Demonstrators Protest President Bush

4 July 2008

by Adam Rhew

Video
Not everyone was happy to see President Bush in Albemarle County Friday. Demonstrations took place before during and after Friday morning's naturalization ceremony. A couple of hundred protesters lined Route 20, while a handful of others briefly disrupted the ceremonies at Monticello. Protestors say they wanted to make sure the president and the public heard their message.

Protesters shouts interfered with Bush's remarks at the outset of the cermony, and the president responded by saying he agrees that "we believe in free speech in the United States of America." Six protestors were removed from the ceremony. According to Albemarle County Spokesperson Lee Caitlin, none were arrested. There were no charges were filed against the protestors.

But that was not the only place where the commander-in-chief drew opposition. As the president's motorcade drove by more than a hundred people lined Route 20 to express their displeasure with Mr. Bush.

There were two counter-protestors. Jeff Wray, who supports President Bush, said "and with George Bush, our president, being here, he oughtta be welcomed, instead of protested against." Even still Wray says he understands why people protested the visit. "Of course they have a right" he stated, "and that's what makes this country so great, to do what they're doing."

Some protestors say it was patriotism that motivated them to show up. Protestor Erin Wise Ackenbom said, "I almost didn't get out of bed. But as my husband got out of bed and played July fourth music to all of camp, I thought I should do my part."

Throughout the morning we spoke with many of the protestors and they all spoke very highly of the Albemarle county police officers who were securing the area.

Further Information:

U. S. President Bush Attends Monticello's 46th Annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony (Video)