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Note to mods: There's no way to create a link to this site, so I'm just posting the article. It's a small paper, and frankly I don't think anyone would even think of getting testy about copyright. (I've worked there, and the editor isn't the brightest bulb.)
BYJUSTINMCLAUGHLIN TIMES-WEST VIRGINIAN
MORGANTOWN — Hundreds of protesters gathered on West Virginia University’s campus Monday, just down the street from where President Bush delivered an Independence Day speech to a crowd of thousands.
The protesters carried handmade signs — some with expletives on them — demanding impeachment, opposing the war in Iraq and calling the president a liar.
“ Who would Jesus bomb?” one sign read. Another said, “ Save America, impeach the liar.” One large banner read, “ Mission not accomplished” and another sign read, “ You’re not welcome back to West Virginia.”
The protesters ranged from young children with their parents to high school and college students to World War II veterans.
Ashley Green, a WVU student and member of the Young Democrats club, stood with another member as they chanted “ No More Bush.” She said was disappointed with her group’s turnout at the protest, saying she wasn’t sure if there were any other members of the club there.
Jerry McKeen, chairman of Harrison County Democracy for America, however, was proud of his group — he said about 20 had traveled from Clarksburg to protest Bush’s speech.
He also said he was glad to see Bush back in West Virginia.
“ Because that gives us the chance to let him know what a terrible job he’s doing,” McKeen said.
He said his group was concerned about many things, including the war in Iraq, the economy and some of Bush’s policies that they believe are destroying the middle class, which according to them, is “ particularly tough on West Virginia.”
The protesters, gathered on the lawn and street outside the security gate positioned at Stewart Hall, remained subdued between occasional chanting of phrases like “ Go home, Bush,” “ No more Bush,” “ Bush lies.”
But when the speech was over and thousands of people attending exited passed the protesters, several clashed in angry verbal outbursts on the sidewalks.
One protester shouted from the lawn, “ You’re supporting treason! What are you doing?” as Bush supporters walked by.
Many Bush supporters made “ W” signs with their fingers and waved small American flags while others returned shouts back at the protesters.
There were no reports of arrests or other significant incidences at the protests, though uniformed Secret Service officers and other law enforcement officials were present.
E- mail Justin McLaughlin at jmclaughlin@timeswv.com.
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