Despite freezing temperatures, approximately twenty-five Wesleyan students trekked to Greenwich, Connecticut on Thursday evening. They joined protesters from the University of Connecticut and other locations throughout the state at an anti-President Bush demonstration at the Hyatt Regency hotel. Organized by Greenwich high school students, the rally was intended to express discontent with the President, who was attending an alleged $2,000 per plate campaign fundraising dinner at the hotel.
“Overall I was very happy, we had some good chanting and the media turned out,” said Dave Ahl ’05.
Though predominantly comprised of college and high school students, the estimated 200-person crowd drew protesters ranging from elementary school to past retirement, as well as a small contingent of counter-protesters.
“I like [the diverse turnout],” said Sam Schwartz ’05, who, flanked by her companions Hank White ’05 and Matthew “Moody” Jameson ’05, held a sign that read, ‘How many lives per gallon?’ “I think it’s cool that a lot of people came, especially because of the weather. A lot of protests I’ve been to have just been college students so it’s nice that here there really is a mix.”
According to a policewoman who chose to remain unidentified, picketers started gathering around 4:30 p.m. Most Wesleyan students arrived at around 6:00 p.m., lingering well past the President’s 7:30 p.m. departure.
To illustrate their opinions, attendees chanted, raised signs and at one point “bounced for peace” in order to combat the cold.
Known for being one of the most conservative towns in Connecticut, protesters were both surprised and pleased by the number of cars who drove past the sidewalk outside of the hotel where the crowd gathered and honked their horns in support.
Greenwich resident Justin Becker decided to attend to show his opposition to what he feels is the dominant political climate in the city.
“I think Bush came to Greenwich because it’s where the money is,” he said. “I just think the guy is going to kill us. Right now we need all of our friends behind us and I think he’s alienated countries that have been our allies for decades and it’s unfortunate that that’s the route he’s chosen.”
In addition to protesters, several Wesleyan students trained as street medics attended the event in order to treat any who might be injured, though according to medic Matt Montesano ’05, participants mostly handed out hand warmers, water and candied ginger to keep people warm.
“Ninety percent of what we do is disseminating information on how to keep safe,” he said.
Montesano, who attends all protests as a medic, said that he was drawn towards the idea because he previously felt disempowered at protests and saw the opportunity as a constructive way to help.
“Disseminating information on preventative medicine and keeping people healthy is a kind of activism I’m good at,” he said.
Students present at the protest praised the medics and the role that they played.
“I really think we should commend [the medics],” said Leila Duchac ’07. “They came really prepared with food and water and they were really friendly and helpful and just what you needed, and there were a lot of them. I think all but two were from Wesleyan.”
Montesano added that while impressed by the number of people who came in spite of the short notice, he thought more Wesleyan students would have attended if the plans to have bus transportation had not fallen through.
Samba band member Kerry Doyle ’04, felt that those gathered on the sidewalk represented an important cross-section of the American people who are dissatisfied with the current administration.
“I just think it’s important that people showed up here to say that ‘If we can’t spend $2,000 to get into the Hyatt then at least we can stand outside and show where the real democracy is tonight,’” she said. “I think it’s interesting that they chose to host a $2,000 a plate dinner in one of the richest communities in Connecticut which also has one of the greatest [wealth] disparities of any state. I think it says a lot about who this administration represents.”
Lydia Bell ’07, also thought that it was worthwhile to show the residents of Greenwich that there was a strong anti-Bush coalition. Duchac was a little more skeptical.
“I’d like to think that every little bit counts, but I think that sometimes you have to discount people because not everyone at these protests know what they’re talking about,” she said.
Not all of those standing outside the Hyatt were protesting Bush. Mario Ceci, a self-employed landscaper from Stamford, showed up to support the President and particularly praised his actions in light of September 11. Though unsure of his feelings about the President’s stance on abortion and birth control, he countered remarks that the Patriot Act violated civil rights.
“The way I look at things is that if they want to tap my phones for some reason, I’ve got no problem with it,” he said. “I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Overwhelmingly, most hoped that this would be the beginning of a more wide-spread movement.
“I think if nothing else people driving by are aware that this event is happening in their community and they can learn more about it,” Doyle said. “And every time a Bush fundraising event happens they’re going to hear that there were hundreds of protesters.”
Leave a Reply