Report from March 19 NYC Troops Out Now Demonstration

Troops Out Now Coalition
39 W. 14th St. #206 NY NY 10011
212-633-6646 www.TroopsOutNow.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dustin Langley
917-293-1138

March from Harlem to Bloomberg's Mansion says:
"Fund Cities, Not War! Troops Out Now!"
On the Second Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq

March 19, 2005 - Today, tens of thousands of people converged on New York City to oppose an illegal war of aggression against the people of Iraq.  People drove from as far away as Florida and Minnesota to demand an immediate end to the occupation.

The day began with a rally in Marcus Garvey Park. After the opening rally, more than 15,000 marched to join thousands already gathered in Central Park. As they marched through Harlem, they were greeted by cheers and applause from the community. People came out of stores and apartments to join the march. Others hung out of their windows and flashed the peace sign or raised their fist.

Speakers at the Central Park Rally included Representative Charles Rangel, New York City Council Members Margarita Lopez and Charles Barron, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, and attorney Lynne Stewart.

After the Central Park Rally, thousands marched to the Upper East Side mansion of billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg with the slogan, "Fund Cities, Not War!"

The turnout for this demonstration confirms that the antiwar movement has entered into a new phase of organizing against the war. It confirms that the greatest attention must be paid to reaching out to communities most impacted by the war and by the policies of the Bush Administration.  These communities are the targets of the budget cuts. They are also targeted by military recruiters, who exploit economic hardship with false promises of opportunity. As a result, the children of these communities are dying disproportionately in Iraq, paying the ultimate price for a policy of greed and empire.

Organizers with the Troops Out Now Coalition plan to continue to protest the war and occupation. On May 1, the Troops Out Now Coalition will join the Million Worker March on the streets of New York City in a rally and march to demand, "Jobs, Not War! Bring the Troops Home Now!"