Vt. marchers protest war

MONTPELIER -- Hundreds of antiwar protesters marched to the Vermont State House yesterday to highlight their opposition to the US war in Iraq and the occupation of that country.

Many carried signs with themes such as "no blood for oil" or "Stop Bush."

While the rally was intended as an antiwar protest, it was also used by many as a way to speak against other aspects of US foreign and domestic policy. Many criticized US policy in Israel, or what some feel is a flawed voting system that keeps people from participating.

"I think we need to show our government that we are absolutely opposed to what is going on over there," said David Martin of Lyndonville.

The protesters, old and young, began their march at the Montpelier City Hall and marched down State Street to the State House. Montpelier police estimated the crowd to be between 300 and 500.