by
Sam Stonebraker
Sept. 27, 2002 - It was a windy and overcast Friday morning
as Flagstaff citizens united in protest against war in Iraq.
President Bush was to arrive early in the afternoon and deliver
a stump speech for Republican Congressional candidate Rick
Renzi. Protesters gathered early at the American Baptist Church
to carpool and march together to Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds
where Bush was scheduled to speak. The Flagstaff Activist
Network (FAN) initiated the demonstration, also sponsoring
the pre-protest organizational meetings which included two
days worth of sign-making, non-violence training and discussion
groups. Others involved included the Sierra Club, the Justice
and Peace Coalition and the Black Mesa Water Coalition. The
Flagstaff Police Department was instrumental in securing a
site for protesters at the entrance to the venue. Organizers
estimate that 700 were on hand to show their support for the
anti-war effort. Despite rain, protesters manned the picket
lines and delivered dozens of speeches. No arrests were made,
although two people were escorted from the Republican Rally
inside. Approximately, 4,000 people attended the actual event.
Hundreds of protesters also awaited Bush's
arrival in Phoenix later that day. Over 600 demonstrators
were arrested in Washington, D.C. In London, thousands more
took to the streets. Although many might be tempted to think
otherwise due to the current mainstream media whitewash,
there are those who are struggling to make their voices
heard in opposition to our government's current policies.
|
