Grannies and Grandpas Shut Down Military Recruiters in Portland OregonToday, March 30, 2007, members of the Portland Community opposing the war in Iraq protested the military recruiters office on NE Broadway. When I arrived, there were about 20 people present and three elders in rocking chairs blocking the doorways, refusing entry at one point to an 18 years old who had an appointment inside.
The young man was affable and not at all enraged or indignant about being refused admittance, though the same could not be said for Officer Schaffer who verbally engaged the protesters for several minutes before pushing elders aside to gain entry both in and out of the offices.
This officer, though short of abusive, insisted repeatedly that the young man had the Constitutional right to make the choice to enter the building and serve his country. Though the officer was able to physically push his way past the Grannie blockade, the young man showed much more respect and consideration for those who were trying to save his life, or protect him from contributing to the massive war crimes be...
