UPDATE: PHOTOS INCLUDED!

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My name is Ariel A. Green.

Born in San Francisco, California and raised north of the gate, I have been living between Prague and the U.S. for nearly 11 years, now. I love my county.. both of them.. Though my heart will always be split down the middle between Czech and N.California, in 'O3, I got tired of the commute and settled here in Prague, for good. Life in California was a dream between mountains, amazing city, wine country, Pacific Ocean and connection to community. However, Czech and I have agreed to an exchange. We each have something to offer one another and so we have the agreement to continue our relationship with open minds and a willingness to learn and teach one another, until further notice.

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Today, a spontaneous moment occurred, as I was on my way home. I was stopped by a young man trying to find Hradcanske Namesti. Behind him a lovely smiling couple with signs and pictures on sticks saying, "tady, radar neni bude". I asked, in Czech, if they were going to a protest and they excitedly confirmed, "yes, yes, yes!!!".

I popped home and got rid of my gear in exchange for my camera and headed over to the start line of the protest march over by the castle. Surely they'd be heading down and over to the American Embassy via the tourist route. Protests are always at 3, so I knew the drill. Upon arriving, I was impressed. A much bigger turn out than the one at the American Ambassador's residence, the last time Bush was in town. Signs, Italian peace flags, anti-radar flags and other created bits and large paper mache politicians bounced up and down (Bush, Sasha, Vlasta, and there were two others, perhaps including Klaus) throughout the line of hundreds of people making there way up the street.. Whistles and chants in Czech and occasionally English went on and on and on. I hadn't heard this much noise from Czechs, at a public event, in all my life! It was a wonderful sight.

Slowly, we moved across the square and around the corner toward Malostranski Namesti. Through the first corridor two opportunists made their hit. One thief grabbed a camera and was being beaten 2 meters from me, yet eventually got away. Then, 2 meters ahead someone dropped a water bomb on the crowd, (My guess is bored teenagers rather than anti-anti-radar statement, however you be the judge.)

The energy was amazing and the crowd diverse. Well dressed elders with canes and protest signs screamed and smiled as they walked. Dread-locked collage students in rainbow colors held one side of the giant anti-radar banner, while on the other side, high heeled fashion princesses held the other. I loved the varied colors of people and types all joining in. This was the moment when all that mattered was the cause, the passion to keep our country safe and American radar-base free. The smell of belief, hope, strength and will was in the air. Confused tourists were along the perimeter wondering what was more confusing, the Christmas market behind St. Nick's covered in snow, or the flag waving Czechs and foreigners walking by screaming and smiling.

Upon reaching the American Embassy there were barricades around the entrance and numerous police all geared up. No one would be getting very close to this door. As we approached, I heard two large bomb sounds and the smell of fireworks.. It was ahead of me, once again, and all I hoped was that no one was hurt, as I wondered who had thrown them this time.

In truth, I am sure there was no one there, at the Embassy. And, were they there, they certainly wouldn't have responded to the calls, regardless of the masses outside. What would they have said? "Hey, don't you want to be a target in exchange for minor changes to your visa rules and numerous other empty promises we might make?" Not likely. There is no arguing with the current administration. Too much money and power involved.

I am not a terribly political person. I am only ashamed of the negligence when it comes to the care of people in general, around the world. And, this radar business, is shameful. I love my country, but am , in general, having to cast my eyes downward at the mention of many of its actions. I hope one day, soon, that may change. For now, I will bare witness to the freedom of speech, right to gather and speaking of minds and feel the spirit of the fight within the Czechs.

There is more to Czechs than meets the eye. There is strength in this passion bubbling out, here and now. Don't believe what you hear about Czechs having no courage. What I saw, today, was a wonderfully spirited crowd of Czechs and other residents screaming for what is right..and perhaps one day.., someone will actually listen.

Until then, let the echo of the people continue to be heard through the streets of Malostrana and beyond, evoking action, more passion and motivation to fight for what is right for this small country who has a strong voice and a right for peace within its own borders.