Thousands gather in Salt Lake City to protest, praise Bush

With thousands chanting his name and offering calls of "Rocky for President!" Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson implored Utah residents today to take back the title of patriot and demand greater accountability from elected officials.

Anderson, who spoke for roughly 40 minutes under a hot noonday sun at Washington Square downtown, told demonstrators to speak up about their discontent with President Bush, who is to arrive tonight in advance of his speech Thursday to the American Legion.

"This is a new day. We will not be silent," Anderson said. "We will continue to resist the lies, the deceptions, the outrages of the Bush administration and this complacent, complicit, go-along Congress.

"We will insist that peace be pursued, and that, as a nation, we help those in need. We must break the cycle of hatred, of intolerance, of exploitation. We must pursue peace as vigorously as the Bush administration has pursued war."

Anderson shook hands with supporters and offered hugs to enthusiastic audience members. He responded to cries of "Rocky, Rocky, Rocky" with smiles and wave to the crowd of roughly 4,000.

Anderson listed his version of Bush's "propaganda" in advance of the Iraq War, including the now-disproved assertion that Iraq had the capability to make nuclear weapons. The mayor also attacked the mainstream media for being what he called "a bulletin board for the lies and propaganda of a manipulative, dishonest federal government."

"We have been getting just about everything but the truth on matters of life and death, on matters upon which our nation's reputation hinges, on matters that directly relate to our nation's most fundamental values, and on matters relating to the survival of our planet," Anderson said.

Participants, who began gathering around City Hall shortly after 10 a.m., carried banners calling for Bush's impeachment and to "stop the killing." Others waved American flags. An individual dressed as a large caricature of Bush walked through the throngs with red hands, which he said represented the blood on the president's hands for those who have died in Iraq.

After Anderson's speech, the protesters flooded State Street in a march to the Federal Building. They walked on the east side of the road, blocking downtown traffic for blocks.

Several blocks east at Liberty Park, about 200 gathered for a "Freedom Rally" in support of the troops in Iraq.

One military mother hoped that the "Support Our Rally" cry heard at Liberty Park is more than just words.

Cathie Costanzo, who moderates an online support group for military families and whose son only recently returned from active duty, attended because of its focus on the soldiers. Last year she went to an anti-war protest, but felt that this one was closer her beliefs.