Thousands Protest Bus Fundraisers!
Bush in Burlingame In spite of near triple-digit heat and snarled traffic, at 11 a.m. on Friday, 2,000 strong protested Bush in a Burlingame hotel near the San Francisco airport. Although located in a remote area that was difficult to access by transportation, demonstrators assembled right in front of the hotel.
Called by A.N.S.W.E.R. SF, the protest was endorsed by many organizations including the San Francisco and San Mateo Central Labor Councils and the California Labor Federation. Members of SEIU, CWA and Building Trades locals turned out in numbers. Protesters carried signs and chanted, "Bush lied, Iraqis and GIs die," "President of the rich, enemy of the workers," and "Hey Bush, get out of Iraq, support the troops by bringing them back."
10,000 in Los Angeles That evening, people from all over Southern California -- Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside -- converged to boo Bush in front of the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City. The demonstration had scores of endorsers and attracted participants from many communities. A rally took place from a large stage directly in front of the hotel, with banners against the U.S. occupation of Iraq, in solidarity with Palestine, and demanding money for human needs, not war.
The program featured many speakers who blasted Bush for his lies and his attacks on the poor while giving billions to the rich. As the limos swept up in front of the hotel to drop off Bush's wealthy friends, who paid at least $2,000 to attend, thousands booed and chanted. Bush fled the city for his ranch immediately after speaking. Protests around the country In the last week, Bush has been dogged by protesters during his mega-fundraising. On June 23, thousands demonstrated in New York City against the occupation of Iraq and in support of women's rights. Many carried signs calling for Bush's impeachment.
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