helderheid

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Fri Jan-19-07 10:51 AM
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YEAH!! Rocky to 'highlight' D.C. anti-war rally!

Edited on Fri Jan-19-07 10:59 AM by helderheid

Rocky to 'highlight' D.C. anti-war rally
Speech of SLC mayor is advertised as an example of how unpopular Bush policies are - even in Utah

He has made national news - twice - for protesting President Bush in Salt Lake City. Now, Rocky Anderson will have a national stage to castigate the commander in chief.

Salt Lake City's mayor will speak at an anti-war rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27, sharing the microphone with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, presidential hopeful Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio and the father of a military officer who refuses to deploy to Iraq.

The demonstration - expected to draw hundreds of thousands in the largest anti-war protest since November's elections - is being organized by the New York-based United for Peace and Justice in response to Bush's plan to send 21,500 more U.S. troops to Iraq.

The rally will call on Congress to "end Bush's war and bring the troops home," according to organizers.

Judith LeBlanc, national co-chairwoman of United for Peace and Justice, said she invited Anderson - the only mayor scheduled to speak - because of his headline-grabbing anti-Bush protest in Utah's capital in August and because of the city he represents.

"The fact that people were marching and he spoke out in the reddest state in the country is what inspired us," she said. "He is one of the highlights of the program."

Anderson said he was pleased to take part and that the invitation "speaks well for our community."

"The decision to commence the invasion and occupation of Iraq and the way in which this administration has carried out its policies ever since are completely contrary to the values underlying the Constitution and the values that most individual Americans share," he said, mentioning torture, wiretapping and a war based on ''lies.'' ''This is a much more dangerous world as a result of the Bush administration policies.''

The news release about the rally promotes Anderson before other noteworthy speakers, including Jackson, Kucinich and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. Actress Rhea Perlman from the TV show "Cheers" also will address the throngs, and singer Cher will appear on stage, though she is not scheduled to speak.

Anderson's anti-Bush protest in summer - when the president was in town to speak at the American Legion convention - sparked outrage among Republicans. But don't expect similar indignation this time, at least from the party.

Blind faith in bad leaders is not patriotism - Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson

Rocky Anderson Gear: http://www.cafepress.com/helderheid/2381193

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http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5043046

YEAH!! Rocky to 'highlight' D.C. anti-war rally!

Rocky to 'highlight' D.C. anti-war rallySpeech of SLC mayor is advertised as an example of how unpopular Bush policies are - even in Utah

Blind faith in bad leaders is not patriotism - Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson

Rocky to 'highlight' D.C. anti-war rally
Speech of SLC mayor is advertised as an example of how unpopular Bush policies are - even in Utah