Marijuana March in Richmond

Around 200 citizens of Richmond, VA, USA took to the streets today as part of the Worldwide Marijuana March. The purpose was to raise awareness of how the "war on drugs" is aimed at imprisoning youth and minorities, and also to support the legalization of marijuana.

Before the march, musicians performed and local activists gave short speeches about the side of the drug war that the government doesn't want you to hear about. Among the activists were representatives of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Temple 420.

One of the speakers took part in a ceremonial toke of marijuana. A moment of silence for all people imprisoned in the "war on drugs" was also held.

The march began around 5 PM starting at Monroe Park, and it noisily made its way to the headquarters of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Capitol Building, City Hall, and the Federal Building (in that order). The most popular chant was "legalize not legal lies." A more humorous chant caught on as well. "What do we want? Bong hits! When do we want them? Now!"

Protesters held signs demanding an end to the prison economy and the drug war. Others held signs supporting the legalization of marijuana. At least five different people took turns holding The Partisan's defaced and upside down American flag that read, "class war, not drug war."

The police were called to remove the protesters from the Capitol Building. One policeman raised objections to protesters carrying an upside down American flag, but other protesters told him that it was a sign of distress and a right. Nobody listened to the fat, ugly cop, who showed his stupidity and worthlessness. The flag remained upside down.

The march returned to Monroe Park, ending louder than it started. Upon speaking with some organizers, The Partisan was told that next year things will get twice as serious, and the speakers will be louder and give more details about the nasty "war on drugs."

Check back soon for photo updates.