War protestors pay another visit to Kuhl office
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER.

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Iraq War protestors gather Thursday outside Congressman John "Randy" Kuhl's Bath office.

BATH - Roughly a dozen anti-war protesters left an invitation Thursday for U.S. Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl Jr., to meet with them to discuss his stance on the war in Iraq.

The group, local representatives of Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, want Kuhl to attend their "Take A Stand Day" town hall meeting set for 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath.

The meeting is part of the nationwide "Iraq Summer" campaign designed to put pressure on congressional leaders now backing President Bush's policies in Iraq.

The anti-war activists said they want Kuhl to explain his backing of war policies that could lead to prolonged combat in Iraq.

Thursday's visit to Kuhl's office was at the least the third anti-war demonstration at the congressman's office in the last month. Five protesters were arrested Aug. 7 when the refused to leave the office as it was closing for the day. Other issues are the growing suicide rate among U.S. soldiers in the war-torn country, and questions about the integrity of a report expected in September from Gen. David Petraeus, U.S., commander in Iraq.

Wayne Wells, of Cameron Mills, said as long as Kuhl supports Bush, he should be held accountable for Bush policies "which make the U.S. look weak and evil."

But so far, Kuhl has refused to answer calls and declined other meetings with the protesters, according to Cyril Mychalejko, spokesman for the group.

Mychalejko said Kuhl replied in writing to an earlier invitation from group member Christopher Tate for a meeting Thursday. Kuhl wrote he was unable to meet with them and did not offer to reschedule a meeting, Mychalejko said.

Tate was among the five antiwar demonstrators arrested Aug. 7.

Mychalejko denied any connection with the group arrested two weeks ago.

"He has not returned our calls, he refuses to talk to us," Mychalejko said.

Mychalejko and other protesters Thursday claimed they are local residents and not political operatives from other areas.

Protesters were told Thursday by village Police Chief David Rouse they could not assemble in front of Kuhl's district office or stage a rally because they had not applied for a parade permit.

Meghan Tisinger, director of communications for Kuhl, said the protesters should call the district office for an available appointment.

"They need to go through the same procedure as everyone else," Tisinger said.

Mychalejko said Kuhl should explain his support of the war to the voters.

"If he's willing to send the sons and daughters of the people here into a meat grinder, he should be willing to answer a few questions," Michalejko said.