By snoadmin
Two people were arrested Thursday afternoon during a student and faculty protest against President George W. Bush.
According to the USA Today, people in more than 200 cities marched in protest of issues ranging from global warming to the Iraq war that have brought criticism to the Bush administration.
“A lot of these young people don’t realize how easily your civil liberties can be taken from you,” said Brian Turner, a graduate assistant at Cal State Fullerton.
On the walkway in front of the University Bookstore was senior film major and organizer of the campus protest, David Wrathall, with two black peace circles drawn on to his upper cheek bones. He bobbed a sign up and down that read “Bush Step Down.”
He was joined by many other students, professors and others gathered in front and across from the Bookstore. Although there were some protesters more passively saying their message, others aroused anger from some students passing through to get to class.
One protester passionately waved a sign up and down shouting,
“Come stand up against President Bush.” As she said this, a student continued walking and responded with, “I’m a Republican.” After a few seconds of delay, the protester shouted back, “Then keep walking.”
Around midday, University Police Lt. Fernando Solorzano received multiple complaints from Bookstore staff watching from the walkway. They said it was being clogged by protestors. Police then informed protesters Turner and Leigh Messinides that they could not stand in front of the Bookstore.
What started as three police officers securing the area became eight officers informing Turner and Messinides to go to the Speakers Platform if they wish to speak. Turner, a Persian Gulf War veteran, refused to leave, saying he had a right to be there and that the government was infringing upon his freedom to speak.
Messinides, who stood near Turner, was arrested for trespassing. Turner followed as his prosthetic right arm and his other poster-bearing hand were put in handcuffs.
Before Turner was arrested, he lifted up his prosthetic arm and said, “This used to be the USA. It’s not anymore.”
Wrathall, a registered Democrat who regards himself as an independent, said protesting is not about Democrat vs. Republican but about informing everyone about what is going on in the country.
“We need to reach out to Republicans. Bush wears a shield as a Republican but he doesn’t even exercise their values,” Wrathall said. He emphasized protesting is about educating people no matter which political group they are affiliated with.
Wrathall said although he believed things did get out of hand, he said he hopes for a more peaceful and educational turnout in the future where students and professors of all political stances will be able to listen to different perspectives without feeling imposed upon.
