There was no "honk if you oppose the war" sign at the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice's demonstration this morning -- it would have been superfluous.
The hour a dozen antiwar protesters stood out in the cold holding a variety of peace signs was a cacaphony of car and truck horns, and myriad shouts of encouragement.
If a vote had been taken today, at the corner of Highway 20 and Route 31, all U.S. servicemen would be out of Iraq. Never would have gone in the first place.
"Public sentiment is clearly against this war. But people are still confused by the administration's rhetoric," said Ken Yorgan, a chiropractor by day and chairman of the Coalition, adding, "Put 'lies' in quotes after 'rhetoric.' "
"We want to elevate the conversation, stimulate the dialogue about this illegal war," he said.
Sister Alice, a Racine Dominican waving a "HELP VETS" sign, explained why she and the others were there: "When somebody puts themselves on the line like this, it energizes others. It gives them hope.
"And, maybe next time, they'll be out here too. For the person doing it, it puts the issue firmer in your mind; it's not abstract any more."
Peggy Huset-Duros recalled participating in antiwar protests before the U.S. invaded Iraq. "At that time, we got a lot of nasty yells and hecklers. But not any more."
The Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, 7 p.m., at the Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Ave. They will be out at the corner of Highays 20 and 31 once more this year, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. -- braving the cold with warm hearts hoping for peace.
Calling Bush a liar is an attempt to elevate the conversation? Denis Navratil.
ReplyDeletePeace and Justice stood up while most Americans were waving flags. This band of bravehearts have been marching and standing on corners and getting before the public consistently ever since - through rain and snow. In a media age when many are hiding behind anonymous personas, this group is on their feet and in your face. Persistent. Constructive criticism. Challenge. Democracy is still alive.
ReplyDeletePlease. The group gets six people to stand in monument square and they get a picture in the paper and an article.
ReplyDeleteIn October, area catholic churches had over a hundred people covering the intersection of Hwys 20 & 11 praying to end abortion. What was there coverage? Nada. Nothing. Zip. Oh wait - this happened on a Sunday - news only happens during regular work hours for the JT
And if we lost the War on Terror this same group of folks would be lined up and shot by the winners.
ReplyDeleteOne would think that this group would at least understand the war we are fighting but that would mean they would have to live in 2007 and not 1972.