Peace Activists Prepare to Protest Presidential Visit

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Local peace activists are moving quickly to organize protests when President Bush visits Salt Lake City next month. When the President last visited Utah nearly a year ago, a massive anti-war protest drew headlines - in large part because of Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson's vocal support. Dayne Goodwin of the Wasatch Coalition for Peace and Justice says staging another protest could detract from the movement's message.

"It's very important for the anti-war movement to be sure what we're doing will advance the anti-war movement rather than being seen as a few people who will always protest Bush."

Goodwin says calls for an end to the war in Iraq should resonate with the public this year as much, if not more than last time Bush visited. But he does worry that protesting the President's visit will put the focus on party politics, rather than moral issues. Whether or not Mayor Anderson chooses to get involved may also help draw a crowd:

"I think that protest was somewhat of an anomaly. It's possible we could see a similar turnout if the headlines give the protest attention and people realize they have a chance to come out at protest Bush's policies."

As a matter of policy, Bush's visit has not been confirmed by the White House, but a memo to Salt Lake City airport officials indicates both the President and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will attend the annual convention of the American Legion in Utah on August 30th.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW