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George Johnson, representing the Veterans Speakers Alliance/Veterans for Peace, <br />stated that the organization was uninvited to the 4th of July Parade. He stated that <br />they were in the parade last year and well received. He stated that he agrees that the <br />organization needs to be more entertaining but disagreed that they are too political. <br />He asked Council for support in any way possible, such as contacting the Peninsula <br />Celebration Committee (PCA) and asking that they be included if Council so desires. <br />Harlow Williams, Jr., member of Veterans for Peace and Vietnam veteran of the <br />Marine Corps., stated that he is looking forward to meeting with Bill Anderson about <br />the criteria to participate in the parade and joining his fellow veterans in bringing a <br />non - violent message of peace, and alternative ways of doing things. He stated his <br />hope that the Council can be supportive of such groups appearing on the City's <br />public streets. <br />P -A Wintersun, has been in parade with George Johnson and stated the belief that <br />we should be supporting Veterans for Peace as it is an alternative view to the current <br />life cycle were are currently experiencing. <br />Dennis Kyne, member of Veterans for Peace, explained that Veterans for Peace <br />stands for nuclear disarmament. He stated he considers it an honor to march in the <br />parade and thanked Council for its leadership and the time. <br />Nancy Gail Goebner, member of Veterans for Peace, stated that the most impressive <br />group she has seen when attending the Redwood City parade is the group of <br />-- Vietnam veterans. She stated that they were somber and made a stink about what <br />our tax dollars are doing. She stated that it is important in a democracy to allow a <br />variety of voices and views. She stated her hope that if there is any way to convince <br />the committee that it would be democratic and worthwhile to allow the tax paying <br />citizens to march in the parade the Council would do so. <br />Wayne Swan stated that June 6 is the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe, <br />58 years ago. He asked that Council put its hearts out with the Veterans for Peace <br />and allow them to participate in the parade. <br />Carol Cross pleaded that the Veterans for Peace be allowed to participate. She <br />stated other groups and individuals are political and that it is fair to include a range of <br />political viewpoints. She stated that Veterans for Peace is a legitimate organization <br />with a history and if they are not allowed to participate then there are others that <br />should not be allowed to participate. <br />Keith Bautista, representing the Redwood City /San Mateo Count Chamber of <br />Commerce, stated that on June 6, they will be graduating the 15 class of the <br />Leadership program. He explained the community leadership and other values that <br />REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 2, 2003 <br />MINUTES PAGE 3 <br />MINUTES Book No. 59 <br />Page No. 475 <br />