McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest the Obama adminstration's wide ranging violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderfully "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza in my book. Thumbs up to the folks who organized this event.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Fort Meade, Maryland August 21, 2013. This morning at 10AM whistleblower Private Bradley Manning was sentenced by Judge Denise Lind to 35 years in prison for leaking secret government documents to Wikileaks. Manning was also demoted in rank, dishonorably discharged and will be deprived of his military pay and benefits. Flanked by Members of the Bradley Manning Support Network and other supporters, Manning's lawyer David Coombs addressed a packed 1:30PM press conference at the nearby Hotel At Arundel Preserve in Hanover. Coombs answered numerous questions from the press in an animated and illuminating manner and read a moving personal statement from Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderfully "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Fort Meade, Maryland August 21, 2013. This morning at 10AM whistleblower Private Bradley Manning was sentenced by Judge Denise Lind to 35 years in prison for leaking secret government documents to Wikileaks. Manning was also demoted in rank, dishonorably discharged and will be deprived of his military pay and benefits. Flanked by Members of the Bradley Manning Support Network and other supporters, Manning's lawyer David Coombs addressed a packed 1:30PM press conference at the nearby Hotel At Arundel Preserve in Hanover. Coombs answered numerous questions from the press in an animated and illuminating manner and read a moving personal statement from Private Manning.

Fort Meade, Maryland August 21, 2013. This morning at 10AM Private Bradley Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison by Judge Denise Lind for leaking secret government documents to Wikileaks. Manning was also demoted in rank, dishonorably discharged and will be deprived of his military pay and benefits. Flanked by activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network and other supporters, Manning's lawyer David Coombs addressed a packed 1:30PM press conference at the nearby Hotel At Arundel Preserve. Coombs answered numerous questions from the press in an animated and illuminating manner and read a moving personal statement from Private Manning. Cornel West, Chris Hedges, Ann Wright, Medea Benjamin, Kevin Zeese and other well known Manning supporters were in attendance.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower ex-Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Fort Meade, Maryland August 21, 2013. This morning at 10AM whistleblower Private Bradley Manning was sentenced by Judge Denise Lind to 35 years in prison for leaking secret government documents to Wikileaks. Manning was also demoted in rank, dishonorably discharged and will be deprived of his military pay and benefits. Flanked by Members of the Bradley Manning Support Network and other supporters, Manning's lawyer David Coombs addressed a packed 1:30PM press conference at the nearby Hotel At Arundel Preserve in Hanover. Coombs answered numerous questions from the press in an animated and illuminating manner and read a moving personal statement from Private Manning.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Fort Meade, Maryland August 21, 2013. This morning at 10AM whistleblower Private Bradley Manning was sentenced by Judge Denise Lind to 35 years in prison for leaking secret government documents to Wikileaks. Manning was also demoted in rank, dishonorably discharged and will be deprived of his military pay and benefits. Flanked by Members of the Bradley Manning Support Network and other supporters, Manning's lawyer David Coombs addressed a packed 1:30PM press conference at the nearby Hotel At Arundel Preserve in Hanover. Coombs answered numerous questions from the press in an animated and illuminating manner and read a moving personal statement from Private Manning.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest the Obama administration's wide ranging violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Thomas Nephew of the Montgomery County Maryland Civil Rights Coalition, Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by douche bag corporate media at the event (and nihilist zombie "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderfully "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza in my book. The folks who organized this event are party superstars.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Fort Meade, Maryland, Saturday afternoon June 1, 2013.Human rights activists from the Bradley Manning Support Group, Veterans For Peace, Code Pink and many other groups marched east on Rt. 175 ('Desolation Row') from Reece Gate to Llewllynn Avenue for a rally and "Speak Out" in support of Army Private Bradley Manning, whose court martial for releasing classified material to Wikileaks was to commence on June 3. Speakers included Eathan McCord, Dan Choi, Sarah Shourd, Ann Wright and Daniel Ellsberg. My crowd size guesstimate is around 750. Interactions between the absurdly numerous and over-armed police and the activists were generally respectful and, thankfully, peaceful. My understanding is that this lady came all the way from Mexico City. Now that's dedication. Love the outfit, love the smile, love the signs. You ROCK! I hope somebody can get this photo to Bradley.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderfully "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza in my book. The folks who organized this event are party superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by douche bag corporate media at the event (and nihilist "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza in my book. The folks who organized this event are party superstars.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Thomas Nephew of the Montgomery County Maryland Civil Rights Coalition, Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing so-called "secret" government documents to Wikileaks.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower ex-Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

Fort Meade, Maryland, Saturday afternoon June 1, 2013. Human rights activists from the Bradley Manning Support Group, Veterans For Peace, Code Pink and many other groups marched west on Rt. 175 ('Desolation Row') towards Reece Gate after the conclusion of a Llewllynn Avenue rally and "Speak Out" in support of Army Private Bradley Manning, whose court martial for releasing classified material to Wikileaks was to commence on June 3. Rally speakers included Eathan McCord, Dan Choi, Sarah Shourd, Ann Wright and Daniel Ellsberg. My crowd size guesstimate is around 750. Interactions between the absurdly numerous and over-armed police and the activists were generally respectful and, thankfully, peaceful.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower ex-Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, in my book right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest the Obama administration's wide ranging violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Washington DC, August 21, 2013. Around one hundred fifty social justice activists from the Bradley Manning Support Network, Code Pink, Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition and other groups rally in front of the White House in support of an unlikely presidential pardon for convicted whistleblower Private Bradley (now Chelsea...) Manning who was sentenced to 35 years in prison this morning for releasing secret government documents to Wikileaks.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.

Fort Meade, Maryland, Saturday afternoon June 1, 2013. Human rights activists from the Bradley Manning Support Group, Veterans For Peace, Code Pink and many other groups marched east on Rt. 175 ("Desolation Row") from Reece Gate to Llwewllynn Avenue for a rally and "Speak Out" in support of Army Private Bradley Manning, whose court martial for releasing classified material to Wikileaks was to commence on June 3. Speakers included Eathan McCord, Dan Choi, Sarah Shourd, Ann Wright and Daniel Ellsberg. My crowd size guesstimate is around 750. Interactions between the absurdly numerous and over-armed police and the activists were generally respectful and peaceful.

McPherson Square, Washington DC, July 4, 2013. Progressive and libertarian social justice activists unite in a rally to protest US government violations of constitutionally protected 4th amendment privacy rights and the persecution of whistle blowers. Speakers included Medea Benjamin of Code Pink, NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake and many others. My crowd estimate was around 300. Despite harping to the contrary by corporate media at the event (and "DC" lifestyle bloggers online before it even happened...), the rally was a wonderful "fun" way to spend the 4th of July, right up there with the Bicentennial 'Moonie' fireworks extravaganza. The folks who organized this event are real superstars in my book.