Protesters greet Bush at N.J. visit

[struggle4progress]

"I believe that this president's policies are bad for America and his view is skewed by money," said Kevin McDonald, of West Orange, as he hoisted a sign proclaiming his opposition to the president's policies. "His Social Security plan is a payback for Wall Street, not for the benefit of the middle class."

McDonald was one of 500 protesters that took to the streets of Westfield during President Bush's visit to the town last Friday.

A group of senior citizens arrived on buses chartered by Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6, to protest changes in the Social Security program. BlueWaveNJ, a Montclair-based organization, also attended, as did members of NJ Citizen Action and a variety of other groups and individuals.

While some were there to protest about Social Security, others carried signs about a multitude of issues and views. Gay rights rainbows, anti-war messages, and environmental statements were visible on signs and buttons. <snip>

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14122225&BRD=1847&PAG=461&dept_id=359925&rfi=6

[whistle]

1. If privatization of social security becomes law, the first windfall...

....for Wall Street fund managers who will be given the no-bid contracts for these accounts will be the 2.4% fees on wages they will receive from every paycheck of every American on the plan. That would represent $120 billion to start with and would grow every year so that by 2105 that would be $4.9trillion annually

[distressedsister]

2. Protesters Free Speech Rights Blocked - 9 Arrested

I was there (Westfield, NJ 03/04/05) and shot video that is now posted to the following website. This shows 4 of the nine arrests and the forced dispersal of the crowd.

http://www.seedsofdoubt.com/distressedamerican/main.htm

Watch this and write to the media!