It’s kind of funny how the media picks up on things.
Last year I and Tom were part of the organizing committee that planned a tremendous program, which Tom emceed, to protest Bush’s appearance in SLC at the VFW convention. (see my account here)It took us only 5 days to develop a program and publicity that attracted over 3,000 people. Rocky Anderson was invited to be a speaker, which he accepted. It was a great program and Rocky was a tremendous part of that. Rocky got the credit for the rally, which was inaccurate, but that’s o.k.
When word got out yesterday that Bush and Condi Rice will be in town for the American Legion convention in August, members of the same committee stepped into action. We already have preliminary planning going on and meetings set up. Media folks contacted us almost immediately and some are in on our planning discussions.
So in today’s news:
Deseret News, the headline article (online) is Rocky may protest Bush – If asked, he’ll speak again at a rally when president visits S.L. One of our committee organizers, our media spokesperson, is quoted:
One of the organizers of last year’s protest, Eileen McCabe-Olsen, said among the goals of this year’s protest is “to reach out to diverse constituencies to build support in this election year to pressure Congress to end the war in Iraq . . . and restrain this imperial presidency.”
Salt Lake Tribune: Rocky vows cool welcome for Bush
Coming in August: The president is scheduled to attend American Legion convention in SLC
Anderson said Friday he planned to meet with organizers of past protests. He foresees an anti-Bush alliance linking environmentalists, seniors, peace activists, health advocates and others.
The mayor said the United States has an opportunity for “building relations with nations around the world, to joining the world’s movement toward a non-fossil-fuel economy, to creating better, healthier, safer communities. They’re all unfortunately being ignored and undermined” by Bush.
Be assured that plans are in progress for a rally. I am part of this planning process for this event and will supply updates here as plans develop.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 