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During a segment that aired Sunday morning on Fox News Live, anchor Eric Shawn posed a question asking where all the war protestors had gone. The analysts concluded that since the Iraqi election, those opposed to the war have given up their cause. The anti-war movement may have seemingly calmed at least on a national level, but this year’s Thunder Over Louisville celebration proved that people do still hold strong positions regarding the war.
While B-52s and F-16s flew over Louisville on Saturday afternoon, a significant number of activists gathered for Silence Over Louisville. The group of about 40 people protested the recreational flying of military planes during war time. They argued that planes used to kill should not be used for family entertainment. They meditated and listened to speakers talk about the evils of war.
On the other side of the street from the protestors, there was a smaller group of people who supported the air show. They claimed that the planes are used to spread freedom and liberation and should be available for the public to watch. According to The Courier-Journal, a motorcyclist rode over to the protestors and revved his engine. A police cruiser drove up next to him, and the motorcyclist took off. Previously, he had told a reporter that the protestors should be directing their attention toward the government and not the military.
In response to the Fox News commentator, anti-war advocates have not disappeared but rather localized their protests. A large push was made before the presidential election in hopes that John Kerry would quickly abandon the war if elected. Once Bush was re-elected, most people realized the war would continue for some time to come. Now, the demonstrations have moved from large-scale rallies in Washington, D.C., to more narrowly focused events that they believe could actually result in changes.
An event as large as Thunder, which essentially shuts down an entire city, is assured of coming under scrutiny for at least one decision and offending some group of people. The Thunder committee and police deserve praise for ensuring the safety of the protestors and for making the event a success in spite of the wintry weather. Similarly, the protestors should also be applauded for peacefully showing their disapproval.
However, the majority of people aren’t going to find the air show offensive and for good reason.
The air show has become part of the tradition leading up to Derby week. It has always taken place whether the country is at war or in a time of peace. The fighter jets are not only used in the Middle East. Their main purpose is defending the country. Would we really want to abandon our military aviation program and leave our defense in the hands of peace activists?
The Thunder committee would likely make changes in the future if enough people joined in the protests. Fortunately, the majority of people in Louisville chose to enjoy watching the planes scream across the skyline rather than protest their presence. Therefore, we should expect to see the air show continue in the future.
However, as long as soldiers are dying overseas, people on both sides of the debate should get used to seeing protests, even at an event that most people consider nothing more than a fun day at the river.
