Chilly temps keep down attendance at rally for liberals

Liberals found themselves out in the cold Saturday afternoon. But that didn't chill their political spirit at a "Spring Fling for Liberals" at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

About 30 people turned out for food, music and speeches in the Conservation Pavilion. The event was sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Peace and Justice.

Organizers said the chilly weather kept down attendance.

Those who showed up said they were proud to be liberals in the hometown of conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh.

Speakers talked of saving the environment and social service programs. They criticized the war in Iraq, big corporations including oil companies, Republicans in Congress and President George W. Bush.

"We are proud liberals," said Dr. Robert Polack, assistant professor of social work at Southeast Missouri State University.

Canadian folk singers Janet and Ken Bates, who now live in Oregon, performed for free.

Janet Bates showed up in sandals. She hadn't expected such cold temperatures.

"The left side never has it easy," she said before performing an anti-war song.

She said conservative commentators like Limbaugh have vilified those who opposed the war in Iraq. They view us as "the enemy," she said.

Saturday's event marked an opportunity for unabashed liberals to celebrate their views.

Said Polack, "I don't feel as isolated as people might think."

Polack said the coalition plans to start lobbying state and federal lawmakers on various issues.

He hopes his organization can help combat the Republican Party.

"If we are going to beat them we have to start working together," he said.

Dr. Alan Journet, biology professor at Southeast and a member of the Sierra Club, criticized the environmental policies of the Bush administration and what he called "right-wing lunatics."

He said the Bush administration has a "no-tree-left-behind" policy on cutting down the nation's forests.

Jerry Swan of Cape Girardeau helped line up the musical acts that punctuated the celebration.

"My belief is there is no movement without music," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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