newswire article reporting oregon & cascadia actions & protests 1,000 people get in Bushs Face Calling for Impeachment author: Mollie Despite the warnings from the media to avoid the demonstration in Bellevue on August 27thall the streets were going to be closed, it would be dangerous, they saidabout 1,000 people showed up to register their views. It was an upbeat crowedperhaps because it was a rare opportunity to get in front of Bush to let him know what we think. Maybe because Gonzo resigned and it now feels that the Bush administration is unraveling. A handful of Republicans many have greeted Bush inside the hotel yesterday but the people in the streets did not. They carried a range of signs to tell Bush what they thought of him and his policies. Impeachment predominated but there were many other issues that concerned people, including ending the war. Some were also critical of the U.S. Representative who was the beneficiary of this $1,000 a plate, $10,000 per photo op with Bush fundraiser.



People came from across the state to join together. They started gathering early and lined the streets with signs. In Microsoft-wealthy Bellevue, they found a lot of kindred spirits. As one person in an expensive car said as she drove by, "Even rich white people are fed up with Bush."



Others stayed at the Bradford Center to hear speakers and songs.



Then the march began. Without a permit, we stayed on the sidewalks. The line of marchers stretched for blocks. Many driversin cars and trucks--honked and waved in support. Surprisingly, only two streets were cordoned off and even then, we were able to get close to the hotel.



It was a rare summer day and we made a joyful noise as we marched and then lined up around the intersection of Bellevue and 108th st.



The Bellevue police were in everyday uniforms and on bikes. They were laid back and they weren't out in force. Toward the end of the demonstration, some people pushed the envelope by going across the fence. Then the storm troopers came out but they did not appear to do anything other than stand there to maintain the boundary.



Clearly, the police have learned how not to overact or restrict people from expressing their first amendment rightsthe recent court cases that forced cities to pay money for police violations had an effect.



Whether the Republicans have figured out that supporting Bush plus the war will result in defeat 2008 is unclear. contribute to this article

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