Tree sitters protest Bush Portland visit

KGW News ^ | 08/20/03 | KGW and AP Staff

[bedolido]

Portland activists have kicked off their protest against President Bush early.

Three protesters shinnied up a pine tree and unfurled a banner on the University of Portland campus where President Bush is scheduled to visit on Thursday.

Police arrested the trio and two bystanders who refused to obey police commands The protesters climbed the 80-foot tree early Tuesday, prompting police and firefighters with a ladder to come to the scene and order them down.

The banner depicted an evergreen tree and said: "United Against Bush."

Joe Keating, one of the protest organizers, said the incident was meant to bring attention to "the problems that we're having with George Bush, especially with the forest issues."

"We stand against Bush and we stand for the creation of a world that works for all," he told supporters who gathered around the trees.

The protesters at first refused to come down, but descended Tuesday afternoon as the supporters on the ground cheered. The climbers were arrested and cited for trespassing and criminal mischief when they reached the ground.

Bush plans to speak at a $2,000-a-person money-raiser for his re-election campaign at the private Catholic university on Thursday. Police are expected to keep protesters away from the campus during his visit.

[bedolido]

One of three protesters who shinnied up a pine tree to protest the upcoming visit by President Bush. (KGW Photo)

[11B3]

They should have just chainsawed the tree down with the sitters in it - and then run the tree through a chipper in front of all those enviroNazis for added effect.

[trebb]

we stand for the creation of a world that works for all

I would like to hear his interpretation of that comment...

[ARCADIA]

When does hunting season open up, and what is the bag limit on tree sitters?

[reagan_fanatic]

I like your thinking!

[AngryJawa]

"Are You Ready for a STIHL?"

[bedolido]

"Are You Ready for a STIHL?"

I had a Stihl and always had trouble starting it. I sold it and bought a craftman... it starts first time everytime. 24" blade I could knock that treesitter down in about 2 minutes.

[Paleo Conservative]

"we stand for the creation of a world that works for all"

I would like to hear his interpretation of that comment...

I'd rather just cut down the tree.

[ARCADIA]

I am surprised we don't give the tree sitters what they are looking for. If it were my project I would set up a string of flood lights and run the cameras on these guys 24x7; perhaps I would even add a little patriotic music to make it even more pleasant. Give them that for 24-48 hours and they will either climb down or jump off.

[dfwgator]

TIMMMBERRRRRRR!

[alwaysconservative]

"We stand against Bush and we stand for the creation of a world that works for all," he told supporters who gathered around the trees.

Uh, kids, YOU'RE the ones who are supposed to be working, not the "world". Another News Flash: The world does NOT owe you a living. Get your own job, losers.

[sauropod]

Joe Keating has blood on his hands. Remember the 4 firefighters that died a couple of years back because of dithering on the part of the USFS over whether or not an endangered species would be scooped up as helicopters went for water?

The 4 firefighters were trapped. Burned alive. Because of idiots like this person.

Mr. Keating, you have blood on your hands. Shame!

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Latest new photo:

[talleyman]

Chainsaw bump! (Although setting the tree on fire could be amusing as well.)

[smiley]

Reminds me of Rush's "timberrrr song with the chain saw"...great stuff!

[randog]

we stand for the creation of a world that works for all

I would like to hear his interpretation of that comment...

LOL! I was wondering what the h--- that meant, too. He probably felt good about himself after he said that, though, and that's what's important; never mind that his goal is vague and unattainable.

[AAABEST]

They should have just chainsawed the tree down with the sitters in it....

Chainsawing them is a great idea. However, if you leave them up long enough half of them fall out on their own accord, being that they're so effen stupid.

I love those stories we get from time to time about the latest green-goon tree sitter falling down and going boom, hitting every branch along the way.

[farmfriend]

Rights, farms, environment ping.

Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.

[EBUCK]

"We stand against Bush and we stand for the creation of a world that works for all," he told supporters who gathered around the trees.

Loosly translated for those of that don't speak commie...

"We stand against the individual and for the collective rights of the State to rape the individual so long as there is at least a glimmer of plausable societal bennifit to keep the herd in line (at least until we have total control of every facet of production, then all bets are off)."

[EBUCK]

See my post above this one....lol.