9/1/08 - Massive anti war march on the RNC September 1, Protest To Continue Despite RNC Schedule Change

For Immediate Release:

August 31, 2008
Massive anti war march on the RNC September 1, Protest To Continue Despite RNC Schedule Change

Preparations are complete for the massive anti war march scheduled for 11:00 am, Monday, at the Minnesota State Capitol Building. Following the rally, protesters will participate in a permitted march to the Xcel Center and the return to the Capitol.

States Jess Sundin, a spokesperson from the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War, "We expect that tens of thousands will join us in the march on the RNC and say no to the war on Iraq.. We have heard from people around the country that they are coming to St Paul. Buses have been chartered, Vans rented, and car pools organized from cities and towns across the Midwest."

Meredith Aby, a member of the coalition said, "The anti-war movement has ALWAYS had a demand of money for human needs not for war, and Hurricane Katrina was one of the reasons for that demand. Hurricane Gustav affects the Republican Party because they don't want to be seen as ignoring another crisis as they did when they left people to die on freeway overpasses. The demonstration will be voicing opposition to the war's prioritization above human needs such as building levees, the economy, health care, etc. In addition, the RNC will still be in session during our march. Tomorrow we can still give our message to the party that supported the war and that supports its continuation."

The lead contingent in the march will be made up of veterans, including veterans of the war in Iraq. There will also be contingents of trade unionists, low income people, students, and immigrants.

The Monday protest, called by the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War, is being held under the calls of: U.S. Out of Iraq Now! Money for human needs, not for war. Say no to the Republican Agenda. Demand peace, justice and equality.

The Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War has been organizing for more than two years to make this rally a success. The Coalition is made up of more than 130 organizations, including the main anti war coalitions in the U.S, immigrant rights organizations, trade unions, low income and community groups.

The Coalition organized a successful struggle to obtain permits for the march from the City of St Paul. The effort to get the permit included the Coalition taking the case to Federal Court, where lawyers from the ACLU and the National Lawyers Guild argued on the Coalitions behalf.

Katrina Plotz states, "Our anti war march will be huge. Police and city officials are trying to scare people and create a climate of fear. We believe people will exercise their right to speak out against the war at the RNC"

Media services: There will be a designated media area near the stage, equipped with a platform for cameras. A media center will be located to the west of the stage, where the main speakers and protest organizers will be available for interviews. A media pass will be required to enter the designated media areas. Passes will be available at the Media Center.