"There are going to be some people that have some problems with what the Bush administration is doing," he said to applause from the group. It's not only about the war, he said.

"There are a lot of issues and we're facing major cuts in community-oriented police cuts," he said. Also cut are community development funds, housing voucher programs and others.

"It's a great opportunity. Come on out tomorrow at noon at Pioneer Park," he said.

When asked whether he has heard criticism that he should be welcoming Bush, not protesting him, Anderson replied, "I do welcome the president. And I think it's a very good opportunity for people to speak out about what they see wrong with the direction in this country.

"I'm glad he's going to be here. I intend to be gracious." Anderson added that he would give introductory remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars conference, where Bush will speak later in the day.

"It's the same president that's asking our young people to go fight this war that is proposing major slashes in veterans' benefits. I think that's wrong."

After Anderson's appearance, Sara, an 18-year-old woman with purple hair who attends the University of Utah, said of Anderson, "He wants to make peace with us."

There should not be any prohibition on vendors selling where the drum circle is presently, Sara added. "I'm not going to move over there," indicating another location where vendors might be allowed to sell.

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