Thousands march to US convention

"This is just the beginning of a week of protests," said Larry Holmes, a
spokesman for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, a coalition of
activist groups that staged the march.

From Theo Emery in Boston

DELEGATES arriving for America’s Democratic National Convention in
Boston were greeted by competing protests against the war in Iraq and
abortion today.

About 2000 war protesters gathered on the historic Boston Common, before
marching about 800 metres to the FleetCenter, where Democrats plan to
nominate hometown candidate John Kerry for president on Wednesday.

"This is just the beginning of a week of protests," said Larry Holmes, a
spokesman for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, a coalition of
activist groups that staged the march.

Several blocks away, about 1000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at
Faneuil Hall, the historic meeting house where patriots gathered before
the American Revolution, and set off on their own march to the FleetCentre.

The two groups crossed paths at an intersection, where demonstrators
exchanged angry words with one another.

Some of the anti-abortion marchers laid down in the street. They soon
stood up at the request of the police and the two marches continued
their separate ways following a few minutes of confusion.

Two people were taken into custody, but police said the Secret Service
had not released their names.

A woman was arrested near Faneuil Hall on disorderly conduct charges,
the Secret Service said. An anti-war protester was taken into custody
near City Hall for questioning, but was not arrested, according to
police and the Secret Service.

About 30 state police officers wearing riot gear lined Beacon Street, a
major boulevard, for the larger march, which saw protesters parade
behind a banner reading "Bring the troops home now".

A half dozen cruisers and 18 police vans followed slowly along the
route. Representatives of the National Lawyers Guild and other civil
libertarians also accompanied the march, wearing hats reading "legal
observer".

The diverse crowd ranged from teenagers to war veterans. They carried
flags, banners and signs reading "Health care, not warfare" and
"Veterans for Peace".

Gloria Pacis, a graphic artist from New York City, told the crowd on the
Common that her son, Stephen Funk, 22, refused to serve with the
military in Iraq and spent five months in a military prison.

"We have come here so that those trying to bring our votes come November
can take a good look in our eyes and know that we won’t be lied to
again," she said.

Protesters criticised President George W. Bush’s administration and the
decision to go to war in Iraq.

"How dare we go into another country and tell them how to run it, how to
make it better when we cannot even better our own government," said
Christina Densmore, 31. "Our own people are dying."

Others took issue with both Republicans and Democrats.

Fernando Suarez Del Solar, 48, said his son, Jesus Suarez Del Solar, 20,
was a lance corporal and one of the first Marines killed in the Iraq
war, days after the US-led invasion began.

"Mr Bush lies," he said. "Mr Kerry is very confused. On one side he says
the war is wrong. On the other side, he says ’We need more boys in
Iraq’. I do not understand."

Citing public safety concerns, the city originally denied the anti-war
protesters permission for their march. A federal judge ruled last
Thursday that it be allowed. (AP)