In a somewhat surprising move, given all the haggling over a proposed march route on the opening day of the Republican National Convention, an anti-RNC faction is set to announce today a protest on Sept. 4, the closing day of the convention.

There will be a noon press conference today in front of the Xcel Energy Center, and plans for a "No Peace for War-Makers" demonstration apparently has the backing of several groups. Here are excerpts from the news release issued by something called the Anti-War Committee.  — G.R. Anderson Jr.

"Plans for September 4 include a rally at the State Capitol at 4 pm followed by a march to the Xcel Center.  Individuals and groups will then demonstrate their opposition to the war in Iraq and the wars at home on immigrants, workers, low income families, people of color, and the queer community.  Demonstrators will utilize creative and diverse tactics to resist war and injustice under a banner of 'No Peace for the War-Makers.' 

"The September 4th demonstration has been endorsed locally by the Welfare Rights Committee, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Students for a Democratic Society, and nationally by the Troops Out Now Coalition and the International Action Center.  The Anti-War Committee will continue to seek endorsements and reach out to groups locally and nationally in an effort to build a powerful demonstration that will draw thousands of participants.

"Anti-War Committee member Katrina Plotz explains, "On September 4, the Republicans will nominate John McCain for president, a candidate who supports endless occupation in Iraq and has threatened war against Iran.  He has vowed to continue the war at home by extending Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and by expanding free trade agreements that exploit workers and the environment.  We must counter this agenda with demands of our own.  We want U.S. troops out of Iraq now and an end to injustice and exploitation at home.

"Misty Rowan of the Anti-War Committee continues, 'Throughout the RNC, the Xcel Center will be closed to the thousands of people whose lives are most affected by the plans and decisions of the politicians.  It's up to us to gather in the streets, converge on the Xcel Center and say no to over 5 years of unjust war in Iraq and to demand justice abroad and at home.'

"The Anti-War Committee has been organizing rallies, protests, and educational events in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years.  We stand in solidarity with communities at home and abroad who are oppressed by U.S. policy and are committed to building a broad movement for social justice and peace."