Poor People's Campaign To Hold Protest March on NYC GOP Convention



Interview with Cheri Honkala, national coordinator of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, conducted by Scott Harris

The disparity between America's rich and poor is among the highest in the industrialized world. This gap has grown in recent years as a result of the weak economy and President Bush's policy of providing generous tax cuts to the nation's wealthiest citizens. But as the presidential election campaign heats up, the plight of America's poor remains virtually invisible.

While Republicans, Democrats and the news media focus on the campaign "horse race" between President Bush and Sen. Kerry, the issues of concern to the poor such as basic employment, access to quality medical care, housing and education are often overshadowed by debates over style and image.

The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign will be among the dozens of groups coming to the Republican National Convention in New York City at the end of August to demonstrate their opposition to Bush administration policies. The Campaign, a coalition of organizations from across the U.S., will soon erect a tent city they call "Bushville" to illustrate the impact of Republican policies on the nation's poor. The group is also planning a "March for our Lives" on Aug. 30 from the U.N. to the doors of the GOP convention at Madison Square Garden, with or without a police permit. Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Cheri Honkala, national coordinator of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, has faced poverty and homelessness herself. She talks about the issues her group will raise and the actions they are planning at the Republican convention.

Contact the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign by calling 1-888 233-1948 or visit their website at www.marchforourlives.org

Related links:

"Thousands Defy Ban on Poor People's March,"Between The Lines interview with Cheri Honkala, Republican National Convention Protest in Philadelphia, July 29-Aug. 3, 2000. In RealAudio.

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