WTF Is It Now?!?

500,000+ March in Anti-War Rally in Italy
FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - More than half a million anti-war protesters from across Europe marched through the city today in a loud and colorful demonstration denouncing any possible U.S. attack on Iraq.

Brimming with anti-American feelings and riled by a tough new U.N. resolution to disarm Iraq, young and old activists from as far afield as Russia and Portugal joined forces for the carnival-like rally.

"Take your war and go to hell," read one banner, in a forest of multi-colored and multi-lingual placards. "Drop Bush, not Bombs" read another. Some placards depicted pResident Bush as Hitler.

Authorities estimated that some 450,000 protesters flooded Florence's streets for the march on a chilly autumn afternoon. But by dusk, the crowed had swelled to over half a million, many of them arriving on specially chartered trains and buses. Organizers estimated the gathering at around one million, making it one of Italy's biggest ever anti-war rallies.

Despite the large crowds, the march was largely peaceful and no incidents were reported. "The atmosphere here is wonderful. Absolutely perfect. It shows that a new young left is emerging," said Stavos Valsamis, a 27-year-old Greek activist from Athens.