Truckers protesting high price of gasoline descend on Washington, plan rally at Capitol
By BRETT ZONGKER | Associated Press | Apr 28, 08 12:29 PM CDT in
US
Horns blaring in a deafening fanfare, a convoy of truck drivers arrived in Washington on Monday to protest high fuel prices.
Members of Truckers and Citizens United circled the National Mall before parking their rigs at RFK Stadium. Organizers said about 350 vehicles were expected.
The truckers planned an afternoon rally at the Capitol as they call on Congress to stop subsidizing big oil companies, release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and end exports of oil from Alaska, among other things.
Many of the truckers arrived from Harrisburg, Pa., and other cities to the north. A passenger in one truck held a sign that read "Enough is Enough," and one trucker used a bullhorn to yell at Congress as he drove past.
The demonstration drew the attention of tourists. Nathan and Tara Horn of Normal, Ill., had been visiting museums and other sites but came to the Capitol to see the trucks driving past in rainy weather.
"Just knowing the influence that our citizens have to talk to our congressmen and senators ... This is awesome," Nathan Horn said. "We really need to bring the fuel prices down for the common person."
Traffic was not significantly affected by the convoy although a few horn-honking truckers drove through red lights.
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On the Net:
Truckers and Citizens United: http://tinyurl.com/69xcba
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