SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
Former CIA director and defense secretary Leon Panetta's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday night was interrupted by chants of "No more war!"
According to news reports, as Panetta dug into Hillary Clinton rival Donald Trump, delegates from Oregon, California, and Washington state broke into cries of "No more war!" and "Lies!"
ABC Newsreported: "Other groups around the arena began chanting 'Hillary!' More chants of 'Love Not War!' and 'No More Drones!' broke out before being swallowed by 'USA!' from most of the arena."
\u201cCrowd interrupts Leon Panetta's speech at #DemConvention #DemsInPhilly\nhttps://t.co/B0pOINfzUI\u201d— CSPAN (@CSPAN) 1469668073
The Hillnoted that "Panetta appeared rattled by the interruptions and unsure how to proceed. As Panetta continued to speak, the lights were dimmed over the sections of Sanders supporters, an apparent effort to silence them."
\u201cOregon delegates chanted "no more wars" at Panetta, so the DNC turned the lights off on them. #DemConvention\u201d— Rania Khalek (@Rania Khalek) 1469669417
\u201cNo more war chanters holdings up iPhone lights to protest DNC cutting their lights\u201d— Zeke Miller (@Zeke Miller) 1469667452
Alex Shephard wrote at the New Republic:
Panetta--who, it's worth pointing out, threw President Obama under the bus in his memoir two years ago--represents the hawkish wing of the Democratic Party, which Bernie Sanders and his supporters vehemently oppose. As director of the CIA and secretary of defense, Panetta oversaw the country's forever war in two countries and a drone program that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. It's unclear if the protesters were responding to these specific policies or just Panetta himself, but it's clear that he might not have been the best choice for a prime-time speaker's slot.
ThinkProgressspoke with some of the protesters, who "said they targeted Panetta because of his position as the former leader of the military."
"Why do we need to be in perpetual warfare?" Micheal Baca, a 24-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Colorado, asked ThinkProgress.
But California delegate Alesa Byers told the publication that other delegates around her were hostile toward her and the other protesters. "I don't understand how being pro-peace is anti-Hillary," she said. "They're just pissed off that we're saying something."
Meanwhile, Sanders delegate Larry Siegel, of California, described the moment as such:
The highlight of the evening for me came when former CIA Director Leon Panetta spoke. Other than honoring veterans, few speakers at the convention have addressed foreign policy. But Panetta was assigned to defend the Obama-Clinton policies of regime change and the war on terror, two terms they don't use because they were associated with George W. Bush. To be honest, given what happened, I don't remember exactly what he said, other than claiming credit for killing Osama bin Laden. I sat there quietly and sadly, holding up a hand-made sign I got from the fellow sitting next to me. It read, 'End the drone wars.' Democrats are quick to criticize Republican wars, but most are reluctant to challenge Democratic Commanders in Chief. I am not looking forward to four or eight more years of endless war.
To my surprise, across the hall the Oregon delegation started chanting 'No more war!' Or maybe it was 'wars.' Our larger group quickly echoed them. I couldn't tell if other delegates joined in. Before long, the masters of the house dimmed the lights shining on the Oregon delegation. We shouted 'Lights, Lights ...' The Oregonians pulled out their smartphones and turned on their flashlight apps. It looked like a cosmic constellation. We shone ours, and I believe others were shining elsewhere in the arena.
Yet the disruption also earned condemnation from some liberal media commentators, including MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid, who said the protesters' action was "embarrassing" and "shameful."
But the protesters had defenders on social media:
\u201cUm, it does make sense to chant "no more war" during the speech of a war hawk for Clinton who wrought destruction for years, @maddow!\u201d— CODEPINK (@CODEPINK) 1469678774
\u201cThe california delegation is so badass. They are chanting NO MORE WAR. Only to be drowned out by chants of USA! #Peace Vs #Nationalism here\u201d— Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f (@Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f) 1469667553
Common Dreams is powered by optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place. We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter makes the difference. Your contribution supports this bold media model—free, independent, and dedicated to reporting the facts every day. Stand with us in the fight for economic equality, social justice, human rights, and a more sustainable future. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. |
Former CIA director and defense secretary Leon Panetta's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday night was interrupted by chants of "No more war!"
According to news reports, as Panetta dug into Hillary Clinton rival Donald Trump, delegates from Oregon, California, and Washington state broke into cries of "No more war!" and "Lies!"
ABC Newsreported: "Other groups around the arena began chanting 'Hillary!' More chants of 'Love Not War!' and 'No More Drones!' broke out before being swallowed by 'USA!' from most of the arena."
\u201cCrowd interrupts Leon Panetta's speech at #DemConvention #DemsInPhilly\nhttps://t.co/B0pOINfzUI\u201d— CSPAN (@CSPAN) 1469668073
The Hillnoted that "Panetta appeared rattled by the interruptions and unsure how to proceed. As Panetta continued to speak, the lights were dimmed over the sections of Sanders supporters, an apparent effort to silence them."
\u201cOregon delegates chanted "no more wars" at Panetta, so the DNC turned the lights off on them. #DemConvention\u201d— Rania Khalek (@Rania Khalek) 1469669417
\u201cNo more war chanters holdings up iPhone lights to protest DNC cutting their lights\u201d— Zeke Miller (@Zeke Miller) 1469667452
Alex Shephard wrote at the New Republic:
Panetta--who, it's worth pointing out, threw President Obama under the bus in his memoir two years ago--represents the hawkish wing of the Democratic Party, which Bernie Sanders and his supporters vehemently oppose. As director of the CIA and secretary of defense, Panetta oversaw the country's forever war in two countries and a drone program that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. It's unclear if the protesters were responding to these specific policies or just Panetta himself, but it's clear that he might not have been the best choice for a prime-time speaker's slot.
ThinkProgressspoke with some of the protesters, who "said they targeted Panetta because of his position as the former leader of the military."
"Why do we need to be in perpetual warfare?" Micheal Baca, a 24-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Colorado, asked ThinkProgress.
But California delegate Alesa Byers told the publication that other delegates around her were hostile toward her and the other protesters. "I don't understand how being pro-peace is anti-Hillary," she said. "They're just pissed off that we're saying something."
Meanwhile, Sanders delegate Larry Siegel, of California, described the moment as such:
The highlight of the evening for me came when former CIA Director Leon Panetta spoke. Other than honoring veterans, few speakers at the convention have addressed foreign policy. But Panetta was assigned to defend the Obama-Clinton policies of regime change and the war on terror, two terms they don't use because they were associated with George W. Bush. To be honest, given what happened, I don't remember exactly what he said, other than claiming credit for killing Osama bin Laden. I sat there quietly and sadly, holding up a hand-made sign I got from the fellow sitting next to me. It read, 'End the drone wars.' Democrats are quick to criticize Republican wars, but most are reluctant to challenge Democratic Commanders in Chief. I am not looking forward to four or eight more years of endless war.
To my surprise, across the hall the Oregon delegation started chanting 'No more war!' Or maybe it was 'wars.' Our larger group quickly echoed them. I couldn't tell if other delegates joined in. Before long, the masters of the house dimmed the lights shining on the Oregon delegation. We shouted 'Lights, Lights ...' The Oregonians pulled out their smartphones and turned on their flashlight apps. It looked like a cosmic constellation. We shone ours, and I believe others were shining elsewhere in the arena.
Yet the disruption also earned condemnation from some liberal media commentators, including MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid, who said the protesters' action was "embarrassing" and "shameful."
But the protesters had defenders on social media:
\u201cUm, it does make sense to chant "no more war" during the speech of a war hawk for Clinton who wrought destruction for years, @maddow!\u201d— CODEPINK (@CODEPINK) 1469678774
\u201cThe california delegation is so badass. They are chanting NO MORE WAR. Only to be drowned out by chants of USA! #Peace Vs #Nationalism here\u201d— Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f (@Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f) 1469667553
Former CIA director and defense secretary Leon Panetta's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday night was interrupted by chants of "No more war!"
According to news reports, as Panetta dug into Hillary Clinton rival Donald Trump, delegates from Oregon, California, and Washington state broke into cries of "No more war!" and "Lies!"
ABC Newsreported: "Other groups around the arena began chanting 'Hillary!' More chants of 'Love Not War!' and 'No More Drones!' broke out before being swallowed by 'USA!' from most of the arena."
\u201cCrowd interrupts Leon Panetta's speech at #DemConvention #DemsInPhilly\nhttps://t.co/B0pOINfzUI\u201d— CSPAN (@CSPAN) 1469668073
The Hillnoted that "Panetta appeared rattled by the interruptions and unsure how to proceed. As Panetta continued to speak, the lights were dimmed over the sections of Sanders supporters, an apparent effort to silence them."
\u201cOregon delegates chanted "no more wars" at Panetta, so the DNC turned the lights off on them. #DemConvention\u201d— Rania Khalek (@Rania Khalek) 1469669417
\u201cNo more war chanters holdings up iPhone lights to protest DNC cutting their lights\u201d— Zeke Miller (@Zeke Miller) 1469667452
Alex Shephard wrote at the New Republic:
Panetta--who, it's worth pointing out, threw President Obama under the bus in his memoir two years ago--represents the hawkish wing of the Democratic Party, which Bernie Sanders and his supporters vehemently oppose. As director of the CIA and secretary of defense, Panetta oversaw the country's forever war in two countries and a drone program that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. It's unclear if the protesters were responding to these specific policies or just Panetta himself, but it's clear that he might not have been the best choice for a prime-time speaker's slot.
ThinkProgressspoke with some of the protesters, who "said they targeted Panetta because of his position as the former leader of the military."
"Why do we need to be in perpetual warfare?" Micheal Baca, a 24-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Colorado, asked ThinkProgress.
But California delegate Alesa Byers told the publication that other delegates around her were hostile toward her and the other protesters. "I don't understand how being pro-peace is anti-Hillary," she said. "They're just pissed off that we're saying something."
Meanwhile, Sanders delegate Larry Siegel, of California, described the moment as such:
The highlight of the evening for me came when former CIA Director Leon Panetta spoke. Other than honoring veterans, few speakers at the convention have addressed foreign policy. But Panetta was assigned to defend the Obama-Clinton policies of regime change and the war on terror, two terms they don't use because they were associated with George W. Bush. To be honest, given what happened, I don't remember exactly what he said, other than claiming credit for killing Osama bin Laden. I sat there quietly and sadly, holding up a hand-made sign I got from the fellow sitting next to me. It read, 'End the drone wars.' Democrats are quick to criticize Republican wars, but most are reluctant to challenge Democratic Commanders in Chief. I am not looking forward to four or eight more years of endless war.
To my surprise, across the hall the Oregon delegation started chanting 'No more war!' Or maybe it was 'wars.' Our larger group quickly echoed them. I couldn't tell if other delegates joined in. Before long, the masters of the house dimmed the lights shining on the Oregon delegation. We shouted 'Lights, Lights ...' The Oregonians pulled out their smartphones and turned on their flashlight apps. It looked like a cosmic constellation. We shone ours, and I believe others were shining elsewhere in the arena.
Yet the disruption also earned condemnation from some liberal media commentators, including MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid, who said the protesters' action was "embarrassing" and "shameful."
But the protesters had defenders on social media:
\u201cUm, it does make sense to chant "no more war" during the speech of a war hawk for Clinton who wrought destruction for years, @maddow!\u201d— CODEPINK (@CODEPINK) 1469678774
\u201cThe california delegation is so badass. They are chanting NO MORE WAR. Only to be drowned out by chants of USA! #Peace Vs #Nationalism here\u201d— Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f (@Josh Fox \ud83d\udc00\u2721\ufe0f) 1469667553