or organizers of Sunday's Unity March in Philadelphia, the turnout was less than expected; but that didn't defuse any of the intensity, or even the festive atmosphere as over 200 different organizations had their say in protesting the Republican National Convention. About the only thing unifying the different organizations was that they had some kind of a message for George Bush and the GOP. If you were looking for a cause to support, this was the place to be despite high temperatures and humidity. There were groups speaking out against the death penalty, defending abortion rights, or protesting the awaiting execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted in the 1981 slaying of a local cop. Members of a communist group marched in step, but nearby a group of libertarians carried signs telling Bush to get the government off our backs. Some protesters on the sidelines carried posters supporting the antiabortion position. Another placard, displayed by a "freelance, self-educated, former home-schooled Jewish boy," declared that the greatest political threat was a Masonic plot to control the world. It was a potpourri of opinions, beliefs and positions where everyone had something to say. Most of the protesters kept their cool, and so did the Philadelphia cops.

    For Dave Silverman, National Youth and Family Director for American Atheists, braving the heat and crowds was all worth it. He led a small but spirited contingent of American Atheist members and supporters carrying placards and a large banner with the AA logo and "Leading the Way For Atheist Civil Rights." Picket signs urged, "Keep Religion Out of Government" and "Defend the Separation of Church and State."

    "It was nonstop," an exhausted by gratified Silverman told AANEWS. "We were interviewed by no fewer than 20 different news organizations from all the media, and the television cameras loved the banner." Indeed, the Philly news media gave prominent play during and after yesterday's demo, with great shots of the American Atheists banner and participants. "What's more important, though, is the large number of people who came over to us to express their support," added Silverman. "A lot of them were there marching with other causes, and most of them were atheists."

    "They were surprised, and glad to see us," he said.

    Michelle Malkin was an early riser so she could arrive in time for to join the "Defending the Wall" continent.

JIM SENYSZYN made the trip to the Philadelphia protest from Illinois.

    "We spent the day taking turns holding posters and holding up the American Atheists banner which led to some interesting conversations with people," Malkin said. "We ended up marching on JFK Boulevard from about 18th street, and we made it to within a block or two of the Philadelphia Art Museum. It was a blast!"

   "Some religious folks came over and tried to start arguments, but we just smiled and said that we're all entitled to our opinions... An out-of-uniform nun at the start of the march walked away very dissatisfied by this response..."

    Activist Jim Senyszyn traveled 500-plus miles from his home in Peoria, Ill. just to support the demonstration. "Why are you here?" asked a news hound as the news camera rolled. "We're marching for atheist civil rights and the First Amendment," Senyszyn replied.,

    Other AA members and supporters from Ohio, Connecticut, New York and nearby New Jersey took trains, buses and cars to reach the rendezvous point at 30th Street Station.

   The presence of Atheists and separationists seem to attract curiosity not only from other demonstrators but the media as well. Reuters sent out the initial dispatch on the Unity 2000 event, noting us among the eclectic group of demonstrators. National and regional media took note; pictures of the American Atheist contingent were still running hours after the festive event ended, on the 11 o'clock evening news. New York and New Jersey papers the next morning regurgitated the coverage again.

    Yesterday's turnout for Unity 2000 -- about 6,000 marchers -- was far less than the number predicted. Leading up to the Sunday event, there were questions about what some groups, demonstrators, and even the Philadelphia Police Department might do. Complicating things for Dave Silverman was the fact that the American Atheist march was put together mostly on very short notice, and mostly through publicity on the internet. "This was a big success for us," said Dave," and it's due to the smiling faces and positive message conveyed by our participants. 'You done good!'."

    The "big one" may be the Los Angeles portion of "Defending the Wall," which will take place sometime between August 14-17 at the Democratic National Convention. As with the Philadelphia protest, the LA action will speak out for atheist civil rights, and against the burgeoning movement to put religious groups on the public payroll using vouchers, "faith-based partnerships" and other schemes. If you would like to work on planning or march in this event, contact California American Atheists State Director Dave Kong through dksf@atheists.org, or visit the "Defending the Wall" page on our web site at http://www.atheists.org/action/defwall2000.html

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