(See also a report and pictures by Takver recovered at archive.org here)

As a curtain raiser to the major protests planned for Canberra while the other Butcher of Baghdad was due to visit at the invitation of his little buddy Johnny, protests were held around the country on the evening of Tuesday 22 October. Melbourne saw a turnout of over a thousand, including many who were then to board buses heading for the capital.

Bush and Howard were actually present, at least in effigy, and in more than one incarnation. The pictures speak for themselves as regards the feelings of those present:

And here he is

There were black flags…

…and red ones.

After speakers, including veteran campaigner Bishop Hilton Deakin, the rally moved off down Swanston Street, pausing for a while at the intersection with Bourke Street, outside the Nike store: