Demonstration - Dec 1, 2003 - East Hanover, NJ

[AuntieSocial]

From the American Atheists AANEWS

SEND A MESSAGE TO GEORGE BUSH

THIS MONDAY, DEC. 1 -- EAST HANOVER, NJ

THEIR RELIGION -- OUR MONEY -- NO WAY!

President George Bush is coming to East Hanover (Whippany), NJ this Monday, December 1 for a $2,000/person fundraiser. Many groups will be speaking out -- and American Atheists will be hosting a demonstration contingent to voice our opposition to the federal faith-based initiative.

Even though Bush supporters can shove out $2,000 for a lunch, and the churches have special privileges and tax exemptions, the White House wants US to pay for religion-based social programs. AMERICAN ATHEISTS
says: "No Way!"

Join us this Monday, December 1, 2003 outside the Hanover Marriott hotel beginning at 3:30 as we protest George Bush's federal faith-based "religion tax"! Look for American Atheists signs and banners..

• DRESS APPROPRIATELY, for the cooler weather
  
  
• The Marriott is conveniently located off Route I-287 on Route 10.
  
  
• No parking is permitted at the Marriott Hotel or on Ridgedale Avenue. However, parking is allowed at the PNC Bank located at 2 Ridgedale Avenue. Once parked, you can walk on a pathway toward Route 10. Parking is also permitted along Wing Road. Please allow sufficient time to reach the demonstration site and find suitable parking. And watch this web site for updates.
  
  
• ENDORSE THE DEMONSTRATION! Even if you can't participate in our protest, show your support on this important issue! Visit www.atheists.org/action/alert-26-nov-2003.html

WHAT: American Atheists protest against the faith-based initiative at Bush fundraising appearance.

WHEN: This Monday, December 1, 2003 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM

WHERE: Across from the Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ 07981

MORE INFO: www.atheists.org/action/alert-26-nov-2003.html or contact [e-mail]

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

[AuntieSocial]

Here's a report of the protest from Joe Zamecki, the Office Manager of the American Atheist Center in New Jersey.

Joe's report and a link to some photos.

Joe's account is very down-home. It is written like a letter home to mom, or a journal entry. He mentions the weather, the other protesting groups and thanks the police officers. To me, it was a refreshing change to the post-protest articles we usually get.

Also on this page are links to three newspaper articles that covered the protest. The links are as follows:

New York Newsday: Newsday.com - Bush counts on New Jersey _ for cash, at least

Members of NJ Peace Action, a group that has opposed the war in Iraq, demonstrated outside the hotel in Whippany, as did American Atheists, a national group headquartered in Cranford that opposes Bush's faith-based initiatives, and members of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization for Women.

About 75 protesters awaited the president's arrival in a parking lot holding area several hundred feet from the hotel entrance.

The New Jersey Star-Ledger Newspaper: N.J. visit nets Bush $1M for re-election
This paper's article is almost the same as the Newsday article.

New Jersey's News 12: President Bush makes campaign fundraising stop in Whippany

The fundraiser was attended by several protesters. Members of NJ Peace Action demonstrated against the president's handling of Iraq. Cranford-based American Atheists and the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization for Women were also at the hotel to protest. Security was tight at the event, and President Bush never saw the demonstrators as he entered the building through a back entrance.

Direct link to the pictures page

Did anyone here get a chance to join the protest? If so, here's you chance to share your impressions ...