By Matt Forge

Savannah, GA (FP) -- A non-profit group asked for and received funds from local government officials to cover its shortfalls after a failed anti-war protest during the recent G-8 summit in Georgia. Organizer Kellie Gasink expected more than 5,000 participants, but just 150 showed up. In a letter to the mayor, she asked for $2,000, but what she got was much more than she ever expected or could dream of.

Gasink was originally hoping to pay for the International Festival for Peace and Civil Liberties by, in true capitalist fashion, selling T-shirts and posters she and her husband, William Pleasant, had created. But her booth was targeted by anti-capitalist protesters looting her merchandise and painting "The 9th G" on her overhead logo banner.

A city official said that giving her group the money would not set a bad precedent, not prompting every group with a failed event to follow suit. "We're in the business of supporting losing causes," he said. "The city has really gone above and beyond to ensure that this event happened and in the end, there should be no risk of promoting events," Alderman Van Johnson proclaimed. "You shouldn't get left holding the bag."

The city already waved $2,100 in permit fees and reduced the maintenance deposit from from $7,500 to $500, he pointed out, but there was more coming from the public coffer. Gasink and her husband were also both given matching his and hers green colored hybrid vehicles to scoot around town in. They also received $100,000 (tax free) and an all-expense paid three week vacation to France. The couple will be staying in the penthouse of the America Sucks Highrise Hotel just left of the Eiffel Tower.

"We want to recognize these truly incredible American patriots," said the mayor. "That's why we're going to also use taxpayer dollars to fund the rest of their demonstrations as well, including a future display of 100 umbrellas called the "Shower of Tears." The umbrellas will bear the names and descriptions of 50 Americans and 50 Iraqis killed during fighting in Iraq over the past year.

The city will also help host a candlelight vigil and bucket-drum march next week for Camilo Mejia, an Army staff sergeant convicted for desertion after claiming conscientious objector status when he did not return to Iraq following a two-week leave. Refreshments will be provided as well as a band performing (with real drums) all the greatest hits from the 60s and the 60s.