CODEPINK interrupts Hillary’s fundraiser… again

This past Friday, February 23, Senator Hillary Clinton held a fundraiser in San Francisco at the Sheraton Palace Hotel. San Franciscans who have spoken out against the war repeatedly gathered outside the hotel for a rally and press conference, urging the New York senator and presidential would-be to put action behind her words and end the Iraq war. About thirty demonstrators outside the hotel handed out flyers that read, “Hillary Stop Funding War” and encouraged funders entering the event to ask Hillary hard-hitting questions about her stance on the war.    

Meanwhile, five activists made their way into the private donors-only event. Two hotel guests found their way to seats in the audience, while three of us took on a new creative tact. Dressed in chef’s white coats with nametags and (mock) Hillary campaign badges, we entered the event, and when Hillary began her talk, we unfurled large hot pink banners that read “Hillary Stop Funding War” and “We Need a Peace President.” Two of us were positioned behind Hillary, which made for some excellent photos. A third was stage right, making it appear as though there was a sea of pink popping up around the room. The security people were slow to respond to us and finally took our banners and escorted us out.    

On my way out I stated very loudly and passionately, “Hillary please stop funding the war!” As I was shouting, a woman clocked me in the chin and hooked her fingers into my mouth, grabbing at my jaw as if to yank it off. I felt like I was being bridled.  Stunned, I didn’t speak up to demand that she be identified and held by the police. I was amazed that here in America supporters of a presidential candidate could so easily assault someone with an opinion they don’t approve of, and a Democrat no less. 

I faced a similar response at a Hillary engagement with the BAR Association in San Francisco about a year ago—after holding up a banner, I was chocked by the security official, and the audience members sitting within inches of me did nothing to help me. The anger and aggression with which people react to our actions still astounds me. It makes those with contrary political opinions appear tenuous at best. After we were taken out of the event, we were detained in a small room for the remainder of the event, cited for “disrupting a meeting,” and released.