OAKLAND, CA (February 22, 2006) - Three dozen people gathered at Grand and Lake Park Avenues in Oakland to say no to illegal spying, lies, and torture in our name. Hosted by Not in Our Name Bay Area, the protest vigil was one of hundreds held last night in the Bay Area and across the country to “bear witness to lawbreaking” initiated by MoveOn.org. “Wiretapping Americans without a warrant violates the Constitution and the president has admitted to doing just that,” declared MoveOn.org. For Not in Our Name, illegal government spying is only one of countless problems with the criminal Bush Regime currently occupying the White House.

Before kicking off the vigil, Hyim Jacob Ross took the megaphone to describe what drove him to begin a round-the-clock protest in the park against the war, and for peace and education, in park on Monday. Hyim is an elementary school music teacher in Richmond. He had the week off for spring break, and felt he had to “do something.” In addition to symbolically chaining himself to a park bench, he has also been on juice fast.

See also:
Oaklander stages five-day protest against war in park
http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/02/1803870.php

Tonight, Thursday, February 23 at 6:00 pm supporters and friends of Hyim will gather at Splash Pad Park (across from the Grand Lake Theater) to celebrate the last night of his protest.