By Danielle Bice

From Pegasus News | Original Article

An entourage of nearly 100 protesters yelled through megaphones, waved flags and held posters that read “No more money for Bush’s crimes,” “Rethink Afghanistan” and “Arrest Bush” on Wednesday night outside of the Coliseum.

The protesters gathered to object to George W. Bush’s speech, which began at 8 p.m.

Some campus organizations were at the rally, including the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, International Socialist Organization, Students for Justice of Palestine, and Queer Liberaction.

“We don’t agree with Bush being allowed to come to campus to speak here,” said Irfan Hussain, a finance senior and member of Students for Justice of Palestine. “The war crimes that have occurred in Palestine during his presidency — he is also responsible for [those].”

Although there were several reasons the protesters organized the rally, calling Bush a war criminal was central to their chants.

“I believe that he and his administration were criminals because of the fact that he sanctioned water boarding, and that is a form a torture,” said Chitra Bhatt, a biology and political science freshman and member of the FMLA.

The protesters also objected to paying Bush “with their tuition money.”

“I do not agree with paying a multimillionaire from my tuition money to come out and speak at the same time that UNT is facing drastic budget problems and a hiring freeze to drive 45 minutes and lie to us about a war,” said Aron Duhon, a library science graduate student.

While about 100 protesters were present around 5 p.m., the number dwindled as the night went on. However, at about 7 p.m., Bush advocates started to strike back.

“I think this is a true Texan here, a true American and a war hero,” said Ryan Prokof, a criminal justice junior. “I think that it’s a load of crap that these people are disrespecting a true American.”

Police stood by as people from both sides yelled at each other and arguments progressed.

“Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, there’s no other reason to be out here [protesting] than just absolute ignorance,” said Hamilton Brooks, a pre-law junior. “You’re supposed to support the country that you live in.”

Denton residents were there to give their voice as well.

“We now have former president George W. Bush admitting publicly that he knowingly did sanction torture,” said Jim Goodnow, a Vietnam veteran and Denton resident. “Not only do we have others tortured under his directions, but now our men and women are vulnerable, and that just isn’t my America.”

Bush protestors, supporters clash from NTDaily on Vimeo.