sacbee.com -- Politics -- California protesters gear up for New York

sacbee.com -- Politics -- California protesters gear up for New YorkNew York City is a long haul from the Left Coast, but for hundreds of Californians dedicated to driving President Bush out of office, not showing up this weekend simply isn't an option.
Taking part in the marches and rallies pegged to the Republican National Convention are marquee names of the protest movement, such as Tom Hayden of Los Angeles; rank-and-file liberal activists from Oakland and San Francisco; and a few like Peggy Bean, a 57-year-old state worker from the Sacramento area prompted by her opposition to the war in Iraq.

Collectively, they say, they are hopeful their presence in New York will turn swing voters this fall and help America's tattered reputation overseas.

"There are intense expectations going into this," said Hayden, an icon of the left since the Democratic National Convention of 1968, when authorities accused him and other members of the so-called Chicago 7 of inciting riots in the midst of the anti-Vietnam War climate.

"The Republicans are trying to position themselves as defenders of law and order against anarchy, but it will be a hard sell," Hayden said. "Having caused a needless war and chaos abroad," he said of Bush, "some people will wonder if he's not beginning to stir disorder at home."

Bean's 26-year-old son, Jack, is accompanying her. "He's never been to a demonstration at all," she said. "But he saw 'Fahrenheit 9/11' and got really (angry) and said, 'I want to go, too!' "

Organizers of Sunday'santi-war march have told police to expect at least 250,000 participants. Meanwhile, members of at least one Republican organization say they will mix into the crowds of protesters to defend the president's policies."

Margaret Talev
The Sacramento Bee