Anti-drone protest in Atlanta, Georgia

Some claim there is no US antiwar movement--& there is no question it is far too weak now to stay the hand of US military aggression. There are many reasons for this, none of which have been fully assessed, but including sectarian divisions among political forces who traditionally organize antiwar opposition. The main reason of course is simply that too few people know marches are going on & don’t show up to protest which is partly a function of media blackout on antiwar events.

But small & fragmented as it is, there is a cadre of activists--young & old, veterans, students, church groups, women’s groups, unionists--who form the ranks of opposition & work steadfastly & consistently to organize the antiwar movement. They rally in rain & snow undaunted by the relatively small turnouts & preparing for greater mobilizations. Some have been active for over 50 years & have seen the movement surge during the Vietnam War to millions of people & decline to thousands now. Size is no excuse for not participating; all that’s needed is commitment & a placard.

This is a group of activists protesting outside the hotel in Atlanta, Georgia where the International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drone aircraft) draws a criminal elite of academics, industry & government officials to discuss expansion of drone programs.

Hats off to our brothers & sisters in Atlanta!

(Photo by David Goldman/AP)