PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

At least 500 March on March 30
by pjd Sunday, Mar. 30, 2003 at 5:32 PM

Local organizers seem to be underestimating our numbers. I attended the march and estimate a much higher number based on the observed length and density of the march.

IMC has reported attendence at the rally and march as 100 to 150, others reported 300 marchers. I believe both of these numbers are low. The corporate media may often underestimate the numbers of attendees at rallys and marches, but we shouldn't be doing it!

I observed a march length of about 600 feet at it's peak, when nearly everyone was in the street. Measuring the observed front and back of the march on a map confirmed the march was at least this long and perhaps as long as 900 feet. Using an estimate of an average density of 1 person per linear foot gives 600 marchers. So, we can put our number as "at least 500" and still be conservative.

Anyone with media contacts should report this number, not the lower numbers. Perhaps the already posted numbers can be revised with the higher estimate?

This may sound nit-picky, but we must not depreciate the movement's strength with attendence numbers that are too low!

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