Quiet rejection: anti-Bush demonstrators to turn their backs during parade

AP ^ | 12/14/4 | DONNA CASSATA

[SmithL]

WASHINGTON -- No buttons, signs or unusual dress will distinguish the protesters from the thousands who will line the inaugural parade route next month, but at a set time, they say they will demonstrate against President Bush -- by turning their backs on the chief executive.

Coupled with the widely expected pomp and pageantry of a presidential inauguration are demonstrations by protesters angered by Bush's policies, in particular the war in Iraq.

Getting ready for Jan. 20, 2005, various groups are using Web sites, e-mails, fliers and word of mouth to urge thousands of demonstrators to gather in the nation's capital.

Among planned events are an anti-war rally and three-mile march to the White House, a massive bike ride similar to those that disrupted traffic in New York City before the Republican National Convention, and a "die-in" to remind the nation of more than 1,200 U.S. dead in Iraq.

[SmithL]

Just trying to show their "good" side

[Petronski]

"Demonstration" of what? Electoral impotence?

[Tempest]

Meh, these kids did the same song and dance in 2000. There whole act is tired by now.

[vpintheak]

Or just showing us what they really are!

[b9]

Well they can be sure W will NEVER turn his back on them.

Like the bumper sticker says,
he's saving their ass whether they like it or not.

[don-o]

They thank this up on Nov 4, or so.

Good to see that such silliness has legs with the nitwits.

[Spok]

I like it better when they're doing something they can be gassed and arrested for. This form of protest is so much more subtle and symbolic. I'm sure they stole the idea from the American Legionaire's who turned their backs to Kerry during one of his speeches.

[SteveMcKing]

Suuuure. "So, uh, don't be too ready for us, DC Police...."

[ladyinred]

Oooh, this took real brains to think up!
Just be showing their butts as usual actually.

[Peace will be here soon]

"a massive bike ride similar to those that disrupted traffic in New York City before the Republican National Convention"

Maybe we will see a nice January snow/ice storm about that time. And was the other bike ride really "massive" ?

Oh, this is the AP, of course it was massive.

[mainepatsfan]

Exactly! Bush didn't care what these idiots thought when he was running for re-election so why the hell should he care when he's not running for anything?!!

[don-o]

I'm sure they stole the idea from the American Legionaire's who turned their backs to Kerry during one of his speeches.

Maybe. When I was in high school, at basketball games, when the opponent was being introduced, in the student section, we would all open newspapers. I think we stole that from Duke University.

[so_real]

and a "die-in" to remind the nation of more than 1,200 U.S. dead in Iraq

Do the protestors understand how statistically low this number is compared to *every* other war or military action we've ever been involved in? Every life is precious, to be sure, but are they so naive as to believe you can fight a *war* without casualties? Or perhaps, they just aren't willing to defend us or anyone for fear of costing a single life.

[traderrob6]

As long as they don't all break wind at the same time....no worries

[savedbygrace]

IF I were there watching the parade, and IF some idiot in front of me SUDDENLY turns around to face me, would it be terribly rude to spray some MACE or Pepper Spray in his face?

I mean, he startled me and I thought he might be attacking me, officer.

[MikeA]

I love how these people actually believe Bush gives a rip what they think of him. He'll probably be glad to have their backs turned so as to not look at their hideous visages.

[MBohman]

I love to point out to these little "freedom fighters" that the only way they can do these "die-ins" is from the blood of the soldiers who didn't pretend.

[Conservative Canuck]

<img src=http://www.prosoundweb.com/fun/Photofun/76-head_up_ass.jpg

[af_vet_1981]

No buttons, signs or unusual dress will distinguish the protesters from the thousands who will line the inaugural parade route next month, but at a set time, they say they will demonstrate against President Bush -- by turning their backs on the chief executive and local Washington DC pickpockets will redistribute the wealth.

[kristinn]

The D.C. Chapter will be holding pro-Bush demonstrations along the parade route that day. Details here:Click me.