A warm reception for Bush--NOT

When President George Bush came to Wichita, he probably figured this was a nice Republican friendly town he could visit without much fuss. Although he was able to avoid looking at protesters for more than a few seconds, Wichita protesters wanted him to know he was no more welcome in this city, than any other of its size.

Over 150 protesters lined up along 21st Street in Wichita to Show their disapproval of Bush.

Bush's agenda included an appearance at the Boys & Girls Club, near 21st and
Grove St. Unlike a fund raiser for Senator Pat Roberts' re-election campaign, which was moved more than twice to throw off opponents, Bush was forced to endure this protest as his motorcade made it to the Boys & Girls Club.

The protest was put on by The People Who Care, a coalition that invited anyone in the city, who opposed the president and included members of the local Peace and Justice Center. Most of the protesters focused on the Iraq war with signs pointing out the 3512 U.S. Dead as of June 13. Many of the signs said simply "U.S. Out of Iraq Now."


Fever people showed up at a protest in the middle of town, knowing that the fund raiser, where people paid $500 plate and $4,500 to have their picture with the president, was moved to a remote location where protesters could not get close enough to annoy the rich boys club that continues to fund this type government we now have.



Most passing motorists were supportive of the demonstration. However one woman yelled insults and made obscene gestures as she drove past.


According to the Associated Press:



Protesters, onlookers assemble hours before Bush visit to Wichita

By ROXANA HEGEMAN
A. P. Writer

WICHITA, Kan. -- Protesters and curious onlookers mingled along the streets of this city hours before President Bush was scheduled to visit a boys and girls club and raise campaign funds for Sen. Pat Roberts.

Mary Harren hastily organized a loose coalition of war protesters calling themselves, "We The People Who Care."

"We are asking that we bring the troops now. Get us out of Iraq," Harren said. "They never should have been sent there in the first place. They were sent under false pretenses."