Protesters React to President Bush's Visit

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Updated: 8:33 PM Jul 4, 2008 Protesters React to President Bush's Visit As President Bush made his way to Monticello for the Naturalization Ceremony, protesters along Route 20 were there to voice their opinions about the President and his visit. Posted: 11:50 AM Jul 4, 2008 Reporter: Mark Tenia Email Address: mark.tenia@wcav.tv

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July 4, 2008

As President Bush made his way to Monticello for the Naturalization Ceremony, protesters along Route 20 were there to voice their opinions about the President and his visit.

CBS19 saw protesters near PVCC as early as 7 a.m. Friday morning, and all were showing their disapproval of the President and his visit to Monticello.

Many were trying to get their message to those on their way to the ceremony from PVCC. Police closed part of Route 20 as the President's motorcade made it's way to Route 53 shortly after 9:30 am. The motorcade was greeted by protesters holding up signs showing varying messages, but all were of the same theme.

"This country was founded on free speech, and he's been the greatest enemy to free speech we've ever had," said one protester.

Another remarked, "The President should not be here."

"We need somebody that's really going to discuss the real problems in America," said another protester.

Some protesters were also at the actual ceremony, shouting out while the President was speaking. They were escorted out of Monticello by authorities.

And some who were there to support those becoming citizens say it certainly wasn't the place nor the time for protesting.

"It's not appropriate to take away from these people who are getting their citizenship today," said Rebecca Richard.

But for one new U.S. citizen from Iraq who was sworn in at the ceremony, the protests were just a reminder of everything he loves about the country.

"You say whatever you want at the president, and the president smile to you, that's, that's heaven," said Ali Alasady who was naturalized at the ceremony Friday.

Protesters at the ceremony were escorted out but no one was arrested.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Rusty Location: Shenandoah, VA on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:54 PM

Although I disprove of the President just as much as you do, I still have respect for the office, and respect for the new citizens of this country who became so by going through all the hoops unlike the millions of illegal aliens that have crossed over our borders. There is a time and a place for a protest and this wasn't it. Bush will be in office until 1/09 and there is nothing anyone can do about it. It does not matter who wins in November, because as a country, we all lose.

Posted by: John W. Location: Chicago (Charlottesville native) on Jul 6, 2008 at 12:55 AM

Twinsmom, we do not hava a functioning democracy-we have a government and media controlled by corporate interests. Our "political process" is broken, the protesters were true patriots doing what should be done on the Fourth of July-Bush is a war criminal and has trampled on our constitution. Rusty, the fire hoses should have been turned on our criminal in chief.

Posted by: twinsmom Location: charlottesville on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:55 PM

It is unfortunate that the rabblerousers haven't figured out that this event at Monticello was not about THEM, and having their 15 minutes of fame. It wasn't about Bush, or politics. Yes, we have freedom of speech, and they have the right to protest. But that doesn't mean they should selfishly try to steal the celebration from the people that this event was for - the newest citizens of our country and their families who came to Monticello to bask in the glory of our country and its freedoms. Many of them came to the US to start a new life in the Land of Opportunity, and the Land of Freedom, escaping poverty and injustice. So what do these clowns show them about America? That they are so self-centered and in need of attention that they have to disrupt this commemoration of Freedom. I may not agree with some of the decisions our leaders make, but I am smart enough to know that these foolish protests won't make any difference. If these folks were really interested in change, they would use their intellect to participate in the political process, or volunteer for some of the organizations that make the world a better place for others less fortunate. But that would be hard work, and they might have to do it in obscurity - more fun to try to get on camera, kicking and screaming like a two year old throwing a temper tantrum. Why don't they just grow up??

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