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Local residents protest the policies of President George Bush during his visit today
Standing up against the culture of violence and asking our leaders to end the occupation of Iraq, renounce the doctrine of pre-emptive war, and fund human needs NOT war
Ft. Myers, FL—Local peace, environmental, and political groups will gather to protest the policies of President George W. Bush during his visit to Ft. Myers today. They will rally at the K-Mart Plaza at the corner of McGregor Blvd. and Iona Rd. at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. President Bush will be at a $2,000 per person fundraiser at the home of Al Hoffman, the finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, across the road inside the gated community of Gulf Harbour. The demonstrators will be outside calling for money for jobs, education and healthcare—not war and not occupation! They will hold signs, banners, and candles, forming a human wall of opposition. Black ribbons will be worn in mourning for those killed by the Bush administrations’ misguided policies in Iraq.
A small flotilla of boats will be out on the Caloosahatchee River behind the home, for those who would like to protest by sea. Boats are scheduled to depart at noon from the Cape Coral Yacht Club, so that everyone can be back to protest on the street.
Karen Dwyer, one of the organizers, says their group, Pax Christi Naples, is here for two reasons. To urge President Bush to end the occupation of Iraq and to call on him to renounce the policy of preemptive war. “The occupation of Iraq,” she says, “is killing U.S. soldiers, increasing terrorism, and bankrupting America.” It is making us less, not more, secure. We’re asking our leaders to bring our troops home, turn over control to the U.N., and set a date for elections within six months.”
The President says that we have “liberated” Iraq, but “democracy” is nowhere in sight. Looting and crime has increased; electricity, water, food, medicine, gasoline, and other basic necessities are scarce or unavailable, and the U.S. is more at risk from terrorist attacks than ever. The war on Iraq proves that pre-emptive war does not bring peace and security. It does just the opposite. It breeds resentment and violence and fuels terrorism. Now is the time to renounce this immoral and unjust doctrine forever that has turned the world against us.
Endorsers of this event include:
Pax Christi Naples
Ft. Myers Social Action Committee
Collier County Anti-war Coalition
Lee County Democratic Club
Coalition of Immokalee Workers
World Citizens of Florida Gulf Coast University
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