When: 11 AM - Friday, January 6th
Where: Chicago Hilton & Towers 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

CHICAGO – Dozens of neighborhood groups and peace projects will picket U.S. President George Bush this Friday, January 6, beginning at 11:00 am, as Bush prepares to address the Economic Club at the Hilton Hotel, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s south loop.

Protesters, who will assemble across the street from the Hilton in Grant Park, are rallying around issues that range from opposition to the Iraq war to the Bush administration’s assaults on civil liberties.

Despite efforts by Bush and his handlers to keep details about his local appearances under wraps, word has spread like wildfire throughout the metro area’s progressive community, producing a groundswell of opposition – and aggressive efforts to turn out protesters.

Labor unions, senior citizen advocacy groups, immigrant rights projects, anti-war committees and a host of other organizations have taken up the organizing drive this week with email, phone canvassing, flyering and faxes to members, urging a large turnout – including from those who work in the area and can come by during their lunch hour. “This administration’s policies have been a disaster for the people of Chicago, the nation and the world, and we have every intention of making it clear to Bush that he is not welcome in this city,” said one Code Pink organizer. The group is planning a ‘pink slip’ action for Friday’s protest.

Organizers have also recruited attorneys and legal workers to serve as onsite observers to ensure that protesters’ civil liberties are respected by local police and Secret Service agents, who have been accused of illegally suppressing public protest at Bush appearances in the past.

Endorsers: (list in formation)

Albany Park, North Park, Mayfair Neighbors for Peace & Justice
Chicago Area CodePINK
Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights
Chicago NOW
Chicagoans Against War & Injustice
Chicagoland Coalition For Civil Liberties
8th Day Center for Justice
Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice
Gay Liberation Network
Hammerhard Media Works
Hyde Parkers Against War & Racism
Hyde Parkers for Peace and Justice
Joyous Revolution
Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago
Labors Militant Voice
McHenry County Peace Group
North Shore Anti-War Coalition
Northwest Indiana Coalition Against the Iraq War
Peace Pledge - Chicago
World Can’t Wait