CANBERRA — Canberrans turned out in their thousands on February 15 to show their opposition to US President George Bush's war. Organisers estimate the crowd at more than 15,000 — a size not seen at a protest in Canberra since the Vietnam War. Hundreds met in Queanbeyan this morning before joining the Canberra protest.

Resistance member Stuart Munckton opened the rally with a brief talk on the urgency of the situation. Greens MLA Kerry Tucker and federal Labor MP Carmen Lawrence both received loud applause when they took the stage. The crowd particularly appreciated Lawrence’s description of Prime Minister John Howard as an “agent of evil”.

Humphrey McQueen, speaking on behalf of the Socialist Alliance, pointed to the real issues behind the war. ACT Network Opposing War member Tania McConville, also from local radio station 2XX, opened her speech by stating “This [crowd] is a sight for sore eyes.”

Catholic Bishop Pat Power also made an appearance, stating that under no conditions would he support attacks on Iraq. Other speakers included co-chairperson and Socialist Alternative member Rick Kuhn, and Democrats MLA Roslyn Dundas.

Following the speakers, protesters marched around the city — the start of the march returned before the end of the march had left. The whole march was dominated by loud and enthusiastic chanting against the war. Many people brought their own home-made banners and placards with slogans, including “the only Waugh we want is Steve!”, “Howard is a bonsai Bush” and “NO HoWARd NO!”

Fifty students attended an informal, post-rally meeting to set up a student anti-war group, and many took leaflets for the March 5 strike to distribute around their schools or campuses. Stalls were inundated with people wanting copies of Green Left Weekly, anti-war T-shirts and anti-war badges. To cope with demand, Resistance activists had to press up additional badges mid-protest.

From Green Left Weekly, February 19, 2003.
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