Protesters arrested at "Pro-America" April Fools Parade

April 1, 2004

Around sunset this evening four people were arrested in Union Square at the “Pro America” April Fools Parade.

The parade was winding down as we gathered to sing “America the Beautiful", when several police (uniform and plain clothes) began pointing out individuals involved in an action in front of Neiman Marcus, (where a cardboard cow was cut open and fake blood and lollie pops poured out). Officers then rushed the crowd and started grabbing people, swinging participants by the arm and trying to throw them to ground. In the chaos, an elderly tourist from Spain, was knocked to the ground and stepped on by police. He was bleeding from the head and tried to stand but could not. As the police ran to chase parade participants his wife was left holding him screaming for assistance and asking, “I don’t understand why they did this? How can the police just leave him here? “ Myself and other parade people tried to get an officer’s attention to no avail. We called 911 and reported the incident and asked for assistance.

After much confusion, several police officers descended on to the scene, which made matters more chaotic. Some were dressed in riot gear. There were approximately 60-70 police offices and several plain clothes. By their stance and attitude they were ready for some sort of violence. According to an officer at the scene speaking to the crowded, Neiman Marcus (415-362-3900, 877-634-6264, 150 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108) called the police to report vandalism and asked that the people involved be arrested.

In my opinion this was a very peaceful and fun parade. The heavy-handed response of the San Francisco police Department is frightening and disturbing. I witnessed people being violently swung by the arm, grabbed by the neck, thrown to the ground and stepped on.

Before all of this, shoppers and tourist were laughing and asking questions about what the parade. The participants hurt no on lookers. We crossed at green lights and stayed on the sidewalk. We did not block traffic. Yet, at the end of the day with the sun setting as we sang “America the Beautiful”, the ugliness of police violence and state repression descended upon us like the dark of night.

I was standing next to two tourist and they asked, “What’s going on? Is this a protest about Iraq?” as they took pictures of a line of cops with clubs in hand.

I told them, “ Yes. Take lots of pictures and show all your friends.”

“Tell them that, THIS is what’s really going on over here. THIS is the REAL America.”




“America the Beautiful”

Oh beautiful, for specious lies
For Halibuton’s gain
For diplomatic travesties
Without an ounce of shame
America, America
Bombs drop with racist glee
If you’ve got oil
Beneath your soil
Your country’s history.

Oh glorious for union busts
At every grocery chain
For corporate monopoly
and health care down the drain
America, America
Go forth in poverty
No need to fight
For workers rights
Your job’s gone overseas.

Oh powerful, for Patriot Act
Safeguarding liberties
You’ve got our back,
You’re keeping track
In every library
America, America
Defend security
With wiretap spies
And prying eyes
John Ashcroft keeps us free.

(I do not know the author, my apologies)