Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor

….from Julian:

I asked a Green acquaintance her advice on what to say to folks who claim that politics should be independent of the anti-war movement. She sent me some sound advice and the position on politics and the peace movement we should take as Greens:

You can not seperate politics from war. As long as people continue to support parties that support wars we will have them. As long as the parties prop up warriors as candidates we will have warriors as leaders.

These folks [who claim political independence from the peace movement]may choose to stand alone. But that is a personal decision.

We can not as a party be silent on the war, and we will not.

Well said.
Thank you, Echo.

Yesterday we received a call from the Al Franken Show, the TV version, to air my photos on their show last night. I gave permission, of course, with the understading that I and People for Peace and Justice of Utah would be credited. The producers are also sending us a tape of the show.

Here are some more photos of the Bush Demonstration event from Monday, August 22nd from my friend Julian Hatch:

The organizing team for the recent Bush demonstration in Salt Lake City did an amazing job of pulling together, in less than 5 full days, an outstanding event that drew thousands of people – one of largest demonstrations in recent Utah history.

The day after the event the organizing team held a “post mortem” debriefing to celebrate our efforts, successes, and voice concerns about the organizing, the event itself, and discuss improvements for future events, as well as the possibility of keeping the group together for organizing in the future. In go-around fashion, about a dozen people had a chance to say what was on their mind. 11 of those people were organizers, one person came to sit in on the meeting.

Some of the concerns voiced were mostly on logistics and the media spin, although overall we were pleased with the media attention that was garnered. The committee decided to send a letter of “thanks” to George W. Bush (it is being composed as I write this) for visiting SLC,with all of our signatures and organizations on it, along with a fact sheet of our unified position on the war. We plan to also individually write letters to the editor of local papers.

The committee also agreed that the focus of the rally on September 24th needs to focus on **Utah**.

Now for the “fun” part.

The group recognized that the event was a little heavy on speakers from the Democrat party side, but only because the SLC mayor, Rocky Anderson, had really promoted this event and speakers had come forward. The Utah Progressive Democrats were involved in organizing, as was the Green Party of Utah, Student Socialists, and other military-peace and peace organizations. The Prog Dems were formed to pull the Dems to the left and they have been active in the peace and anti-nuclear movements in Utah.

One person, the person who was not involved in organizing the event, chose to voice his concern that political parties should not be involved in the anti-war movement and that the Democrats had essentially taken over the event.

In repsonse to a subsequent email from organizers voicing concerns over this person’s comments, this person wrote that the anti-war movement
has been, will be and is strongest if it is politically independent from any political party.
and
The larger and more powerful the politically independent, grass-roots movement we build the more difficulty we will have fighting off the opportunist politicians of every stripe who are begging to speak.
.
(Please note that the entire email has not been included and excerpts have been extracted for this post.)

Maybe these “opportunist politicians” are “begging to speak” because they have something worthy to say about their stance on war. They should be provided that chance.

Here is my response that I sent via email.
Peace and Justice encompasses ALL people and organizations who embrace the concept of ending war and promoting a more just and peaceful existence on earth, regardless of political pursuasion or affiliation or level of involvement in political organizations.

We need to include ALL organizations – political parties, peace groups, faith-based groups, etc. – who stand together in agreement on certain issues – and address those issues that bring us together. To not recognize this effort to be in unity on those issues is a disservice to the peace movement.

I also feel that the Green Party needs to pursue electing Greens to office who reflect our the values of the peace, environment, and anti-nuclear movements. As one of our organizers pointed out, it’s politics that got us into the war, after all. We **need** to have politicians in office who will be accountable to its citizens….and to the **world**.

One person pointed out the ambiguity of the label “opportunist politicians”:

….why can’t they speak if they are opposed to the war? The more politicians from any party we can get on record as opposed to the war, the sooner we will reach critical mass. Does it really matter if they advance their personal agenda if they also advance our agenda? We need as many politicians at all levels of government from School Boards to the Presidency opposing the war.

In the same response, an organizer from the Prog Dems, was this comment:
We have an opportunity to create working relationships among ourselves in order to further our shared goal. Those relationships can help us further other goals in this Republican dominated political landscape as well. Goals that protect our environment and help build more diverse and humane communities. The UDPC has been a willing participant in this effort and will continue to be provided we are not put down because of our political affiliation. In the grand scheme of things it worked better than we imagined. Let’s run with it.

The committee viewed this event as an opportunity. An opportunity to grow. An opportunity to work on shared visions. An opportunity to set the example that political organizations **can** make a difference with sincere efforts. An opportunity for politicians to make statements without being worried about their image. An opportunity for peace activists to share their efforts with people of diverse backgrounds and phiolosophies. An opportunity to practice consensus building. An opportunity to break the barriers and continue to build the movement towards making our world a more humane and just place to exist.

As quoted above: Let’s run with it!

I have added more links, as I receive them, to articles on Monday’s events in the entry below this one.

Here are some more photos from my friend Clarity:

The links I have provided include info on not only the protests but on Bush’s visit as well. Notice the difference in quanity of articles on the two events. (Links to articles from yesterday are in the article below this entry.)

(Please share any photos/articles you find that are not on this list – thanks!)

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson addresses the crowd at Pioneer Park

(photo from Deseret News)
Salt Lake Mayor’s Anti-War Stance Reverberates Beyond Conservative Utah – Common Dreams article from August 25.
Blogs:
All Hell Breaks Loose in Utah – 2000+ Protest Bush – Daily Kos – video
Ryan’s pics
A Real American Psycho
Jen’s Journal

Print:
Specifically on the Protest:
Thousands Protest Bush, Iraq War In Salt Lake City – Truthout article, includes KUTV and SL Tribune articles
Salt Lake Metro – SLC Gay and Lesbian Magazine
Protests greet President Bush on arrival in Salt Lake City
Rally of a thousand recalls Vietnam era
Rocky’s park protest gets mixed reviews: disgraceful to heroic (Common Dreams Article)
Protesters Make Appeal to Patriotism in Opposing War

On Bush’s visit
Veterans aren’t so pleased with Bush’s domestic record
SLTribune’s “photo gallery”(not very comprehensive)
TV stations took care covering an all-too-familiar Bush speech
Vets cheer Bush
On the Hunt

TV:
Bush Defends Iraq War In Face Of Opposition

Audio/Video:
President Bush’s speech
KCPW clips on Bush’s speech and Rocky Anderson’s speech
Channel 4 (ABC)

International:
Bush Defends War in Iraq at Utah Meeting(Guardian Unlimited)

Arrests:
3 detained in S.L. during presidential visit

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
———————————–

After 5 intense days of planning, here is the program that was planned for today. Following the program there will be a silent march.

Please check back late this evening when I will be updating my blog on the events of today.

Program:
11:00-11:40 Music by Rich Wyman, Park Ciy musician
Emcee: Tom King
Invocation: Tom Goldsmith, Unitarian Church
Welcome: Mayor Rocky Anderson, SLC Mayor

Speakers:

Eileen McCabe-Olsen (CodePINK, Utah Democratic Progressive Caucus, Marine spouse)
Marv Hamilton, Vietnam War Veteran, Local musician
Military Module Speakers:
Aaron Davis, emcee for this segment, Utah Veterans for Peace
Christine Wind, military mom
Debbie Johnson,military mom
Mahan Khalsa, MFSO, People for Peace and Justice of Utah
Nate Smith, MFSO
Sheryl Ginsberg. military mom
Celeste Zappala, Gold Star Moms

Dave Randle, Local faith organizer
Music by Jerry “The Slickrock Stranger”
Ed Firmage Sr., LDS, political scientist
—————————–
Participating organizations that organized this event:
People for Peace and Justice of Utah
Salt Lake CodePink Women for Peace
Utah Veterans for Peace
Utah Military Families Speak Out
Shundahai Network
Utah IWW
M19 Mobilization Committee
Green Party of Utah
Rowland Hall School Student Socialists
Democracy for Utah
Utah Progressive Democrats
Stonewall Democrats
Davis Democrats

Today organizers planning the rally “End the Unjust War in Iraq” during Bush’s visit to Salt Lake spent 9 hours making signs and finalizing plans for Monday, August 22nd.

ABC World News Tonight showed up and taped us making signs – and the clip they showed on their national program had me in it!
Fox 13 (SLC station) also showed up, taped us making signs and interviewed my husband, Tom.

Following the sign-making session, we held the final planning meeting.

Here are photos of the days events.

Gold Star Families/TV Spot Follow Bush to Salt Lake City, but Clear Channel Won’t Air Ad
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2005 22:56:58 +0000

This is a media release that went out today regarding Clear Channel’s refusal to air the Gold Star Families for Peace ad, when all the other major networks have accepted it:

GOLD STAR FAMILIES FOR PEACE TV SPOT WILL FOLLOW BUSH TO SALT LAKE CITY

Ad Features Cindy Sheehan Asking President to Meet, But ABC Affiliate Won’t Air It

“Inappropriate” for Utah Audience, Says Clear Channel Station

Gold Star Families for Peace will run a television ad in Salt Lake City beginning tomorrow, asking President Bush to meet with Cindy Sheehan, whose son Casey was killed last year in Iraq and who has staged a two-week-long vigil outside the vacationing President’s ranch in Crawford, TX.

The 60-second spot features Sheehan directly addressing the President, who will be in Salt Lake City on Monday to speak at a veterans’ convention. She has said she will stay close to the President until he agrees to meet with her and explain why he considers the war in Iraq, where her son and more than 1,800 other Americans have died, “a noble cause.”

The ad will air on the CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates in Salt Lake City through Monday, a $15,000 buy paid for with contributions from supporters nationwide of Sheehan and her vigil, the organization announced. Celeste Zappala, co-founder of Gold Star Families, said the message from Crawford is the same messge the President will hear all across the country.

“Where ever he goes, we plan to be there,” she said.

Salt Lake City’s ABC affiliate, KTVX-TV Channel 4, refused to accept the ads. Station executive Jemina Keller claimed that it is an “inappropriate commercial advertisement for Salt Lake City… incompatible with our marketplace.”

The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications, the Texas-based mega-broadcasting chain whose executives have been close to George W. Bush.

A similar ad has aired in the Waco – Crawford Central Texas market since Sheehan and other mothers and families of soldiers killed in Iraq began their vigil near Crawford on Aug. 7, when Bush began his five-week vacation. In Utah it will air on KSL (NBC) 5, KSTU (Fox) and KUTV (CBS).

Here is the ad:

Gold Star Families for Peace

“Cindy Sheehan”

TV :60

Title: Cindy Sheehan Crawford Texas
(Cindy: s/s)

Mr. President, my name is Cindy Sheehan.

On April 4, 2004, my son, Casey was killed in Iraq. He was only 24, and he died in his best friend’s arms.

Casey was so good…and so honest.

Why can’t you be honest with us?

You were wrong about the weapons of mass destruction.

You were wrong about the link between Iraq and Al Qaeda.

You lied to us, and because of your lies, my son died.

You said he died for a noble cause. What cause?

Mr. President, I want to tell you face to face how much this hurts.

I love my country. But how many more of our loved ones need to die in this senseless war?

How many more soldiers have to die before we say enough?

I know you can’t bring Casey back.

But it’s time to admit mistakes and bring our troops home now.

Paid for by
Gold Star Families for Peace