PINKtank

Several dozen activists from CODEPINK, Iraq Veterans Against War and other allies and a large press contigent gathered around noon today outside the White House to toss shoes at “George W. Bush” and call for the release of the Iraqi journalist arrested and beaten after throwing his shoes Sunday at Pres. Bush during a Baghdad press conference.

With about 100 shoes on hand, the activists, passersby and even some journalists took their turn taking aim at “Bush” (played by Tighe Barry, dressed in a prison outfit). Several activists wore t-shirts reading “Arrest Bush.” Printed on a sign was the phrase the detained Iraqi journalist, Muntadar al-Zaidi, now considered a hero in much of the Arab world, said as he threw the second shoe: “This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.”

In a more solemn display several yards from the tossing site, 200+ shoes were lined up, each attached with a tag listing the name, age, town and cause of death of Iraqi men women and children since the US invasion.

“Today’s event was both solemn and respectful, and playful and fun,” said Medea Benjamin, one of the event coordinators. “Both were very compelling displays. The journalist’s shoes take on a new meaning when shoes also remind us of the millions killed or displaced because of Bush’s reckless decision.”