January 12, 2007

About two dozen people gathered in front of the Klamath County Circuit Courthouse Thursday night to protest President Bush's plan to send more than 20,000 troops to Iraq.

Older couples and individuals joined with young families for the protest, carrying candles and signs against the war.

It was the latest demonstration organized by the Klamath Basin Peace Forum and drew original critics and more recent skeptics.

“If enough people know the truth, they'll speak against it,” said David Hedelman, forum member and minister at Congregational United Church of Christ.

The Klamath Basin Peace Forum formed four years ago, shortly before the Iraq War began. It has hosted about 12 demonstrations since, with attendance ranging from close to a thousand to as few as 60.

More protests planned

Hedelman said he organized the event Thursday after hearing that other demonstrations would take place around the nation in response to Bush's Iraq war strategy. Only through a public discussion of the war and public policy can U.S. involvement in Iraq be resolved, he said.

Sylvia Blishack was one of the those protesting Bush's plan. The Klamath Falls resident said she lived through the U.S. involvement in Vietnam and never protested. This was the first time she protested against the war in Iraq.

“Last night was the last straw,” she said, regarding Bush's televised speech announcing his plan.

Klamath Falls resident Richard Pastega said he was opposed to the war when it started and called it a “scheme” and a “fiasco.”

Other demonstrators said Bush and vice president Dick Cheney should be removed from office and indicted for crimes against humanity.

Those passing by the demonstration in downtown Klamath Falls also showed their feelings, honking car horns, giving thumbs up or shouting “good job” at the demonstrators.

Demonstrators said they were glad to hear that polls revealed most of the nation opposed Bush's plan and also said that there shouldn't be any consideration for the new strategy.

“Consideration means more deaths and destruction,” said Klamath Falls resident Aaron Ashurst.

By TY BEAVER