Anti-Bush protests-Holland

Anti-Bush protests - Pro-Kerry Supporters Met GW deep in Michigan
GOP territory

A diverse group of individuals (including Clark Veterans) helped organize the Bush protests in Ottawa (Holland, MI) for the GW visit there on Monday the 13th of Sept. They got 350+ people out chanting anti-Bush slogans -- a very disciplined and motivated group. There were no incidents. The protest shocked Betsy DeVos (MI GOP President and Amway heiress) in her own hometown.

This was the largest demonstration of its type in Ottawa since an event at Hope College against the draft in 1968, or so they tell us.

Although we achieved all our objectives, (we were expecting some heavy handedness from the County police - to their credit they were quite democratic in their handling of us) and were in clear view of the national press, we got no significant national coverage.... sigh. All they had to do was pan over 18 degrees to see our fleet of anti-Bush - pro-Kerry signs. We were right behind Bush, and slightly to the left. Maybe we should have fielded our fleet of fog horns, but had voted against that plan that morning. We're still too nice.

Bush supporters came out the main gate after the event to be met by dozens of homemade signs and passionate cries of "12 more weeks" - "The Bush Stops HERE" - "Bush lied, thousands died" - "Who would Jesus torture?" - "No War for Profit" - etc.

A series of large yellow signs with "Worried about... Healthcare, The Draft, Jobs, Outsourcing, Overtime Pay, Social Security & Pensions, Public Education, Bush Wars of Choice, Our Troops, Free Speech, The Deficit, etc." with "Don't Worry, Vote KERRY" on the back was supported by very popular blow up pictures of a Alfred E. Newman version of George W. (evidently from the cover of the National Review) with the subtitle "Worry".

Ottawa County had the highest percentage for GW in 2000 in the State. We signed up new volunteers from a group that included many "first time ever" political participants. If we can organize there, we can organize anywhere. There just may be hope yet.

Bush MUST go, period.

PS

Max Cleland's Veterans' Tour of Michigan in August, anchored by a 22 ft. Swiftboat Float built by Western Michigan volunteers, brought out veterans across MI. US Cong. John Dingell remarked that he had never seen so many Veterans out for the Democrats in his 30-year career.