By Eugene Vilensky
Students declare opposition to war
Gathering to the ominous march of thundering drums and waving signs reading such slogans as “Stop the Violence” and “Addicted to War? Just Say No,” students at the University of Louisville have organized to speak out against the growing U.S.-led war against Iraq.
Yesterday’s demonstration, organized by students calling themselves Citizens Standing Against War, expressed a growing sentiment about potential military action.
Through a megaphone that was heard all across the quad, Mike Slaton made the case against military action.
The current administration wants to install a “puppet government friendly to the US,” said Slaton to an audience of about 80 demonstrators and sympathizers. “That’s called conquest, and that’s colonialism, and that’s wrong,” said Slaton as the crowd cheered. “I don’t even want to think how many U.S. soldiers have to die just so a puppet government can be set up. I refuse to have blood shed for oil in my name.”
“Join us in standing against the war… in standing for peace and justice for everyone, everywhere,” said Slaton.
“We’re trying to be as inclusive as possible,” said Mateo Bernal, an organizer who passed out flyers outlining CSAW’s position and upcoming events.
As others took the megaphone in front of the Red Barn and a growing audience, demonstrators presented a list of grievances with the Bush administration. Declining schools, a stagnant economy, police brutality, and poor access to healthcare were all presented as potential consequences of the looming war.
As CSAW left the quad to demonstrate on the west lawn, onlookers leaving for class expressed mixed feelings about both CSAW’s message and methods.
The rally “is a useful tool,” said freshman English major William Baumler. “But they aren’t really organizing to do anything. They aren’t taking any action, just getting together and agreeing with each other.”
“Doing this is just going to drive people way from your cause,” said Andrew Meeks, an undeclared freshman.
The Squawlis Puppeteers provided striking imagery, but even 15-foot-tall devils and skeletons could not convince some whose criticism ran into the obscene.
“I think they can go fuck themselves,” said freshman finance major Robert Barnes. “I am for whatever needs to be done. I support our troops and I support our president; that’s why he got elected.”
