Protesting Vets Barred From Reagan Ranch

SANTA BARBARA —  About 60 veterans who marched to the gate of President Reagan’s ranch today were rebuffed in efforts to present a petition calling on the President to end assistance to contra rebels fighting Nicaragua’s leftist government.

The marchers also pounded scores of wooden crosses into the ground outside the ranch. March leader Charles Liteky said the crosses were in remembrance of those killed during conflicts in Vietnam and Nicaragua.

Sheriff’s Deputy Edgar Jack, who met the marchers, said he was not authorized to accept their petition but suggested that they take it to a Santa Barbara hotel, where he said it could be accepted by someone from the White House staff.

The veterans later showed up at White House spokesman Larry Speakes’ briefing for the press and attempted to present their petitions. They were again rebuffed.

“I am not going to participate in any stunt like that,” Speakes said as Eduardo Cohen, a leader of the group, walked toward him holding out a folder containing the petitions.

“These are veterans of military service,” Cohen retorted.

Speakes did not accept the petitions, but told Cohen, “We will be sure they get in the right hands for you.”