Anti-war protesters have been active since America began its invasion to disarm Iraq, taking to the streets in droves to rally for peace. But their opinions have moved beyond the war to topics like police brutality at anti-war demonstrations and corporate media coverage.
Hundreds of anti-war protesters gathered in the streets of Portland on Friday and expressed views on military action, police brutality and biased media coverage. The protest, which began in Pioneer Courthouse Square, was an organized gathering that planners said focused mainly on peacefully protesting the war. Frustration
spouted, however, when peace activists encountered news cameras and television reporters.
One girl covered the lens of a news camera with the sleeve of her sweatshirt and started to chant “Fuck the corporate media.” It didn’t take long for the rest of the protesters to join.
James, a protester who didn’t want his last name printed, has been involved in peace marches since the Vietnam War. James said he was angry at the negative attitude media corporations such as ABC or NBC have created and conveyed to the public at large.
“I’m not here to create trouble,” he said. “I’m here because I love my country.”

Jennifer Laverdure, a member of the Freedom Socialist Party and the Portland Radical Women, has been actively involved with protests since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Instead of being frustrated with the media’s interpretation of war protesters, however, Laverdure said she dislikes the lack of respect from police during protests.
Laverdure said police threatened to take the sign she was carrying before the march started, which read: “Socialism, not endless war.”
“It’s just intimidation,” she said, adding that the police never followed through on the threat.
Other protesters agreed with Laverdure about what they called inappropriate police procedures during protests.
David, another protester who didn’t want his last name used, joked with his friends about the harsh tactics police have been using on protesters.
“Jaywalking is punishable by tear gas or death,” he said.
Less then a minute later, police charged a man who ran into the street to announce his anti-war sentiments.
David, who started attending protests when President George W. Bush proclaimed war on Iraq, said he didn’t like the way he was treated because he was a protester. He added that he thought the reason why people showed little respect for war protesters was because of the negative news coverage on television.
“You can only march for peace,” he said. “Don’t be anti-war, be pro-peace.”