IRAQI CHILD DOLLS STOP CLINTON MOTORCADE
Columbia, Missouri arrest for "interfering with a government operation."

When President Clinton came to Columbia, Missouri on July 6 to proclaim American's right to health care, others joined the occasion to ask by what right America deliberately denies health care for other people in the world. Among the sidewalk motorcade gawkers stood Maureen Doyle and Jeff Stack, holding a banner proclaiming "Economic Sanctions: The weapon that keeps on killing." At their side stood Steve Jacobs, holding a sign that said, "Clinton's Legacy: Genocide In Iraq." On the curb were four large dolls which were dressed in black traditional garb, common in Iraq. Around their necks were small cardboard signs which said, "I am a dying Iraqi child. My doctor has no medicine to give me and my parents have no food because of the economic sanctions. Why is the U.S. government killing me?"

When the Presidential motorcade was about 40 yards away, Jacobs walked out in front of it and placed one doll in each lane of traffic and then knelt in the road to pray. The cars in the motorcade came to an abrupt halt and the dolls were scooped up out of the road by a nearby police officer. Jacobs was handcuffed and led away while the President craned his neck for a better view.

After an hour of questioning, the Secret Service determined Jacobs posed no threat to the President. While he was being questioned, police surrounded the other protesters' vehicle and confiscated their banner, placards and Iraqi dolls. Jacobs was charged with littering and interfering with a government operation. He'll be in municipal court August 8 to face the misdemeanor charges.

For more information, contact the St. Francis Catholic Worker, 913 Rangeline, Columbia, MO 65201; (573)443-0096 sfhcw913@aol.com .