Free Speech In Olympia

This is why I love Olympia: It is never boring. With the State Capitol on one side, and the Evergreen State College on another, there is no shortage of people with opinions and the desire to shout them to the world.

Heritage Park is a fun little area in downtown Olympia. In the park proper, cold-water fountains fire at regular intervals and local residents come down in their swimsuits to enjoy the cool water. Today was especially hot, with temperatures rising past 85° for the first time this year. The park is situated at a major intersection just a few blocks from the 4th Avenue Bridge. 4th Avenue, the main thoroughfare through downtown, splits into two one-way streets. It was here that the protesters made their stand.

The Heritage Park fountains in front of the State Capitol.


Anti-war protesters. The fellow on the left had dozens of signs.


Counter-protesters. They were smart and brought cold water.


Normally they stayed on separate sides of 4th Avenue. At
one point, however, the counter-protesters crossed the
street. They did not stay long.


Another anti-war protester.


I am not sure what this fellow was trying to say. Is sending
soldiers to war "abuse" now? If that is the case, then what is
the purpose of having armed forces in the first place?


This fellow was on another street corner all by himself. The
other side of his sign said "A just peace for Palestinians and
Israelis." I wonder how that squares with his support for the
so-called "Right of Return" which demands that Palestinians
take over the whole of Israel.


Protests are fun for everyone! Even the bees
have a voice here in Olympia.


A wide shot gives you an idea of the groups in relation to
each other. This was taken facing east, with the 4th Avenue
Bridge behind me. Appropriately enough, the anti-war
folks are on the left and the counter-protesters are on
the right.

As always, catch the rest of the pictures at my Picasa Web Album.