University students and faculty members gathered outside the Education Building yesterday to speak out against “The War on Terrorism” and potential conflicts in Iraq.
BG Peace Net meets daily at 2:15 p.m. to share there views with the campus, but yesterday, the group brought in speakers and showed a video during the peace rally.
The informal group that began after the United States began bombing Afghanistan was joined yesterday by members of Amnesty International, Campus Greens, Environmental Action Group and Reach Out.
“(BG Peace Net has) felt that ever since the attacks the University should understand the government and its stance toward terrorism,” said Bill Ellis, co-organizer of the group and rally.
Members at the protest wielded signs with messages such as “An 83 percent approval rating is not a license to kill” and “Bush wants to drop your financial aid on Iraq.” They were also joined by the University drum circle.
“We’re trying to (get across) that there are other options and not going into killing without trying all other options first,” said Mary Myers, member of Amnesty International.
While the protesters were unsure what other options there are, they did agree that they could be found.
According to Bill Ellis, co-organizer of BG Peace Net, it would take a lot of discussion to come up with a peaceful agreement between the United States and its enemys.
“There is a peaceful alternative,” Ellis said, “I think if everyone knew the whole truth, a dialogue of other alternatives could happen. Until society knows the whole truth, a peaceful alternative can’t be found.”
Those present at the rally had their individual reasons for speaking out against the attacks the United States have perpetuated against Afghanistan.
Joel Wendlend, visiting professor in Ethnic Studies believes President George W. Bush has alternative movtives for bombing afghanistan than just fighting terrorism.
“It may have something to do with the fact that some of his friends are placed in high positions in the defense industry and stand to make a lot of money from it,” he said.
Wendland, as well as Campus Greens member Docia Buffington said that the media has shown too much of a pro-war stance and hasn’t correctly portrayed all the issues involved with “The War on terrorism.” They feel it is up to them and others to show other sides.
“It’s important to show there are other opinions and we’re fighting for freedom so it’s important to exercise that freedom,” Buffington said.
Buffington also said she doesn’t like the fact that the United States has caused some civilians in Afghanistan their lives.
“Their lives shouldn’t be the sacrifice for what happened on September 11,”she said.
