Bush's Victory Sparks Protest
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Protesters took to the streets of Portland on Wednesday, calling for an end to the Iraq war and greater scrutiny of President Bush's (search) re-election victory.
The demonstrators, who numbered more than 100, were met by police in riot gear and on horseback. At least five people were arrested, but there were no reports of injuries. Police squirted some demonstrators with what appeared to be pepper spray.
The protesters chanted "Not our president, not our war," and sought an investigation into Bush's victory over Democrat John Kerry (search).
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I want to see democracy in America," said Cyrus Smith, 24. "I want all the votes scrutinized."
Others just wanted to let Bush know that they wouldn't quietly accept his policies.
"I'm not trying to challenge the vote — it's keeping things alive," said Jeremy Lambshead, 23.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We're still here," he added. "You may have won the White House, you may have won the House, you may have won the Senate, but we're still here."
As police arrested one man, protesters yelled, "Police go home." One held a sign reading: "Let's do what Kerry wouldn't — revolt."
One demonstrator, Eric Blickenstaff, 30, of Portland, lost his brother in the war in Iraq. Spc. Joseph M. Blickenstaff died last December when his combat vehicle tumbled off a dirt road in central Iraq.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"This is the international sign for distress," said Eric Blickenstaff, holding an upside-down American flag. "Our country is in distress. The religious right won the election."