A wide variety of people turn out to protest Bush in Tempe
by MaryK Croft
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004 at 2:04 PM
Casa Grande
From the Convergence Space at the Gentle Strenght to the gathering and march to Gammage, the only constant was the variety... and the dislike of our President's policies.
There were people of all ages, colors, styles. Some were angry at the way this administration has handled the current term; others were thankful for the most unifying President since the Vietnam War, responsible for the biggest number in new voter registrations in memory.
There were Women in Black and nearly-naked women (and a couple of men) with "Lick Bush in '04" painted on their skin. People carried signs, banners, balloons, percussion instruments, a 12' tall Kerry and an 11' foot tall Bush puppets, and lots of cameras. Nader supporters were evident. Anarchists signified that they don't want to vote for anyone at all. Dogs had signs taped to their harnesses that carried environmental messages, and there was a tiny Yorkshire Terrier that was barely big enough for the bumper-sticker on his side that said, "You're not MY President." Red and yellow T-shirts with ACLU logos, signified which people were "trained legal observers" carrying paper and pencil, and awareness of just what was acceptable police response and what could require documentation.
This is democracy in action. New voter registration is up 24% for Republicans; over 200% for Democrats.
We should all be proud. I know I am. --MaryK
www.soundclick.com/maryk
