Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- Olympics Protesters Leery of 'Terrorist' Label Saturday, September 15, 2001 http://www.sltrib.com/2001/sep/09152001/utah/132250.htm BY TOM WHARTON THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Critics of Salt Lake City's Olympics are fearful that heightened security at the Games in the wake of this week's terrorist attacks could infringe on the rights of free speech and peaceful protest. "There is a clear distinction between acts of terrorism and the right to protest," said Glenn Bailey of Impact 2002, a coalition of citizens rights groups. Limiting protest "is dangerous for all America. You have a right to bring issues to light out of the mainstream." Bailey was among the speakers at a public forum on Olympic issues Friday night at the University of Utah's Marriott Library. About 70 people attended. He added that organizations planning protests should be on the lookout for security forces that may infiltrate them to thwart protest activity. "The biggest issue is to make a distinction about the fact that we are protestors, not terrorists," said Scott Cowley, a member of the Utah Citizen-Activist Network. "If you blur that distinction, there are people who will reduce our rights in a time of crisis. History has shown that. And when it happens, you don't get them back." Stephen Pace, one of the most vocal critics of the Olympics over the years, said concentrating tens of thousands of people downtown during the Games plays into the hands of terrorists. "The Olympics put a great big target on Salt Lake City's backside," said Pace. Members of the Utah Citizen-Activist Network said they will apply for permits to protest during the Games. They hope to be near Rice-Eccles Stadium during the Opening Ceremony and the medals plaza downtown. Among their targets will be the corporations which have "co-opted the Olympics." Other issues are environmental and tax ramifications of hosting the Games. � Copyright 2001, The Salt Lake Tribune ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
