Political group rallies on bridges to call for impeachment of Obama

Bikers on the overpass above I-290/Route 53 near Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village wove past protesters Tuesday afternoon, all who want President Barack Obama out of office.

Drivers could see the words “Impeach Obama” and “Honk” overhead, made from white Styrofoam cups stuck in to the overpass railing. The 15 protesters each waved American flags, cheering and pumping their arms.

This was one of several protests held Tuesday in Illinois and across the country, arranged by the group Overpasses for Obama’s Impeachment.

Two protests were held on the overpass Tuesday, and Schaumburg resident Gerry Plath, 68, oversaw both.

He said he was a critic of former President George W. Bush, but not to the extent he opposes Obama.

There are several issues the president has mishandled, Plath said. Among these, he named health care, unemployment, the Internal Revenue Service scandal and the National Security Agency surveillance controversy.

“He has a lot of charisma but he wasn’t qualified for the job. I think him getting elected was just white guilt,” Plath said. “He doesn’t respect our country.”

Julie Wende, a native of Glen Ellyn who now lives in Leland, Ill., said about 20 people attended the morning protest, who similarly sported American flags and attached protest signs to the overpass.

She said she was very encouraged by the honks from motorists in response, and she expects such protests to grow.

“It was just a wonderful experience,” she said, explaining that she was there because she believed Obama was ruining the country.

A representative of the Arlington Heights Tea Party was at the morning rally, passing out cards and inviting those present to the next meeting, she said.

Similar protests were held Tuesday in Hinsdale, Bloomington, New Lenox and Springfield, to name a few.

Plath said the goal for the protests is no less than to get the president impeached.

“I understand that will be difficult, but we’re hoping he’ll be out soon,” he said.

This local group protested once before in July and plans to come out for a seven-hour protest Aug. 17, starting at 9 a.m., Plath said.