Ice storm does not deter peace activists

Transfered from old site <!--break--> &nbsp;<BR>Despite cold winds and falling ice, more than 50 anti-war demonstrators gathered at the Liberty pole downtown to continue to voice opposition to the genocidal invasion into Iraq. Although the planned march to the War Memorial and planned speakers, veterans against the war, were canceled due to severe ice conditions, the presence of so many people under the circumstances shows the strength of the opposition to this war. One Demonstrator who drove out all the way from Honeoye falls said "if our soldiers can be in 105 degree weather in a sand storm over there, I can be out here." that was the theme of today’s rally "support our troops" and "bring them home." The other concerns that people expressed about our troops was the large numbers of poor black and Latino youth that are often forced to join military ranks because of lack of alternatives for education or employment. Many are concerned that the troops return home to an inadequate healthcare system that does a poor job serving their needs. One woman felt the troops are merely used as "pawns" and "guinea Pigs" for experimental drugs that often destroy their lives if they do survive a war. Prior to the cancellation, the march in the streets had been permitted by the Rochester Police department and a RCAN (Rochester Campus Action Network) member said the police had been willing to work with them and give them more street space than they had asked for. Communication between the RPD and the RCAN organizers seem to be progressing well. The ongoing plan is to meet at the liberty pole every Friday at 4pm for a rally. The destination of marches to be announced. &nbsp;<BR>

<p>Transfered from old site</p> <!--break--><p>  <br />Despite cold winds and falling ice, more than 50 anti-war demonstrators gathered at the Liberty pole downtown to continue to voice opposition to the genocidal invasion into Iraq. Although the planned march to the War Memorial and planned speakers, veterans against the war, were canceled due to severe ice conditions, the presence of so many people under the circumstances shows the strength of the opposition to this war. One Demonstrator who drove out all the way from Honeoye falls said "if our soldiers can be in 105 degree weather in a sand storm over there, I can be out here." that was the theme of today’s rally "support our troops" and "bring them home." The other concerns that people expressed about our troops was the large numbers of poor black and Latino youth that are often forced to join military ranks because of lack of alternatives for education or employment. Many are concerned that the troops return home to an inadequate healthcare system that does a poor job serving their needs. One woman felt the troops are merely used as "pawns" and "guinea Pigs" for experimental drugs that often destroy their lives if they do survive a war. Prior to the cancellation, the march in the streets had been permitted by the Rochester Police department and a RCAN (Rochester Campus Action Network) member said the police had been willing to work with them and give them more street space than they had asked for. Communication between the RPD and the RCAN organizers seem to be progressing well. The ongoing plan is to meet at the liberty pole every Friday at 4pm for a rally. The destination of marches to be announced.<br />  <br /></p>