Boston Shames Ashcroft

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY | 9/11/03 Update: PHOTOS
by Robyn Miller

Dear Buzzflash,

I just got back from the Ashcroft protest outside historic Fanueil Hall in Boston. We were several hundred strong; I never got a firm estimate, but well over 500, I'm sure. However, the media had already been downplaying us, as one friend told me he'd heard a morning news show announce that "several dozen" were "expected." So while the majority were waiting and listening to speakers, some of us hovered near the walkway to the entrance so we could shame the attendees as they came in. One news camera was filming that (instead of the 100's around the corner) and I asked the man with the "press" pass standing next to the cameraman how many he thought were there. He claimed to have no idea and I started taunting him "100? 20? 25? Yeah, maybe 25, these 25 you're filming, hmm?"

They did the same thing after Ashcroft had left. They stood and filmed a few remaining kids as they drummed and chanted.

Where were the news cameras when we had the entire building surrounded?

Well, the important thing for the people who were there is that we got our chance to confront Ashcroft face to face. We rushed the motorcade, which came right up to the back of the building, and got to shout "Traitor!" and "Shame!" to his face. We were all over the cars. Only in Boston.

I'm sure we could be heard inside the building, too, as it's a small building with old windows. The police tried to move us back with barricades for Ashcroft's exit motorcade, and there was a little scuffle at one point, but for the most part there was patience and restraint on both sides.

I wish we'd have been able to actually detain Ashcroft, but then again I wouldn't want to keep the good citizens of New York waiting for their turn to confront our out-of-control public servant.

Robyn Miller
Quincy, MA

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY

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A reader of your site informed me you had commentary that would compliment the photos I took of the John Ashcroft's visit to Boston's historic Faneuil Hall to promote the Patriot Act.

Images: [LINK]

Headline: Ashcroft Meets Protest At Faneuil Hall

Product: John Ashcroft made a visit to Boston's historic Faneuil Hall to promote the Patriot Act. Many Boston-area residents came to the Hall to let Ashcroft know they did not support his overreaching in the fight against terrorism.

Author: Eric Rolph

Author Title: Documentary Photographer, Documentary Educational Resources

Credit: Photograph by Eric Rolph

- Eric