by Steve Hampton
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 at 6:35 PM
redwave2001@yahoo.com
Las Vegas is usually known as a hotbed of apathy. However, a small but lively group of protesters challenged that image yesterday with a spirited anti-war demonstration on the Las Vegas Strip. The demonstrators held signs and chanted slogans in front of the MGM Grand, where Bush, Sr. was raising funds, before marching up and down the Strip.
Opposition to the planned attack on Iraq is so widespread and deep-seated that a protest against it took place yesterday in Las Vegas, Nevada, normally a hotbed of apathy and rampant materialism. Starting at about 9:00 a.m., a small but spirited group of protesters held signs and chanted slogans outside the MGM Grand, where Bush, Sr., was raising funds for the Republicans, then marched up and down the Strip. Slogans included "No attack on Iraq," "Jobs, not war," and "No blood for oil," among others. One young man carried a small hand-made paper sign which proclaimed "The life you lead is a lie." Although there were negative reactions from some onlookers, there were more expressions of support. A homeless man spontaneously joined the group and marched with them. The demonstration was organized by the UNLV Peace Coalition and the Las Vegas branch of Solidarity, both of which plan more actions in the future. The anti-war movement is rapidly burgeoning, and will soon spread to include vast multitudes, and engage all sectors of society.
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