Hundreds of protesters gathered downtown to decry President Bush's threats of war against Iraq.

Louisville Police Officer Donna Kidd uses her horse to push protesters back during a visit by President Bush to Louisville, Ky., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the possibility of war with Iraq. (AP Photo/Patti Longmire)

Bush, in Louisville for a $1,000-a-plate luncheon for U.S. Rep. Anne Northup, never appeared before the approximately 400 protesters, instead entering the Seelbach Hotel through another entrance.

About 20 teenagers fronted the protest -- taking place behind police and barricades a few hundred feet from the hotel -- chanting anti-Bush slogans and beating on buckets and drums.

"I'm here to voice opposition to the policies of the Bush administration, specifically his isolated policy of going to war with Iraq," said Jana Meyer, holding a sheet sign reading 'No U.S. cowboy war in Iraq.' "There's no reason to do it. His reason is because it's an election year."

Police did take away one protester, David Coyte, who police said was interfering with their barricade. Coyte was charged with failure to disperse.

While many of the protesters -- some of whom were clad in bandanas and other militant dress -- held signs and chanted against Kentucky Republicans Northup and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the majority were angered at the possibility of another war in the Middle East.

"There are so many issues that one would be unhappy about with the Bush administration, but the most pressing is this crazy threat of a bogus war in Iraq to keep the fear going," said protester Stephen Bartlett, 43. "The case is bogus. They haven't given other pressures enough of a chance."

Copyright 2002 The Associated Press

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