OVEC Action Alert - July 3, 2002

As many of you know, President Bush will be in Ripley, W.Va. tomorrow, July 4 for the Independence Day Celebration. He’ll speak at 10 a.m.

OVEC volunteers and other have been organizing a protest, and you are invited to attend.

Our press release on the event begins:

“Some West Virginians want to declare independence from the tyranny of the coal industry, which results in mountaintop removal, and they’ll be on hand at the Ripley Fourth of July celebration to let President Bush know that. They’ll be joined by people from surrounding states who also want to see an end to the erosion of environmental laws and civil liberties brought on by the corporate domination of the American political landscape.”

(Click here to download a PDF version of a two page flyer you can print and hand out during the protest)

After finding a parking spot, people will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the United National Bank in front of a Wal-Mart. Carpooling is recommended, and allow plenty of time to find a parking spot; rumor has it roads will be closed at 8 a.m. Wal-Mart is very near to the Interstate 77 Ripley exit. Go right off the exit ramp if you are coming from Charleston. You'll see the Wal-Mart on the right, with the bank in front. It's about a half-mile walk to the courthouse, where the festivities take place.

Bring plenty of fluids to drink, as it's likely to be very hot! TV stations have been announcing that signs and flags on sticks and poles will be prohibited. Folks have suggested using a section of an old white sheet for a sign.

As with all OVEC protests, this is to be a peaceful exercise of our right to free speech and political expression. Call the office today at 304-522-0246 if you need more information or ideas for sheet-signs.

Editorials and News on the Bush visit:

Expensive: Playing politics at Ripley 

Parties agree votes fueling Bush's visit; Jackson County seen as vital in fall elections, GOP official says