Some 2,000 protesters stage rally outside hotel where Bush speaksLOS ANGELESAbout 2,000 noisy but peaceful demonstrators, some in favor but most against, rallied outside the Century Plaza hotel where President Bush was making a fund-raising speech Friday.
Such diverse groups as Refuse & Resist, the Young Republicans, the Peace and Freedom Party, the Green Party and the Vietnamese Republican Assembly joined a rally that had no central themes, but generally was opposed to the president and his policies.
The colorful crowd, banging on drums, chanting and most holding signs saw several people in tie-dyed outfits standing beside others dressed as Miss Liberty and still others wearing Bush masks. They stood across the street from the Century Plaza hotel and at the corners of adjacent side streets.
A handful of pro Bush supporters were also on hand, and the two groups talked peacefully.
Ethlie Ann Vare, 43, a writer from Hollywood, took part with her 22-year-old son, Russell.
"I want to make sure our government isn't deceived into thinking everyone agrees with them," she said of the Bush administration. "We need as many bodies as possible here. He doesn't have a mandate."
Jennifer Kerns, 30, an Internet marketing executive and vice president of the Young Republicans, said "the majority does not come out to these events."
I totally respect their right to protest but for most of them this is their job," she said. "I had to take time off from work."
Published: Friday, June 27, 2003 20:34 PDT
Young Republicans and the Vietnamese Republican Assembly were on OUR side, and we DID have a message:Thank GOD for...W!"(Hint: Next time, read the HUGE BANNER!)