Protest Bush at Fort Carson

A protest of Bush administraion policies and lack of support for the troops at Fort Carson

Colorado Springs, Co.- 22 November 2003-
Colorado Peace groups rally at Fort Carson against President Bush's foreign policies.

Colorado peace groups will rally from 11 AM until 3 PM, Monday, November 24th, along Academy Boulevard, in Colorado Springs, to protest President Bush as he arrives at Fort Carson for a speech.

This peaceful and lawful demonstration was organized to demonstrate that there is opposition to the Bush policy in Iraq and the middle east, to protest his lack of support of our troops, the increasingly dangerous slippery slope in Iraq, and his failure to increase the security in America.
The protest is against the complete lack of support for timely health care for the wounded, the obvious exploitation of the sacrifices of the troops and families at Fort Carson, and the utilization of warfare for political and economic gain.

Mark Lewis, a member of the Springs Action Alliance, said, "We not only want to make the point that we are against exploiting the loyalty and sense of duty of our troops for politically manufactured campaigns, but that when they sacrifice, that we will support the health needs of the wounded and the emotional needs of the families." "Patriotism takes many forms and public dissent against failed policy in support of our troops is one of them." "We reject the slander that disagreement with the current administration is unpatriotic."

President Bush opposed repealing the Disabled Veterans Tax and refused the $275 million in emergency funding for the VA. The Pentagon tried to stop the increase in the "immanent danger pay" and "family separation allowance" passed last April. The $8.10 charge for meals for the wounded was dropped when it was exposed, but the wounded at Fort Stewart still have to pay $10 a day extra for a room with a toilet. The GAO found that 94% of our reserves were having problems getting paid accurately and on time.

Dorothy Schlaeger, of the Pike's Peak Justice and Peace Commission said, "We can't use violent means to rid the world of terrorism."

The organizers are requesting that all participants honor the lawful and peaceful nature of the rally in word and deed; stay out of the street, and avoid confrontation with security forces present.
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November 23, 2003                                        
Pike's Peak Justice and Peace Commission
11:00 PM                                                             Dorothy Schlaeger (719) 632-6189
                                                                            http://www.pikespeak
For immediate Release                                            Contact:kjusticeandpeace.org/
                                                                            Mark Lewis (719) 471-9400
                                                                            http://www.csaction.org