Coalition To Demonstrate

St. Valentine, make some room on your day of love for the fight for world peace.

The Nature Coast Coalition for Peace and Justice will demonstrate from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the northeast corner of State Road 50 and Commercial Way.

The goal is to rally against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the recent bank bailouts, said Chairman Brian Moore.

Why Valentine's Day, a day typically set aside for romance?

"Valentine pales in light of the serious business of the day," Moore said. "We should not distract ourselves or delay our messages. Time is of the essence. If we want more Valentine days, then we need more peace, no wars, and more jobs and money to spend on chocolates, cards and teddy bears."

The coalition advocates a withdrawal from Iraq and opposes a buildup of troops in Afghanistan, Moore said. A significant segment of the group's membership also opposes Israel's recent campaign against Palestine.

The group has also opposed the recent bank bailout bill. As for President Barack Obama's stimulus plan, that's "a mixed bag" of opinions but most tend to favor the plan, said Moore, who ran for president on the Socialist ticket and dismisses the stimulus package as "just feeding the system that has already collapsed."

For more information on the coalition, call Moore at 352-686-9936.