Protesters demonstrate at US Coast Guard Academy
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{{date|May 24, 2007}}

[[Image:Coast Guard Academy sign, May 23, 2007.jpg|thumb|250px|The sign at the entrance to the Coast Guard Academy was marked with a peace sign and the words "RESIST EMPIRE". {{image source|[http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/User:Ragesoss Sage Ross]}}]]
[[Image:Protesters and counter-protesters, May 23, 2007.jpg|thumb|250px|Protesters and counter-protesters gathered on opposite sides of the street. {{image source|[http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/User:Ragesoss Sage Ross]}}]]

On the occasion of [[George W. Bush|President Bush]]'s commencement speech at the [[w:United States Coast Guard Academy|United States Coast Guard Academy]] on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters gathered in [[w:New London, Connecticut|New London, Connecticut]].  

The peaceful demonstration lasted from approximately 7:00 a.m. to noon. Most protesters, such as the large contingent from the [[w:A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition|A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition]], were there to push for an immediate end to the [[Iraq War]]. Others, including a number of robed professors from nearby universities, carried signs focused on the [[w:Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush Administration]]'s [[w:NSA warrantless surveillance controversy|surveillance programs]] and science and environmental policies.  

Across the street from the main group, a smaller number of counter-protesters voiced support for the war and denounced the protesters' for what they considered lack of support for the troops.

Throughout the demonstrations at the corners of Mohegan Avenue and Williams Street, protesters and counter-protesters yelled at each other, separated by police and [[w:Police dogs|K-9 units]]. The protesters had a roster of speakers and a central loudspeaker system, while several counter-protesters had hand-held loudspeakers and bullhorns.

The crowd caught a brief glimpse of President Bush's motorcade just before 11:00 a.m., but was otherwise well outside the range of the college's graduation activities.  Several television vans were on site and numerous reporters covered the demonstrations.

==Sources==
*{{source|url=http://www.norwichbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070523/NEWS01/70523028/1002
|title=Protesters face off outside Coast Guard Academy
|author=Julie A. Varughese
|pub=Norwich Bulletin
|date=May 23, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/05/ap_coastguard_bush_070523/
|title=Bush talk at USCGA sparks protests
|author=John Christoffersen - The Associated Press
|pub=Navy Times
|date=May 23, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-ctsciprotest.artmay16,0,3678531.story?coll=hc-headlines-politics
|title=Scientists May Protest
|author=William Weir
|pub=Hartford Courant
|date=May 16, 2007}}
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{{Commons|Category:May 23, 2007 anti-war at United States Coast Guard Academy commencement|May 23 USCGA demonstrations}}
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{{Archived}}
[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:Iraq War]]
[[Category:North America]]
[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:George W. Bush]]
[[Category:Environment]]


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The sign at the entrance to the Coast Guard Academy was marked with a peace sign and the words "RESIST EMPIRE". 
Protesters and counter-protesters gathered on opposite sides of the street. 

On the occasion of President Bush's commencement speech at the United States Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters gathered in New London, Connecticut.  

The peaceful demonstration lasted from approximately 7:00 a.m. to noon. Most protesters, such as the large contingent from the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, were there to push for an immediate end to the Iraq War. Others, including a number of robed professors from nearby universities, carried signs focused on the Bush Administration's surveillance programs and science and environmental policies.  

Across the street from the main group, a smaller number of counter-protesters voiced support for the war and denounced the protesters' for what they considered lack of support for the troops.

Throughout the demonstrations at the corners of Mohegan Avenue and Williams Street, protesters and counter-protesters yelled at each other, separated by police and K-9 units. The protesters had a roster of speakers and a central loudspeaker system, while several counter-protesters had hand-held loudspeakers and bullhorns.

The crowd caught a brief glimpse of President Bush's motorcade just before 11:00 a.m., but was otherwise well outside the range of the college's graduation activities.  Several television vans were on site and numerous reporters covered the demonstrations.
Politics and conflicts Iraq War North America United States George W. Bush Environment