Bush Rally Exceeds Expectations

It was very hard to get to hear all the speakers and take photos at today’s demonstration. There were so many people that it was difficult to navigate one’s way around! Here is a brief report:

A crowd of an estimated 2,000 people gathered in Pioneer Park today to protest George W. Bush’s refusal to address the many surfacing questions surrounding the Iraq War. Approximately 400 of those people lined the park along 300 South adorning it with signs of varying messages. There was a handful of “pro-Bush” supporters along the street as well with their signs.

A coalition of activist and political groups organized the rally, which began at 11:00am. The Green Party of Utah maintained a visible presence, with the emcee-ing of GPUT-GPUS Delegate, Tom King, who ran the program with ease. There were also members present to rally in solidarity with citizens, and to do outreach for the party, including collecting petition signatures and getting rally-goers to sign a notification list of GPUT events and activities.

From Tom King:
The “End the Unjust War in Iraq” rally was quite impressive, at least based on my experience in helping organize and attend pro peace rallies since 2001. I was honored to be the emcee of the event as well as being able to help provide the public address equipment.

Although I did have hopes that we might have 1000 people turn out, I was quite pleasantly surprised when the actual turnout was closer to the high side of 2000. The event went pretty much as planned, with only a few logistical hurdles in the set up stages, including no electrical power available. We managed to take the problems in our stride, and it seems that the event was overall a big success.

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anerdson took the podium with the message that citizens must stand up against the current administration’s policies and demand and end to the Iraq War.

There will be a clip on the rally on Tuesday’s Democracy Now

Here are articles that appeared in today’s media about Bush’s visit. Photos are below.
As text of speeches are obtained, they will be posted as well, in addition to any other photos and articles.

Print:
Bush visits veterans in Utah
President Bush arrives in Utah
Text of President’s Speech to Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention
Visiting vets want troops to come home
Bush likens war on terror to world wars
Bush speaks in Salt Lake today

Bush Defends War in Iraq at Utah Meeting

TV:
President Bush Arrives in Utah
President Stops in Utah to Drum Up Support for Iraq War
Bush Asks For War Support During Salt Lake Speech

About the protest:
Print:
Rocky drums up Bush protesters

Thousands protest Bush, Iraq war; vow support for troops, their families

TV:
Protesters Gather at Pioneer Park
Thousands Protest Bush, Iraq War In Salt Lake City
———————————–