photo gallery - 04 Jul 2008
 

Act Against Torture once again descended on the route to San Francisco's Independence Day celebration, on 4 July 2008 to urge people out to see the fireworks to encourage locals and visitors alike to "Celebrate July 4 today; tomorrow, take a stand for peace, decency, and human rights." We set up our Guantanamo cage, passed out flyers, and impersonated indifferent government officials as crowds streamed along The Embarcadero.

 
the AAT cage, containing two prisoners and guarded with a cardboard rifle
The cage, a little frayed at the corners, made its second annual appearance along the route to San Francisco's July 4th fireworks display.
 
prisoner in orange jump suit and hood handing out flyers to the crowd
A prisoner in an orange jump suit and hood passed out flyers at the intersection, asking people out for the fireworks to "Celebrate July 4 today; tomorrow, take a stand for peace, decency, and human rights."
 
AAT brought masks of Cheney and Nancy Pelosi, who weren't able to attend in person
Since Vice President Dick Cheney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have never joined an AAT protest - and haven't responded to repeated demands that they stop funding and committing torture, as well as put a stop to indefinite detention - AAT members pretended. The crowds were variously amused and disgusted ... a photo of Dick isn't necessarily what one wants to see on a stomach full of hot dogs and beer.
 
people stopping to see what the cage was all about
People on their way to the fireworks display stopped to see what the Guantanamo cage was all about.