Sat 04/28 10:30am–12:00pm spell "IMPEACH" with human bodies on OCEAN BEACH
OCEAN BEACH: This time we're shooting for 2,000 people (the Park Service has
all-but-sworn that they'll issue the permit, but it is not yet in my hand). This
time we'll probably spell out "IMPEACH..." in 100-foot letters followed by
"NOW!" in slightly larger letters: "IMPEACH... NOW!"
Our exact message will depend on how big a crowd we've got registered. In
January, 90% of the attendees registered during the ten days prior to the event.
So, am I worried that right now, three weeks ahead of the event, we've only got
278 people registered? No, I'm not worried -- half the time I'm absolutely
terrified. I've got a helicopter reserved, a photographer lined up, volunteers
willing to help outline the letters that morning (this thing's going to stretch
600-700 feet across the beach!), and I spend every night dreaming my old
wrestling-an-octopus-underwater dream. In my better moments, however, I do feel
surrendered to whatever outcome transpires...
But no matter how many people turn out that day, I intend a PEACEFUL event!
While the first Beach Impeach was indeed a powerful statement, most of the
attendees (including me) felt that it was the most peaceful and gentle protest
they'd ever attended -- in fact, it was one of the more peaceful and enjoyable
days of many of our lives. No speeches, no harangues (no one needs convincing
any more), just 1,000 citizens (and dogs) quietly lying down together to draw a
line in the sand and send a message to the world. And I intend that April 28 be
the same way. I've received numerous suggestions that this time around we have
speakers, or that we spell out a stronger statement (several votes for the
f-word), but that's not the deal. Expect laughter, camaraderie, the woosh of the
ocean, and for a while the chatter of a helicopter or two or three...? (The
weather in January was perfect -- windless, cloudless, sixty-five degrees -- and
while we of course must take whatever weather we get this time around, it sure
would be nice to have a repeat.) To register please visit:
http://volunteerforchange.org/e/987?refcode=o547
1000 Great Highway (in front of the Beach Chalet Restaurant) SF, CA 94121 |