Mixed Messages

During the visit to DC, we ran into a protest in front of the White House. I guess for the locals, this is a common site. It's an organized protest with permission, so it's peaceful and all. It was interesting how this event was organized.










First of all, there is a group of people who support the air strike on the Libyan government. They are Libyan immigrants who want Gadhafi to step down and appreciate Obama and Nato's actions. The other group is more complicated. I really don't know what they stand for. May be it's just a bunch of random people assembled together to make themselves sound a bit more legit. So here are a few of their agendas. 1. Peace. 2. No War for Oil. 3. White people get the hell outta Africa!!!






So this is not a for/against issue. This is truly about politics, about power, but not along the same logic. I find it interesting that both sides basically got together and put up a show. They actually took turns to rant their rally, and took turns to make their march in a circle. It's highly organized and well executed! I wonder if there are companies, like party organizers, who does this for a living!










And so while all of these was going on, business was as usual. Tourists flocked to the White House fence to make sure they have a prove of their presence in case they need photographic evidence for some murder that took place else where, and the old lady who has been around for ages, showing up with her mission of "mixed messages".
















So really, what is this circus about? In central Asia where all you can see is sand and nothing else, there are seasonal trade towns where people come together during a certain time of the year and set up shops to trade different offerings. When business is done, they each head their own ways and the once crowded and happening trading ground returns into a desert. I think this is exactly what politics is. A temporary circus ground that doesn't last.








For more photos, please see HERE