Billionaires for Bush plan protest

PEORIA --  With President George W. Bush scheduled to appear at a lavish and expensive fund raiser for Republican Congressional candidate Aaron Schock on July 25, protesters are getting organized.

Here's a colorful event:  Billionaires for Bush will gather at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 25 in front of the Federal Building at Main and Monroe.  Their slogan: "Let  Them Eat Cake!  Billionaires to Throw Bash for River City Rabble."

They'll be suitably dressed in tuxes and gowns, and will allow anyone to be photographed with a cardboard cutout of Bush, for free. A Cheney impersonator also will be present, according to a news release by the group.

They'll be serving "the rabble" an "edible cake-like substance while displaying pro-Bush, pro-Schock, and pro-corporation messages, including 'Clean Air: Can't Sell it, Who Needs It' and 'Corporations are People Too.'

Their members had plenty to say about the event in the news release.

“In a democracy, everyone gets to vote, regardless of personal net worth,” explained billionaire Iona Senator. “It’s a flaw in the system—but, so long as the poor have a vote, we need to make sure that they cast that grubby vote for our guys.”

“It’s like subliminal messaging, but with cake,” explained billionaire Robin Yall. “We like to think that, in our own small way, we’re helping to make the pie higher.”

"While those with the inclination and the means can fork over $5000 for a photo with the President of the United States, the hoi polloi will be permitted to pose for photos with a life-sized, full-color cardboard cutout of the President" the news release states.

The Dick Cheney impersonator offers special fun.

“It’s uncanny, the way he captures that Cheney warmth and charm,” said billionaire Ilene Farright.”

Asked if being linked with an unpopular president could damage the Schock campaign, billionaire Hal E. Burton responded in the negative.  “Hell, Schock’s on record suggesting we sell nukes to  Taiwan to coerce concessions from China.  If that didn’t kill his campaign, nothing will,” he said."

Schock is running against Democrat Colleen Callahan and Green party candidate Sheldon Schafer for the 18th District seat in Congress being vacated by Republican Ray LaHood.

Bush's appearance at a $500-a-plate event at 2 p.m. at Weaver Farms, featuring a fee of $5,000 for a photo with the president, has generated ridicule and controversy. But it's also expected to raise $700,000 or more for Schock's campaign, according to press reports.

Callahan is hosting a $15 fish fry, also on Friday, July 25 from 4-8 pm. at Kickapoo Sportman's Club, 11125 W. Route 150 at Brimfield.

 -- Elaine Hopkins