Fresno Demonstration - Don't Attack Iraq!

DON’T ATTACK IRAQ!
By Mike Rhodes

October 26, 2002
Fresno, California
The anti-war movement is building momentum in this community as over 200 people came out today to protest the Bush administrations war plans. The demonstration, in the Tower District of central Fresno, was held in conjunction with the national day of protest called by the Not in my Name coalition http://www.internationalanswer.org

Fresno has seen a steady increase in participation at the rallies and events organized by Peace Fresno http://www.fresnoalliance.com/peacefresno/ . The participants at today’s event on both sides of Olive Avenue stretched from Broadway to VanNess. A large group marched in a circle in the crosswalk as the light changed on Wishon and Olive. Jim Bartrum brought out his Wheel of misfortune, the Fresno Center for Nonviolence raised funds selling books and CD’s on the parking lot, and signatures were gathered for the Not In My Name campaign. It was a festive event and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Several homemade signs honored Senator Paul Wellstone and the work he did in the progressive movement.

A group of youth organized a follow up demonstration on Shaw and Blackstone where many of the signs and banners were taken after this demonstration. The Southeast corner of Shaw and Blackstone is the location for the Peace Fresno demonstrations every Friday starting at 4:30 PM.

People wanting to get more involved with Peace Fresno or the anti war movement in Fresno can contact Camille Russell at (559) 276-2592 or the Fresno Center For Nonviolence at 23PEACE (237-3223) camillerussellhi [at] yahoo.com


Mike Rhodes
Editor
Community Alliance magazine
P.O. Box 5077
Fresno Ca 93755
(559) 226-0477
AllianceEditor [at] attbi.com
http://www.fresnoalliance.com/home/