Reflecting Los Angeles' multi-ethnic composition, the demonstration saw turnout from a range of anti-war and progressive organizations, as well as Arab American organizations and local Mosques being well represented. A group of young Muslim students had travelled from Corona. When asked what they thought of the protest, one of the Hijab clad students remarked "This is so important to protest the killing. We have to stop the killing." She went on to explain she was happy to see broad support for Lebanon.
Speakers pointed out the direct ties between the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Israeli assaults on Gaza and Lebanon. Many expressed outrage at the billions of dollars in U.S. aid and armaments, and called on an unified anti-war movement doesn't shirk at addressing Palestine. Many people were discussing organizing independently from the two pro-war parties. The fact that Los Angeles' Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, didn't attend wasn't lost on protesters. That the "liberal darling," had found time to show his strong support for Israel's war along with Governor Schwarzenegger late last month further proved to people that an end to wars for oil and empire won't be found by supporting the Democratic Party.
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