This was the crowd I joined a ways from the protest site.
A Williston police officer laid out how it was going to be. The cops weren't authorized to allow us in the public green at the center of the shopping area, but they wouldn't stop us if we did anything there; just please stay off the grass.
The microphone was passed around for people to lead chants. IIRC, this one was "Education, not occupation..."
A couple dozen more below the fold.
I think this is one of the student leaders being interviewed. I was suitably impressed with all the students in handling the media. Well-spoken, laid out their goals very succinctly and clearly.
Yup, the center closed early because of our action, so some people put up helpful signs to let the public know.
I'm sure this will outrage Michelle Malkin.
Indeed.
A handful of UVM students came out to show solidarity with the highschoolers.
Just as the rest of us came over from the Army recruitment office (I think the Marines are also there--IIRC it's a "military career center"), the cops had decided to deny entry to the National Guard office.
The sit-in began to take shape about an hour into the protest.
The cops conferred on how to handle the situation.
Drumming along with some of the chants.
A good tactic is to confront the authorities and remind them why we're there, what their duties are and that they have moral choices.
After the police had arrived in force, the doors were shut.
Issuing citations.
A new recruit had been standing on the curb, clearly wondering what he should do, and eventually was escorted in by an Essex police officer, who just so happens to be the daughter of the former owners of the Fletcher General store (I observed to her this is probably more exciting than her shifts at the shop).
The potential recruit was lead back into an office and several of the sit-in people got up to follow him. Good psychological intervention.
One might say that's a categorical imperative.
Recognize the dude chatting with the Guardsman?
Later, he put on his hat and talked to a State Trooper.
And then an Essex cop.
Not sure what publication the dude on the left was with. Not the Williston Observer or Freep reporter, because I talked to them.
And now the kids get into the act.
Finally, Mr Chat signals displeasure with the Chitt State's Attorney, TJ Donovan.
As we awaited word on the fate of our compatriots inside, a couple girls started making frosty peace signs with their breath on the office windows.
They decided to move the arrestees via the back.
Loaded them in a Sherriff's van in the garage, out of sight.
We respectfully moved to the side to allow the van to leave.
Apparently the actionists were taken to a facility in South Burlington.
Many people were heading over to support the arrestees. They wouldn't be allowed on the station's grounds, but would be able to continue vigil nearby. I headed home with cold fingers and a warm heart. Now I must eat dinner before I tackle the video and audio that I hope came out...
ntodd
Recognize the dude chatting with the Guardsman?
No. Should I?
The cops-in-the-hallway pic is great. Why don't you put up all the unedited pics at one of those photo places so we could see the whole thing slideshow fashion?
Posted by: The Kenosha Kid | November 30, 2007 at 09:41 PM
Awesome pics. Thank you and all of you who go that "next mile of the way". You put your money, your time, and what you believe where your mouth is, so to speak.
P.S. Is that "guy" NTodd's PA perhaps?
Posted by: candymarl | November 30, 2007 at 10:29 PM
kudos to all of you for this.
Posted by: watertiger | December 01, 2007 at 12:57 AM
thanks for your coverage! The guy in the orange-y fleece was from 7Days
Posted by: Phoebe | December 01, 2007 at 04:18 PM
candymarl, no that's not Dad. I don't know who he is, but he sure likes chatting with the various authorities (it was a kinda unfair question because it's hard to tell he's the guy in the first pic with the cop in the doorway).
Phoebe, you did outstanding work! And thanks for the reporter ID--I assumed he was 7 Days from his look, but didn't want to steretype. :-)
Posted by: NTodd | December 01, 2007 at 05:13 PM
NTodd, Thank you for the wonderful coverage of our event! I've been googling for press on it all day and just found you. The pictures and YouTube vid are great.
-Eliza
Posted by: Eliza | December 01, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Congratulations !!! Never allow the government to prevent an act of obedience to a higher authority.
Posted by: Rosemarie Jackowski | December 04, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Beautifully done. I hope that lone prospective recruit changed his mind about signing up.
Posted by: lesley | January 29, 2008 at 08:47 PM