On Tuesday afternoon I was interviewed by the Edmonton Journal concerning that evening's planned protest against George W. Bush. The article was on the Journal's website for a few hours, until it was replaced with the one about the event itself. I think I said some things that were still pertinent after the fact.
All Protesters gear up for Bush event in Edmonton
By Richard Warnica,
edmontonjournal.com
October 20, 2009 3:02 PM
EDMONTON - Though controversial and oft critically loathed, the presidency of George W. Bush was nonetheless unquestionably crammed with historical moments.
Bush, who is speaking tonight in Edmonton, presided over a world-changing terrorist attack, started two wars and arguably set the stage-with his own historic unpopularity- for the election of the first black president of the United States.
And oh yeah, one time, he almost got hit by a shoe.
For many nobushniks, the shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist, who missed the then-president in two attempts, has come to symbolize their own distaste for Bush.
And as the former president has taken his first tentative steps back on the global stage, shoe-wielding protesters have followed him at every turn.
Tonight, inside the Shaw Conference Centre, Bush is scheduled to speak in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,000. Outside, meanwhile, protest organizers promise there will be shoes.
In a uniquely Canadian twist, though, the footwear will not be flung, said Paula Kirman, an organizer with the Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism, the main body behind tonight's rally. Instead the shoes will be stacked in a pile and later given to charity.
"We're intending this to be a peaceful protest," Kirman said.
Kirman expects at least several hundred protesters to show up for the event, beginning at about 4 p.m. In addition to the shoes, there will be speakers and live music.
"He is just responsible for so much inhumanity," Kirman said. "We want to send a very strong message to the Canadian government that war criminals should not be allowed in the country."
Inside, ticket holders will be treated to anecdotes from the former president as well as a question-and-answer session with former L.A. Kings goaltender and hockey commentator Kelly Hrudey.
rwarn...@thejournal.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
1 comment:
Good work Paula.
I know some people have buried their heads in the tar-sand and don't understand the fact that Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld approved many acts that are considered by most nations as war crimes. The U.S. and their leaders seems to be exempt from prosecution for now anyway.
Thanks for your efforts in standing up for justice.
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