General Information Staff Subscribe Donor Information Archives Syndicate Chronicle Headlines Other Campus Politics articles		Anti-anti-war protest at Northwestern Posted 02-21-2003, 16:17 by David Weigel Anti-anti-war protest at NU About 20 NU students, not including a drifting group of supporters, countered the NOWAR protest today with signs and peaceful debate. To their great credit, NOWAR organizers allowed a pro-war protester (OK, it was me) to briefly address their crowd of 60 or 70 students and faculty. It's important to note that this counter-rally was not publicized in any way. The idea of uniting pro-war students to represent the NU population that doesn't support kneejerk pacifism came about Monday, and it was suggested to a number of students via e-mail. It was not advertised in the Northwestern Chronicle - most protestors were not members of the Chronicle. We organized under no banner at all. We just wanted to be heard. Here are some photos taken by Illinois blogger John Tabin. View from the front View from the side View from the front (with a number of protesters out of frame) Email this Article Printer-friendly version Author David Weigel [e-mail] Reader Feedback Post a comment Name E-mail address Subject   Comment i want peace and im not giving up on the idea! by vicky (rapcutie1306@yahoo.com) on 09-04-2006, 16:23 You cannot prevent and prepare for war at the same time. ~Albert Einstein Liberty and democracy become unholy when their hands are dyed red with innocent blood. ~Gandhi, Non-violence in Peace and War, 1948 If we don't end war, war will end us. ~H.G. Wells, Things to Come, 1935 god made us so that we would love, forgive, and protect...but no one noticed that were doing the exact opposite! were sending ourselves off to war, thinking that violence is the answer and killing innocent people. poeple that are just like us, with feelings and thoughts and hopes and dreams..! because Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron. PLEASE AMERICA, SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BY BRINGING THEM HOME NOW ! grievance by vernon wayne ball (pallsup1@ma.rr.com) on 01-14-2004, 11:16 would you take a look at my web site at: http://grievance.info thank you some thoughts by steve (stevie@hotmail.com) on 04-19-2003, 09:47 Well, Saddam or any other dictator is no threat at all to the USA. You guys are sooooo powerful. If you have reason to be afraid, it's because you sold the weapons to them. I guess your government was not that stupid... Imagine people in Iraq (children as well), hating Saddam. What will it help to drop bombs on them? They'll loose all hope. I don't have solutions. Saddam is a dictator that has to disappear, but at what cost? I SUPPORT MY PRESIDENT by Jessica (jessica72604@yahoo.com) on 03-05-2003, 16:32 I enjoy my freedom, and want to protect my daughter. I'm sick and tired of these morons talking about peace and crap when peace isn't possible when Saddam is in control in IRAQ. I want my child to be able to live the free life that I had the luxuray of experiances. I don't want to live the rest of my life in fear. MSNBC link by Brad (zorkon76@aol.com) on 03-03-2003, 15:20 FYI: Glenn Reynolds blog (featured on MSNBC.com) has linked to this page. http://www.msnbc.com/news/856672.asp?0dm=O1GRO As an NU grad, it's nice to see debate and organization on both sides, though I'm not sure what an anti-anti-no-war protest is. Is pro-war too un-PC to say? An anti-anti-no-war protest just makes it sound like you're against free speech. Being pro-war is nothing to be ashamed about. Iraq today is a threat to future world stability and war is the best way to resolve the problem. Also just to point this out to any Chronicle staff, during my time as a student, I never felt NU was an extremely liberal place when talking with students, but the far left was far more vocal than the right. I always enjoyed reading the Chronicle, even if it's sole purpose often seemed to be just a conservative/republican editorial of the Daily's reporting. There was always too much of an "angry republican white men" influence (still there from looking at the pictures!). I have not had the chance to read the Chronicle in some time now, but from some other posts, I think it would be an improvement to have more of a Libertarian and diverse perspective. THANK YOU AAW!!!! by B (heybh@lycos.com) on 03-02-2003, 01:56 Great to see that common sense and reasoned thinking still exist in the face of today's rampant anti-Americanism, at the heart of which lies the anti-war movement. The non-arguments of the anti-war crowd (e.g. the ill-informed, ignorant, and ad hominem comments by Strago and L.D. on this page) would seem by the liberal media account to be the only position held by Americans. These people seek to weaken and destroy the the very country that gives them the right to speak against it. We can only hope that more pro-Americans start speaking out, loudly, in the name of freedom-for Americans, for Iraqi's, even for the French. Thanks for getting the ball rolling-lets try to keep it going. Also, this is not a war for oil. If America wanted Iraqi oil we would have already taken it. If France Germany and Russia wanted Iraqi oil they would have simply entered into large contracts (US opposed) in which they give billions to the Iraqi military machine to build WMDs and repress and torture Iraqi civillians. Oh...Wait...they did!! AMERICANS!! Please-raise your voice!!!!!!! Support by Monica (justpiper@core.com) on 02-28-2003, 07:41 I saw your article about your protest and wanted to say thank you! Had I known, this 60's protestor would have stood side by side with you. I belong to probably the biggest support group on the internet to support our President and our military. It is called freerepublic.com and we would love for you to sign up. We are very proud of you youngsters (grin). Go to this url and you'll find someone posted your story!: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/850281/posts FREE IRAQ by Tom (Youngsenator@lycos.com) on 02-26-2003, 03:41 I am very proud and supportive of the so-called "pro-war" movement. However, I prefer to call it a "liberate Iraq" or "Free Iraq" movement. I am urging people to spread the word. I have also had some t-shirts made and am working on getting some hats. If you are interested in obtaining one, e-mail me and I'll see what I can do. Proud of you guys by R. L. (woodie@iland.net) on 02-26-2003, 02:09 Onward Ho!!! Raise your banners high and be proud for the cause of freedom. I totally support you and your brothers in peaceful arms aiming to educate the ignorant or willing blind. In an uncertain world all one can do is pray for peace. However, so long as evil dwells on the face of the world in physical vessels such as Saddam there will never be peace. Even when he isn’t active against his neighbors his atrocities are inflicted upon his own people. So, why do his people show up in the media showing their loyalty? (ie, signing “vote” ballads in blood, rallying at his beck and call) cause if they didn’t they’d immediately be on the chopping block. I honestly don’t care if this is politically motivated over oil, resolutions, or any other fact. A murdering dictator is a still a murdering dictator and his past actions have displayed his character…left unchecked, he will once again march upon his neighbors. It is time for him to pay the piper. It is time for him to repent for his most serious sins. Its time his whole regime was dethroned and destroyed for the sake of peace in the middle east and peace of mind for his subjects. Anti-anti-war by Ruck (ruck@wave3online.com) on 02-25-2003, 14:55 We had anti war people around supporting Hitler with the same whimpy arguments. If we had listen to them we would all be speaking German now. They never saw a dictator they didn't like. The more things change, the more they remain the same. If you attack your neighbors , gas your citizens,defy the UN and make weapons of mass destruction--we kick you butt--. You don't screw with AMERICA and I don't apologize for that. ANT-ANTI-WAR by ANTOINETTE (ANTB1234@AOL.COM) on 02-25-2003, 14:27 Great job!!! Keep up the good work!!! Commenting on Stupidity by Big "D" (eatme@hotmail.com) on 02-25-2003, 13:43 How do you argue with those kinds of facts? Good job Strago.......Dumb ass!! it's people like you that take away all credibility from the anti-war movement. And what about the oppression and torture Saddam has inflicted on his own people? Or do you believe that is just sensationalism created by the media? Americas culturaly inferiority by Strago (info@mightyoaks.uk.com) on 02-25-2003, 04:51 The main reason many dumb-ass yanks hate France is because France IS CULTURALY MUCH MORE SUPERIOR TO AMERICA , esp-C.I.A.-lly when many yanks are willing to do the Israeli goverment's dirty work for them and wage a genocidal war on the Iraqi people! Anti-anti War Protest by Rollee (Rollee7@netscape.net) on 02-25-2003, 02:39 Good job, David! You and your fellow anti-anti-war protesters have restored my faith in some of today's youth. I am happy that you and your like-minded souls will be leading this country someday. That thought gives me great comfort as I enter the youth of my old age. Good luck! Your Friend, Rollee from Orland Park, IL. What Would Jesus Do? by Sid (sorrynotpublishing@dontneedthespam.net) on 02-24-2003, 20:47 Hank-- Jesus also drove the money-changers out of the Temple in Jerusalem. The "love commandment" cuts both ways-- love of one's neighbor sometimes compels you to protect him or her against evil. This belief is institutionalized in many denominations of the Christian church. Consider the story of the good samaritan, who had helped the person who had been mugged on the side of the road. Do you think that the Apostles or Jesus, if they had arrived there during that attack, would have just turned a blind eye or do you think that they would have intervened in some way? Part of the Gospel is an acknowledgment that there IS evil in the world-- otherwise nobody would need redemption through faith. That evil must be addressed in some way. Love thy neighbor doesn't mean ignoring the plight of 23 million Iraqis who are held hostage by a brutal dictator. Love thy neighbor doesn't mean allowing the world to be at risk from a dictator that gasses babies. What would Jesus do? I don't think any of us can be certain, but he certainly wouldn't be holding up a sign accusing Bush of being Hitler while ignoring a vile, contemptible dictator in Iraq. aaw protest by joe malone (jlmjr2@bellsouth.net) on 02-24-2003, 18:13 It's about time a university is comfortable supporting mainstream America and the troops which protect the rights of all to live without the threat of wmd. awesome.. by cheap shot artist (lenti_muitnep@yahoo.com) on 02-24-2003, 17:44 I've seen the other pictures of the 'peace' protestors and I cannot believe it. In several of them people are holding pictures of Saddam and a majority of them hold signs denouncing capitalism um errr...... freedom. Just because the masses in Germany at the time were attending large Nazi rallies does not make them right. Go to the National Review and send a protestor any article by Hanson and ask them to refute it with logical arguments. You'll be waiting a long time. YOU GUYS RULE! Anit-war Movement by J. M. Carl (jmichaelcarl@duke.ed) on 02-24-2003, 16:38 Yah, Heil Bush, mein Fuehrer! He reminds me of Hitler. If Bush starts this war he should be impeached and then tried as the war criminal that he'll be. Additions by Karl Zimmerman (k-zimmerman@northwestern.edu) on 02-24-2003, 14:50 First of all, Evan said that this was done simply because we are conservative. As one of the founders of this anti-anti-war rally I am a registered Libertarian, not a conservative, being for this war is against my party’s line, yet after thoroughly thinking it through, I thought this was the best possible option. Strago, what a great thing to say, being happy people died, that really makes me respect your opinions. Also, LD, what proof do you have to back up your stances, and I am asking for proof, not that, oh this person said this or believes this, etc. There has been absolutely no proof that this war is over oil, if it were, then why wouldn’t we have taken full advantage of Iraq and their oil in the Persian Gulf War? Throughout all these events we have tried to keep Saudi Arabia as allies, at least keeping their government as allies, why would we then go to war with them, it simply makes no sense. And diverting the public attention away from the economy? Personally, I think that would be hard to do, as if someone is unemployed now I highly doubt this war will make him or her forget that, or that their loss of money will help them forget that. In addition, as this economic slump has nothing to do with Bush’s policy, as the slump was entirely evident before Bush took office, I see no real reason that Bush should try to hide it. The President does not control the economy, nor should he and Bush has taken appropriate actions to help restore the economy. Sorry, but this is how the economy works, ups and downs, simply let the economy control itself and everything will be all right. Wildcat Pride by JR (nuatlmecheng@yahoo.com) on 02-24-2003, 14:42 As a Northwestern graduate, I am so proud to see that the political debate is no longer “unilateral” on campus. During the 80s and 90s, Northwestern was the sole possession of the Left with anti-Reagan sit-ins, anti-nuclear marches and anti-racism shantytowns around campus. During my time at Northwestern, you could think conservative thoughts and possibly say them to your closest friends. Northwestern was almost to the point of realizing Orwell’s dream of Mind Crimes. In the 90s, the student body protested a visit by Charlton Heston (well before he became the President of the NRA) because the Left wanted to turn our most famous Alumni into a pariah. Freedom of speech will mean nothing if there is no potential exchange of ideas. For the longest time at Northwestern, an alternative viewpoint was not present in a critical mass. By having these anti-anti-war protests on campus, the student body at Northwestern will be better off. This will stimulate discussion, debate and further investigation of the issues that we all face. The alternative is a suppression of discourse and the stagnation of ideas. What sounds more like freedom? Strago by Natalie (nshykoluk@yahoo.ca) on 02-24-2003, 12:18 That's pretty sick Strago, to be happy about the deaths of astronauts. Also, why do anti-war supports use language such as "morons" and religious slurs to support their views? Seems like the conservatives have more tact. eh? by Evan (evan@northwestern.edu) on 02-24-2003, 10:27 "Enough brainpower to have their own opinions?", eh Beth? I don't see any of that. The anti-war crowd thought of themselves as liberal, therefore they became anti-war, because liberals are supposed to be like that. The pro-war crowd thought of themselves as conservative, therefore they were pro-war, because, well, you get the idea. I see no signs of individual, analytical thought coming anywhere near this discussion. I'm sure the pro-war movement is FAR more ingenious than the anti-war movement for such-and-such reasons, and I'm sure there are millions of reasons why YOU are thinking for yourselves whereas the peaceniks are only thinking as they've been told. And I'm sure I'd hear the opposite if I went to a liberal board, so save it. Why tell me what I already know I'm going to hear? College Students with brains by Beth (brokenrib1@hotmail.com) on 02-24-2003, 04:43 Seems that some students have enough brainpower to have their own opinions. I almost thought I would encourage my son to go to Northwestern until I read the comments below calling these good people morons. Sigh. Hey look, it's a real live Marxist by Anakin (not@today.com) on 02-24-2003, 03:13 Hey L.D. Marx predicted the fall of capitalism a century ago. Apparently industrialization and the concentration of wealth and power are going to lead to a revolt of the proletariat any minute now. Here's something to consider: America converted the entire Proletariat into Bourgeois. America's workers are also stockholders and investors. There will be no revolution of the Proletariat in the US because America doesn't have one anymore. America's downtrodden and exploited factory workers aren't interested in hearing about how bad their lives are, especially since they generally have a standard of living which is envied by most of the world. Pro-war zionist lackeys by Strago (j-benning@NOSPAMneiu.edu) on 02-24-2003, 02:39 These pro-war morons in your pictures are just that, pro- war zionist lackeys and 'chickenhawks', the so-called 'coalition of the willing' is really just the COALITION OF THE CONTEMPTIBLE. By the way, I was really glad that a second imperialist nasa space shutle was destroyed over Texas recently. morons? by Greg (gpiper@spu.edu) on 02-24-2003, 01:58 LD says the pro-war protestors are morons, then launches into a feverish tirade of the working class against everyone else. And you guys think it's the media making you look stupid. the real reasons why the war is being launched by L.D. (ltrotsky3916@go.com) on 02-24-2003, 01:52 These pro-war protestors are clearly morons. Simply put, this war has nothing to do with stopping a dictator, improving human rights in Iraq, or curbing international terrorism. It is partly about 1) setting up military bases in Iraq so that the corporate plutocracy which runs the government can wage more wars of aggression against neighboring countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia. It also about 2) giving US-owned oil conglomerates ownership of Iraq's oil reserves, which are the 2nd largest in the world. it is also 3) a way for Bush to divert public attention from the deepening economic crisis in America. In short, this war will hasten a social explosion in America that will pit the rich and their deranged middle-class backers against the working class and enlightened elements from the middle class. Let me say here: when the social explosion comes, I will not be a pacifist, but afighter for the workers. that will put me 100% in opposition to you right-wing scoundrels on this website. and, if the situation demands it, i will not hesitate to kill you warmongers and your masters in washington and wall street. Critical Thinking In Vogue At Northwestern? by Joseph Benning (j-benning@NOSPAMneiu.edu) on 02-24-2003, 01:30 Students recognize the anti-war movement for the fraud it is. Perhaps they noticed Saddam's legal counsel, Esq. Ramsey Clark, had scheduled another anti-war tactics and strategy session with his puppet master? There is hope for society. Hogwash by Moti (foolio3524@hotmail.com) on 02-24-2003, 00:30 What is astounding about these photographs is not the substantive policy inferences inherent in the placards nor the witty distinctions between substantive and imaginary political leaders. Nor even is it the gentle demeanor and lack of America-hating gaucherie, or the coherence of an actual position. What jumps out is the lack of snow on the ground, illustrating another conspiracy stretching from the pwerful offices in our government to the slimy tentacles of the media. These scare tactics won't work. "How do we know that Saddam even exists?" -The newly recommended rally cry for the anti-war movement. Hank, keep church and state separate by Jabba the Tutt (jabba_the_nutt@excite.com) on 02-23-2003, 22:30 Hank: "Jesus calls on us to love our neighbors, not preemptively bomb the shit out of them." I hate to break it to you bub, Jesus wasn't a pacifist. He told disciples to sell their cloaks to buy swords for self-defense. Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi and Jewish Law, which Jesus supported backed self-defense, lethal if necessary to save lives. 9/11 showed us that we can't afford to wait for some crazed dictator to attack us. The smoking gun was found, it was found in New York at the World Trade Center. It was in the news, did you miss it? Freep this by Eggo (astrogoof@yahoo.com) on 02-23-2003, 22:22 Hank: if they oppose "butchery" as opposed to America, why aren't there any "Saddam Stop Killing Your Own People" signs at anti-war rallies? A rarity by l (!@2.tv) on 02-23-2003, 22:15 I'd like to emphasize one thing you pointed out: , that the Anti-War crowd invited one of the Pro-War protestors to address the crowd. Wow, now that is particularly commendable. How often does a protest group let a member of the opposition speak (apparently without prior arrangement, even.) Amazing and laudable. A rarity by l (!@2.tv) on 02-23-2003, 22:15 I'd like to emphasize one thing you pointed out: , that the Anti-War crowd invited one of the Pro-War protestors to address the crowd. Wow, now that is particularly commendable. How often does a protest group let a member of the opposition speak (apparently without prior arrangement, even.) Amazing and laudable. F Saddam by amos maki (amosmaki@hotmail.com) on 02-23-2003, 22:06 it's good to see people standing up for what is right. the brutal dictator's days are numbered. I f you support any terrorist , in any way , Uncle Sam is coming for you. keep up the egreat work. F Saddam by amos maki (amosmaki@hotmail.com) on 02-23-2003, 22:05 it's good to see people standing up for what is right. the brutal dictator's days are numbered. I f you support any terrorist , in any way , Uncle Sam is coming for you. keep up the egreat work. Buncha freeps by Hank (dhmylander@yahoo.com) on 02-23-2003, 22:03 Whatever, twelve freepers drawing a false distinction between opposing America and opposing butchery. Jesus calls on us to love our neighbors, not preemptively bomb the shit out of them. Great Job by Mike Dittmar (mdittmar@yahoo.com) on 02-23-2003, 21:42 You represent the majority,keep up the good work and pray for our military service members. Peace Through Strength by Tom Burke (burkeis@attbi.com) on 02-23-2003, 21:14 Thank God there are some students on our campuses that really can think. God bless them! Back to top Hosting generously provided by Steadfast Networks.