Step Forward: Progressive LGBT Politics


Libyan Demonstrators: Stop the Killing Now


Libyan demonstrators filled a crowded downtown Seattle shopping center with calls for support on President’s Day.

“Stop the killing now” and “Down Down with Kadafi” they chanted while waiving Libyan flags and signs that read, “where’s obama now?”

The demonstrators handed out a simple white piece of paper with that described their demands:

We, the Libyan people in the Seattle and Portland area and people of conscience, condemn the bloody and ruthless crackdown by the terrorist regime of Gaddafi and the cold blooded murder of hundreds of unarmed civilians who met to protest his oppressive regime and demand democracy, free press, end to corruption and waste of Libya’s fortunes on foreign meddling, and independent judiciary, a constitution, improved living standards, accountability, and human dignity.

The list of list of Gaddafi’s crimes against his own people and even other people is long and chilling. For 41 yeas, Gaddafi has got away with murder. This has to stop.

I captured the following video with my mobile phone.

I was among the shoppers the demonstrators hoped to reach. They caught my heart and my attention. It was an incredibly moving experience. I hope the Libyans get the freedom that every human deserves, and I hope my government empowers the peaceful demonstrators using every non-violent option available.

Joe Mirabella