I've been thinking back to an anti Iraq War march I attended in Washington DC

[Siwsan]

We were a big crowd. An enthusiastic crowd. A LOUD crowd. A peaceful crowd. All ages, all races. We were in good voice. Before or during the march, I never heard even one whisper that indicated anyone was going to cause trouble. Well, there was a small contingent of Bush supporters, and I can't speak for them. Then seem offended when we waved as we marched past them.

Anyway, along the route there were police officers lining the entire way, especially in the vicinity of the White House, and LOTS of flex cuffs hanging on the guard rails, easily within their reach. I'm talking a big police presence. For a peace demonstration.