Protesters planning second march against Army Experience Center

by Griffin McElroy on Aug 5th 2009 3:00PM

During this past May, a group of Philadelphians caught our attention when they led a protest march against the local "Army Experience Center," a location in the Franklin Mills Mall which uses video games (such as America's Army) to attract potential recruits. The march went off without a hitch -- tons of folks carried signs and slogans into the mall, caused a thought-provoking stir outside of the A.E.C., and seven people got arrested. Oh, wait. We guess that qualifies as a "hitch."

It seems the group is rallying for round two against the recruitment center -- they've opened a website to garner support for another protest march, which is set to commence September 12. If you're interested, the site has a lengthy list of instructions for what you should do to get ready for the march. Sticking flowers in your hair, however, is not one of the recommended steps.

Source

Tags: aec, army, army-experience-center, march, philadelphia, politics, protest, war

Reader Comments (65)

That's it morons. Protest the people who protect your country. They should be arrested for treason!

In a side-note, the comments to the post about them marching the first time are absolute WIN.

last i checked, we are losing more freedoms to our own government then we are to people hiding in rocks in a different country. Don't believe me? Wait till the internet czar is established.

I think fathers over the age of 40 should sign up first. The young people have a lot more to lose than those who have already lived a life.

I guess that depends on who you are Trident. Me? I feel as free as can be. I do what I want, when I want, however I want to the extent that my principles will allow me. I'm not going to go dance naked in the streets because I don't feel that's appropriate. But after just coming back from the "Honeymoon from Hell" in the Dominican Republic, I've never loved (or missed) this country so much.

Trident, that comment was the most pussy-filled comment I have ever read.
If you aren't willing to fight for your country, you can always leave.
Move to a weak country and then you'll see the advantages.

America... Fuck yeah.

Public redress is a protected First Amendment right. I will admit that protesting an army recruiting post does seem a little strange, especially when we have an all volunteer army, it is their right to do so.

These guys need to man up, grow some balls and hold their protest one day earlier. Maybe they can end the protest by thanking the families whose sons and daughters have voluntarily served and died in our nation's defense.

You guys really need to see what is going on. So many soldiers are dying over seas for no reason. I would prefer that all of those soldiers be back in their home towns and serving local communities and work in the local and private sector than be the arms of the government.

Good thing its not up to you, but up to each person who signs up for the military.

Frankly the army needs all the help it can get recruiting people. I say let 'em use video games if that's what works.

If you're dumb enough to think that you'll respawn again at the start of the next round. Let them sign up.

Not you neuro... just anyone who signs up after playing a video game. I'm all for the military but your decision isnt gonna be made on if you liked playing AA. I get pissed everytime someone got the 18C so I'd TK them. which is probably what I'd do in the actual military.

I'm sure they don't tell the guys walking in there that everything they experience in the game is an exact reflection of what it'll be like "out there". Sure, games like America's Army simulate tactical strategies for infultrating hostile towns and things like that, but I'm sure the Army isn't as irresponsible as to say "Uh, yeah kid. There's an infinite ammo code. And, if you get ten kills in a row, you can call in an air-strike."

^That would be pretty funny if they did though.

Honestly if that's what people like in a war then let them sign up but tell them that there are no respawns in the iraq server.

It's better to point these kids with emotional problems in the direction of the enemy, than to have them shooting up our schools.

Right, Jack?

There are also no respawns in America's Army.

No respawns in America's Army? How come i died more than 4000 times ? :P

You do respawn, just not on the same round.

I don't see how video games that somewhat create an interest in the military are different from movies that did that.

I remember watching Airwolf and deciding at that point I wanted to fly a helicopter in the army. I don't think this is any different.

Video games= this generations comic books or rock and roll

If all the helicopter's in the army were as badass as the Airwolf helicopter, I'd want to do it too. Especially if Ernest Borgnine was my wingman.

On the one hand, I don't like the fact that they are using the medium as a source of propaganda but on the other hand how is this different from the various ads on TV movies and visits to high schools.

Just let them do whatever they want, and if this is a way to get people to join the army who actually want to, then by all means, do so.

More like a way to get people to think they want to join the army. Next up: FREE BEER

damn hippies. Why cant they get a job like normal people? Maybe then they could finally afford to get a haircut

Yeah.....and....buy some shampoo!

People that go into the military are either desperate for money or are fools

Why would you want to become a puppet for the government. I say my taxes start going into Robot development, its 2009 ALREADY

You're an idiot. Begone!

sigh, each to his own.....

please then, tell me why people go into the military for

then you answer my question
Why would you limit your freedom, just so you can "protect" the "freedom" of others (aside from your family) who probably dont even give a damn if you die or not
Is it money or blind pride?

You need to watch the movie "Seven Pounds" and see what it's like to be decent person, Longhorn.

My Grandfather fought in the Korean War. He fought for the safety and freedom of this country and others. Who are you to judge his sense of honor and responsibility? Prick.

If everyone thought like you, there wouldn't be anything to protect.
Military pay starts off at the poverty level and they even hate each other.

Some people just want a challenge.
Some people aren't so selfish, longhorn.

well guess what I have a sister that has been to Iraq TWICE and from her I met people of the military that have done the same
So dont call be a prick

Longhorn, you're that guy who says "Its alright for me to use the n-word since I have black friends"

well guess what buddy: its not

Freedom costs a buck oh five

No, it just makes you more of a prick Longhorn. Because you've actually met and talked with people in the armed forces and are now throwing up your hands like "Whatever. Big Deal. You guys are dumb. Thanks for nothing."

Your comments could've been excused for lack of personal connection, but now you're literally spitting in their faces. I feel your sister would be ashamed.

You are a prick, and a coward. If everyone had your dumbass mentality, America would have fallen to its knees decades ago.

Honestly, you are the sort of ignorant scum that deserves to be killed.

Please, I use the N-word all the time (Im not going to be censor by hypocrites or be denied my 1st Amendment rights)

well Im done here, its obvious Im talking to a bunch of republicans

look at all these pussified dipshits yelling about how the army is awesome while not having served a day in their lives, even using relatives service to justify their own stupid chickenhawk rants.

You haven't served? stfu about how awesome you think it is.

You just confirmed your moronic, biased, childish position. Someday, if you grow up, you will realize what a complete jackass you really are.

maybe Im blind, but I don't think "TEH ARMY IS SO KEWL" is a direct quote Satn

Satn, don't be such a bitch, the army does suck.
And I'm sure I've met mothafuckaz like you before. Just remember that before you got in you were doing it for the right reasons and then you started screaming, "Me! Me! Me!" You bitched out.

Well you're definitely stupid if you think you have to a Republican or a Democrat.

I'm pretty sure Longhorn is a communist.

I'd say a lot of people join in order to protect others' freedoms, such as that of their wives and children. Many a serviceman would say that they want their children to grow up with the same freedoms they did, but I guess not everyone can be so selfless or caring.

You know what, while we're at, fuck universal health care too. I'm healthy; I don't see what the big fuss is all about. Who cares what happens to anybody else? That's what you sound like, Longhorn.

Yeah, if we pulled out, it would give the other guys lots of time to plan a counterstrike on American soil. We're not just chilling over there, shooting innocent Iraqis for fun.

I can respect your resentment of the army, though. You don't have to be so nasty with your presentation, though.

We have an all volunteer force and it is perfectly fine for them to use video games as a way of recruiting. Guess what, before this they used video tapes, comic books, DVDs etc...

These protesters are sincerely ignorant.

They should protest against Larry Bond's Harpoon

hey pro-war pussies...why aren't you in Iraq or afghanistan?

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Protesters planning second march against Army Experience Center

Reader Comments (65)

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:06PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:10PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:20PM latin trident said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:26PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:36PM Manifest37 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:47PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:14PM RunnyRiver said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:46PM latin trident said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 7:11PM Crono141 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:06PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:10PM Kaze9 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:11PM Kaze9 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:13PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:15PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:12PM bxgt said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:14PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:51PM NutMan said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:51PM paperless said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:15PM MystileArmor said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:17PM ArchiGamer said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:19PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:20PM ArchiGamer said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:11PM butaneko said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:22PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:28PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:26PM Marius said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:29PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:30PM ArchiGamer said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:30PM Marius said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:38PM Marius said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:46PM MystileArmor said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:51PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:52PM Manifest37 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 3:54PM Marius said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:05PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:06PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:07PM StormEagle said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:08PM Sleeping Lesson said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:09PM Marius said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:10PM satn said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:13PM Sleeping Lesson said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:15PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:20PM Manifest37 said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:38PM NutMan said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:44PM Captain Planet Planeteer Power said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 7:03PM aristokrat said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 11:07PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Aug 5th 2009 4:36PM NutMan said

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