph-
I agree totally. The word "beltway" has for years been used as a slur, and DC/NoVa/MD residents know it, and roll their eyes when the word's used in that lazy and derogatory way. An on top of things press agent would never insult their audience.
10:34 am
Ruth,
I am the person who put the Ron Paul bumper stickers up all over Adams Morgan and Woodley/Cleveland Park. I did not realize it was illegal, but a cop told me to cut it out so I did. I even offered to take them down but he told me not to worry about it.
I have no connection to the antiwar march that took place and didn't attend it, but I am certainly against the war myself.
Signed,
STICKER MAN!
11:09 am
up the IRA