Politics & Government
Occupy Coachella Valley Protests Bush Visit
Approximately 25 people chanting and waving signs protest policies enacted by former President Bush during a visit to Palm Desert.
About two dozen members of marched along sidewalks and in crosswalks in front of the in Palm Desert on
Friday morning.
The peaceful demonstration was a protest against former President George W. Bush, who spoke earlier in the morning to a private group at the hotel.
“We’re protesting the presence of the top 1% and President Bush, who started the polices that have bankrupted this nation,” said a person
in a Guy Fawkes mask who called himself “Anonymous”, but was later found to be Jayel Aheram.
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“We’re protesting two budget busting wars, the fat bailouts and the Patriot Act and things of that nature. For the most part, the fact that he put this country into massive debt,” Aheram said.
With chants of “Bush lied, soldiers died,” and “Shame on Bush”, the group received honks and approving waves from a handful of vehicles passing in front the Marriott. Only one person was seen making a negative gesture toward the group.
The former President was speaking as part of an Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, which was not open to the public. Attendees, which Occupy Coachella Valley claims represent the 1% of people that control political power and wealth, paid $3,695 to register for the five-day event.
