Rally seeks Bush ouster

They’ve had enough.

After spending nearly three years protesting the war in Iraq, local peace and human rights activists took their demands a step further Saturday: They called for George W. Bush’s impeachment.

“We believe it’s time for the entire Congress and the entire country to take notice of the many ways our president has acted illegally, unethically, immorally, overtly and covertly,” said Nancy Nelson of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane.

At least 150 people crowded the Community Building in downtown Spokane for a rally and two-mile march, calling for an end to the Bush regime.

Why should he go? The list is long, according to activist Marianne Torres. He lied to Congress about the reason for going to war, she told the crowd. He violated international law, she said, and has stripped U.S. citizens of their constitutional rights by allowing secret and illegal wiretapping against his fellow Americans.

“These people simply have no shame,” she said of the Bush administration. “We need to raise such a ruckus that these criminals have no choice but to resign. … Embrace your civil right to speak out.”

Those who attended the “March to Impeach” in Spokane were joined Saturday by thousands of others in Washington D.C., San Francisco and other cities across the country.

Their cry for peace is nothing new. But for many – including members of PJALS, a nonpartisan group – it was the first time they demanded the president’s impeachment.

In addition to the usual “No War” signs, many in the crowd waved banners containing messages such as “George Bush has to go,” “Bush lies, who dies?” and “Impeach.”

Before braving the wind gusts outside, they huddled inside the Community Building, listening to impassioned speeches and songs performed by the Raging Grannies.

“Oh give me a home, where they don’t tap my phone, and spy on each word I say,” the local group of women activists sang to the tune of “Home On the Range.”

“Where they can’t take a look, at my library book, where rights are protected each day.”

“How many years have we been at war in Iraq?” PJALS’ Rusty Nelson intoned into the microphone.”Three too many,” replied the crowd.

“How many Wal-Mart stores are there in the Spokane area?”

“Three too many,” people yelled out.

“How many years left on Bush’s term?”

“Three too many!”

Dozens of drivers heading south on Division Street honked their horns and waved as the group marched along the sidewalk with their signs. They stopped about a mile away, continuing their rally in the parking lot of the Washington Army National Guard’s recruiting office, at Sinto and Division.

As they listened to local attorney Maurina Ladich detail the reasons for Bush’s impeachment, a young woman got out of her car and shook her head. “People come here to volunteer their services for our country,” she said, looking at the protesters with disapproval.

Those involved in the march remained focused on Ladich’s words. It’s time to take a stand, she told them, and many agreed.

“Bush has put himself above the law,” said Diane Downing, pushing her 4-year-old granddaughter, Teighan, in a stroller.

As she carried an American flag with its stars forming a peace sign, Alexis Schutt spoke of the need for truth.

“We don’t want a president who lies to us,” said the 17-year-old Ferris High School student. “We’re not asking for much. All we want is peace.”