It began in Salt Lake City, Utah this morning. Reader Ruth e-mails:

Local (Salt Lake City) morning news-shows talked much about today’s rallies and protests in view of the arrival of President Bush this evening. (The day kicks off with a Death to Israel rally at 9:00 am followed by the Mayor’s anti-war protest at 10:30 am.) Not one local newscast, however, seemed alarmed by a Death to Israel rally; in fact they “reported” it as though they were announcing the next PTA meeting and included it in the list of events for today’s special activities. I am ashamed to be a Utahn today!

A few more details:

While Cpl. Adam Galvez’s parents wait on the Marines to return their son’s body to Utah, they’re also planning to speak at a pro-troops President Bush rally this week. The Freedom rally is one of many scheduled for Wednesday when the President arrives.

The Freedom Rally will take place Wednesday at the northeast corner of Liberty Park. The Galvezes are scheduled to speak sometime between 11:30am and 1:30pm, as long as it doesn’t interfere with funeral arrangements for their son.

Organizers say it will be a positive, NON-political rally centered on supporting troops. It’s one of several public events taking place this week.

Thousands of Utahns are expected to participate in various demonstrations while President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld are in town for the Legion convention. Registration for demonstration permits closed Friday and so far we know of rallies with themes ranging from anti-war, and anti-Israel, to pro-U.S. troops and Pro Bush.

The “Death to Israel” group applied for the longest permit, fourteen hours. They are meeting around Washington Square. A protest organizer says they may not have someone there the entire time the permit is good for, but wanted the option of being there at all times.