Protests

Today marked the third anniversary of the war in Iraq. To mark the occaision, there were protests all over the world, one of which was in Chicago. I'm a little disappointed to say that I was working all day, but I am about 2 blocks away from the protest site so I did manage to get some impression of the event.

As usual, riot police showed up on every corner for blocks around the protest (in this case on Michigan Avenue), and I imagine there were riot horses as well though I didn't see them. There were helicopters overhead monitoring the situation, and a number of ambulances around ready for any action.

I didn't actually see the protest in action; just the groups of protestors leaving the event at night. I assume it was peaceful etc. as I didn't hear any loud sirens or commotion.

It was weird, though, as I went out later to pick up some sushi for dinner, I noticed the air seemed hazy and it smelled bad. So perhaps some rioters threw stinkbombs or the police had some tear gas. I doubt the latter as I imagine my eyes would have stung as a result.