Denver: Iraq Veterans Against the War Deliver Emotional Letter to Senator Obama

On Wednesday evening, some 100 US veterans gathered outside the Democratic convention to read a letter demanding "three points of unity": an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, full benefits and health care for all returning veterans, and reparations to the people of Iraq. The veterans were joined by between some 3,000 peaceful protesters, and Ron Kovic, the famous handicapped veteran whose life was depicted in Born on the 4th of July.

The convention in Denver has seen relatively small numbers of protesters amidst an army of heavily armored police. The veterans asked for a representative of the Obama's staff to listen to the letter, and said they wouldn't move until one arrived. Police hovered above them in cherry pickers, and threatened to use tear gas if the protest didn't disperse. As tensions mounted, the Obama campaign sent word that they would set up a meeting with the veterans.

Photographs by Andrea Burns

Comments

[ifihadahammer]

Awesome - and look! It's my fav lady in America, Amy Goodman! Support Iraq Veterans Against the War!

[JulieSA]

What did the letter say?

[ESerafina42]

Evidently you didn't read the article:

"...to read a letter demanding 'three points of unity': an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, full benefits and health care for all returning veterans, and reparations to the people of Iraq."