IMPORTANT: Change to meetup location for Thursday's protest

I have been talking with the Stop the War Coalition and they say it's going to be a nightmare on Malet St, and that it would be better for us to assemble somewhere first and then go over as a group to the head of the procession. Therefore, I am changing the meeting point. Hopefully this is not too last-minute for most people to find out, but I am sending a message out on the Yahoo! mailing list just to make sure.

The new meeting point is the Northeast corner of Russell Square at 1PM. By no later than 1:45PM we will move as a group over to the south end of Malet St to join the head of the procession. If you are late, come to the south end of Malet St. If you are later than 2:30 or so it might make more sense for you to head directly for Trafalgar Square as that's where we're heading anyway.

As always, I would encourage you to bookmark this page and sign up for the mailing list to keep up with events as they occur.

Comments

[C Szurko]

It's such a relief to find other ex-pats here who are fed up with this administration and opposed to this war and occupation.

Count me in.

This man needs to be stopped; the lies he told to bring about this war and occupation need to be laid bare; and the asset-stripping of Iraq must stop. Let's get the UN in there, and the US troops out. Now.

Shalom.

Christian Szurko

~~~~~~~~~
If you think war is the answer,
you're asking the wrong questions.
~~~~~~~~~

[Ed Bishop]

Glad to have come across this movement. It is
important that we "show the flag" in its true colors, with its true purpose and not those highjacked by this cabal currently in the white house.

[Monte Olsen]

Hi Luke,

Are you still a citizen of the U.S., or have you given up your citizen to be a British subject?

Your comments about finding humor in emails opposing your stand indicate to me that you have a pretty closed mind.

I have found expats to be among the most virulent anti-Americans in the world today. It actually stand to reason when you consider that something obviously caused them to become expatriots. With that in mind, I also believe that they are among the most close-minded individuals - perhaps in an effort to fit in better with those among whom they associate.

While you may say that living overseas provides you with an opportunity to view American policy in a more objective light, I would argue the contrary.

In fact, after listening regularly to BBC broadcasts regarding the Iraqi War, I would have to say their coverage is among the most prejudiced, inaccurate and unbalanced that I have had an opportunity to witness.

I wish you good health but a very lonely vigil at your demonstration tomorrow. I fear that will not be the case. I support our troops in Iraq and know that such demonstrations will prolong the confrontation in that country to a large degree.

Regards,

[Todd Chronert]

Please go away. I think it's time you leave the USA and go to a foreign land. Apparently you don't realize the greatness of this country, otherwise you would not be bashing the president like you do. We don't need your lazy ass in this country. It's time to leave liberal man. America is a conservative country and the liberal likes of you are no longer wanted.
Please enjoy your stay in London traitor.

Bush in 04'

[Ben Flower]

Your "Ex Pats Against Bush" approach is serving only to encourages a proliferation of shortsighted, critical, and ignorant opinions that are doing far more damage than you can imagine.

In all your rants and anti-Bush rhetoric you offer not one viable suggestion as to how to address the terror laden reality more effectively. Instead, you hide behind a soapbox, and throws insults at this great country and its leadership.

The reason you offer no better suggestions is that there aren't any. Instead, in some of America's darkest hours, you have the audacity to imply that the current track on which this great nation trods, was born of hasty decisions and political ineptitude. There is no greater definition of ignorance that what you and your followers are perpetuating.

[Brandon]

Well personally I would have to disagree with everything you have commented against about the Bush Administration. First of all, dealing with economy, the Clinton Administration left on an economy that was starting to slump. And many thick headed people, I believe forgot about 9-11 and the impact that it had on the economy. Please do remember the 9-11 fund for the families who's loved ones perished in the attacks against our country. Oh wait, did you also forget the money that was spent to spare the airline companies that amounted in the billions? Must have if you want to blame it on Bush! Second of all the foreign policy Bush has implemented is Great! We have destroyed one State Sponsered Terrorist country and ousted another Tyrant who used Chemical Weapons against his own countrymen! Do you like men who kill thousands, it seems that you just might! War is inevitable, remember that the next time you enjoy your liberties! Please feel free to email me at Brandonland@iwon.com. I'am in my last year of my political Science degree and hopeful in becoming an attorney...But not before i join the U.S.M.C as an officer to serve my country as any Man in the Unites States of America shoud...and proudly!!!

[Brandon]

Excuse my spelling on sponsored*. It was a typo. Have a great time talking with your ignorant Liberal idiotic friends in Britain!

[DELTA 6]

If you want to STOP the war....
raise your right hand and swear to protect the UNITED STATES against ALL enemies, FOREIGN and DOMESTIC.
ENLIST.... travel to far away exotic places....meet new, exicitng people..
and KILL them!!
HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[E Gorton]

Why don't you cowards have protest marches agains the terrorist groups in this world. Or are you afraid of repraiisals? They are the true murders. Why aren't you out there helping the people of the world. Perhaps you could help to remove some of the bodies from the destruction and continued devastation that you encourage terrorist to comit. Help to remove, identify the tens of thousands of mass murders commited by Saddam and your other supporters.

[Tom Nash]

It is interesting to see the negative comments from some pretty clueless and uninformed Americans. The "ugly American" is alive and well, complete with the thoughtless holier-than-thou attitude.

I am an American who lost his job as a result of the economic downturn. Being white and over 50, I faced age discrimination and race discrimination while searching for a new job. Fortunately, my wife is European, so we gave up on Bush's America and moved to her country. I was welcomed with open arms by many propsective employers, and we have settled in Europe. At first I was angry about pretty much being forced out of my country, but now I feel as though I have been given the opportunity to come out of the darkness. I have finally begun living. I can see America from a much different perspective, and it is not all pretty.

I talk to normal Europeans every day - people with families and jobs, just like normal Americans. They work hard, play hard, raise children, go on holiday, and do all of the things Americans do. The difference is, Europeans grow up with true cultural diversity, as opposed to America's forced diversity, and as a result Europeans think about the world from a much more mature, thoughtful, and worldly perspective. They love some American ideals, but not all of them. They love the American people, but not American actions. They do not see America as the obvious answer to the world's problems.

Europeans see America as a big dumb stupid kid, with a big dangerous stick in his hand, who has the potential to cause a great deal of thoughtless harm in the world neighborhood. Comments like "either you are with us, or against us" cause Europeans to flinch, because they know from experience that the world is not that simple and black and white. All anyone in Europe wants is for that big stupid kid to put his stick down, to learn to communicate with and cooperate with the rest of the neighborhood, and to see that there just might be a more sane and reasonable way to accomplish the same goal.

George Bush is too stupid and arrogant to understand this, as are his supporters. Bush is embarrassing America, and doing more long-term harm to America's interests and credibility than anyone could possibly have imagined. I am tired of apologizing for my country's naivete, stupidity in world affairs, and its incredible selfishness. Other places on the planet have dealt with many of the issues America is now dealing with, including thousands of deaths due to terorism on their home soils, long before 9/11. Where was America and American outrage then? Completely indifferent, self-centered, and uncaring, that's where. Now Bush's America expects the world to jump to America's tune, on short order, and to lash out with the simplistic feel-good responses that only come from a short-term thinker. Long term consequences be damned!

Europeans are smarter than that. Europeans know, from long experience with cultural conflict, that the correct answer is long-term progressive change in the world, not short-term striking out with a big stick and walking away claiming victory. The concept of victor implies a loser as well, and losers have a way of festering and eventually returning with a purposeful vengence.

Europeans just want America to join the dialog with the rest of the world, and not march in with the attitude that America is always right, it knows right, and the rest of the world needs to be taught. The real world does not work that way.

The answer is to get rid of Bush, and find someone intelligent who understands that America's rightful role in the world is that of peaceful participant, and thoughtful leader, not mindless bully. I see, and my European friends see, Bush's religious right as nothing more than the same kind of stupidity as the muslim extremists. The rest of us in the world are caught between these two camps of unreasonable idiots in their holy war. I am disappointed that America is not smarter than that.

[John Gaidowski]

I see that your an expat, stay that way. Matter of fact why dont you take on British Citizenship MY country can only be better off without you.

[Kris Halverson]

Oh I have been reading all the comments, reading this pathetic web site and now I must agree that the people of Stop the War Coalition are just ignorant SHEEP. A coalition which is Lead by its Chairman "Andrew Murray" who is the Leader of the British Communist Party. And lets not forget John Reese who leads the Socialist Workers Party and who is also under investigation for ties with Saddam. Or how about the radical islamic parties.

You American "Ex-Pats" need to stay out of America, keep blaiming this great Country for your unemployment or disease, I dont care, your worthless to me.

I have been to 15 different countries in this small world, six years I spent working for our State Department, listening to brain washed Europeans and Yemini woman who beg out of their countries. You are nothing but hypocrites. Your jelous that we own your Currancy, Yes, ask your banker, we poured billions into it, there are no assets. And you are jelous that we care about our people, freedom, borders, and security more than your own countries leaders could care about you. You hate that Americans have it all, they are lazy you say, ignorant, however when our back is against the wall WATCH OUT!
Continue your hypocitical hatred, calling us colonialist, when only you have been so, such as AFRICA. Call us WAR MONGERS, but we only defend and protect, unlike your terrible history of world war 1&2 which without us, you would be speaking German. What of the 20 million chirstians that communism killed. You are SHEEP, ignorant, the minority, the dumb and dumber. This is all I have to say, I need to go back to my capitalist working to give my family more.
So continue, continue, make your excuses for your own ignorance. Keep watching Jerry Springer at least you belong somewhere, yes you belong in the armpit of the world.

[Matthew]

I find it hard to put into words what I think of your so-called "group". After reading countless columns of "America bashing" I still have to come to the conclusion that you have no idea of who or what you are. Your info on the economy is far off base, your information on how "Bush" lied to everyone is wrong.. Come to think of it, what have you gotten right so far? As far as I am concerned your leaving this country was the best thing for America. We do not need people like you here. You are an insult to every service man and woman and every person who has died for this country. You are part of the problem, remember that. It's a wonder the United Kingdom is not ashamed to have you there as well. I think you lost sight of the true big picture... Obviously you are ok with dictators killing thousands upon thousands of innocent people... Oh, and they are still doing it by the way. (Don’t try to compare the US to dictators either, that would only show off more of your ignorance) Ever heard the phase "Evil prevails when good men do nothing"?? Apparently not. In my opinion you’re no better than the dictator we are fighting to get rid of. You have no place in our wonderful country and unfortunately England’s value decreases with your every word.

Sincerely, An American who knows he is one.

[Chuck]

Congratulations on your protest of the policies of a free democratic government. I support your right to do so; I DO NOT SUPPORT WHAT YOU ARE PROTESTING!

Here is a list of worthy protests you could do and where you could do them.

1. Pyongyang, North Korea.
Protest against their human right abuses and nuclear proliferation.

2. Damascus, Syria
Protest against continuing "Cold War" with Israel and support for terrorists who kill women and children.

3. Tehran, Iran
Protest against Nuclear Proliferation and for women's rights.

4. Baghdad, Iraq
Protest the mass murder of civilians and the use of torture chambers. Protest the actions of the sons of Saddam H. Protest the funding of suicide bombers in Israel. Protest against the government of Saddam H. because you don't have a right to protest against the government of Saddam H. ... No, wait, no need to protest Saddam H. in Iraq. That has already been taken care of.

Fortunately you still have 3 other targets.

[A Real American]

Kris Halverson, if you really worked for the State Department, it is no wonder America has such a bad reputation in the rest of the world. From what planet did you come?

By the way, Kris, before you go on about WW1 and WW2, go back a little further in history and try to remember that if it wasn't for the French, you would not even HAVE a country. So who owes who, you blithering idiot?

[Chris]

" I think Tony Blair was caught between a rock and a hard place. The traditional post World War II relationship between America and Britain has been so strong that I don’t think he could have stood out against the Iraq war—especially after George Bush’s famous post 9/11 quote: ‘You’re either with us or against us.’ I feel sorry for [Blair] more than anything."
--Of course liberal, hippie puke like you people would rather deal in wishy-washy gray areas. Your "let's not keep score" mentality sickens me. Stay in Europe, stay in Europe! How's that 100,000 marcher projection treating you? More like half that number. But who's keeping score?

[Donald Lawn]

Good job you guys! It was great to see such a moderate and well reasoned interview on the Newsweek site. I wish I could be marching with you.

[Paul]

Hi - saw the Newsweek piece and I had to respond. I was living in the UK during the war and joined the demos at that time, though it was a bit difficult psychologically. You're doing great work, anyway.

Judging by some of the comments here, you've obviously you've struck a nerve with some of the dimmer right-wing bulbs - congrats for that. Wish I could be there, but I'll see the chickenhawk in NY for the GOP convention, anyway.

[jim]

I wish we had more people here in the States that shared the same enthusiasm as you do. Thank you so much for stepping up and speaking out against Bush. There ARE people here back in the States applauding all of you!

[American Citizen]

I have a family member who lives in the UK who by no means agrees with what you are doing. Let it be known that there are thousands like him who disagree with you.
You've missed the point on Iraq: it's all about democracy and freedom being spread to all corners of the world. No more, no less. If not the US, who will do it?

[Paul Stevenson]

NO one is for war. But running away and hiding yourself in the sand and pretending that all will go away is just naive. Brits ought to remember that they too were sucked into ignoring and appeasing Hitler before the war. I respect your right to disagree but think you ought to look past the obvious "comfort" of ignoring the threats of the world and see the dangers and the responsibilities that we Americans as well as the rest of the civilized world have in confronting threats head on. You are young, and some wisdom will come with age and experience. I am however thankful the people with your naivety are not running either country.

Your fellow American, (and proud to be one).
Paul Stevenson

[bobo]

Monte,

Its expatriate, not expatriot. It is from medieval latin (ex = out of), patria (= native land).

All it means is that you live outside your native land.

[Sarah Forrester]

Sorry to burst your bubble Paul, but the group isn't all that young. One of our best supporters and his wife are in their mid-fifties. At the planning meeting last Sunday, I think I was the baby of the group at age 27, as most appeared to be at least in their forties or fifties or older. I marched with Americans of all ages yesterday. The experience and wisdom of the older generation helped to guide this, and they in turn are grateful that the young people are getting involved.