Anti-war march in Chappaqua
By KEN VALENTI
THE JOURNAL NEWS

CHAPPAQUA — Some 130 protesters chanted, sang and carried signs calling for an end to the war in Iraq yesterday as they marched through the streets of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's home community.

"We wanted to do something patriotic on Independence Day, and there's nothing more patriotic than exercising our First Amendment rights to protest government policies with which we disapprove," said Dr. Arthur Grant, 45, who was out with his wife, Dr. Roxan Saidi, a native of Iran, and their 4-year-old son, Cameron.

The rally was organized by the Westchester People's Action Coalition Foundation; Code Pink, a women's anti-war organization; No War Westchester, which is affiliated with WESPAC; and Consumers for Peace.

Organizers chose Chappaqua to highlight Clinton's positions, including her objecting to setting a deadline for troop withdrawal. One sign read "Hillary: Stop supporting Bush's war."

"Many people believe that Hillary is against the war, and that's not the case," said Susan Friedman, a regional coordinator for Code Pink.

"She is not a friend of the peace movement," Friedman added.

Ossining resident Donna Barkman, 72, said she campaigned for Clinton when she ran for Senate in 2000, but that since then, "I have found her to be very disappointing in her move toward the right on so many issues."

Representatives for two Senate candidates who oppose the war — Jonathan Tasini, who is trying to force a Democratic primary against Clinton, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins — took part in the protest and handed out literature.

Clinton spokeswoman Nina Blackwell did not return calls Monday or yesterday.

Protesters carried signs that said "Impeach Bush," "Enough is Enough" and "Bring U.S. Troops Home Now."

Some wore pink shirts, pink earrings, even a pink Yankees visor, to show solidarity with Code Pink. Mahopac resident Gordon Russell beat a drum accompanied by Todd Eaton on a cowbell, setting the pace for the ralliers, who called out, "Bush lies, thousands die," "No more killing in my name!" and other slogans. Turning onto Castle Road, they sang, "All we are saying is give peace a chance."

Walking through downtown and residential streets that were quiet with the Fourth of July holiday, they faced mixed greetings. Two men by one business gave them the thumbs-down sign.

"I believe that we must support the current administration and fight terror and promote democracy around the world," said Roy Singer. "If we do not do so, we will have to fight it here."

On Orchard Ridge Road, resident Jonnie Hodgson emerged from her home to show support and became emotional when she saw protesters bearing mock cardboard coffins draped in American flags.

"Anything that can bring attention to this wretched situation that Bush has gotten us into," she said. When she saw the coffins, she said, "Oh, God, I can't stand this," but she kept her thumbs-up sign out for the passing protesters.

Some motorists passing by honked and waved or cheered their support for the cause. Others objected. One complained that they were protesting on Independence Day. Another said they should be supporting the troops.

"Make them come home," Friedman said, as the car drove away. "They'll feel better. They won't get killed."

Friedman, Nada Khader, executive director of the WESPAC Foundation, and others said they were fasting for the day in support of Code Pink's co-founder Medea Benjamin and others who the organization said had launched an ongoing fast.

The protesters regrouped at King Street and North Greeley Avenue, where they called out anti-war slogans to passers-by.