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500 organize on Capitol to support troops
'Rally for America' attracts many in favor of military action in Iraq
March 03, 2003
Central Texans formed a sea of red, white and blue on the south steps of the Capitol Saturday as they rallied in support of President Bush and military action in Iraq. Five hundred people attended the Texas Review Society's "Rally for America," according to event coordinator Mistie Davis. "The purpose of this event is to show our support for our president, our troops and our country," said Alan Sager, a member of the Texas Review Society and a UT lecturer in the government department. Decisions affecting national security and foreign policy should not be partisan, Sager said. "When it comes to supporting our troops and our country, we're all Republicans, we're all Democrats and we're all Americans," he said. Pastor Lee Boss of Victory Christian Center gave the invocation and reminded the participants that the rally should not be a glorification of war. "It's not a pro-war rally; it's a standing-with-America rally," Boss said. "We are not for war, but we are against terrorism." KLBJ radio personality Don Crawford offered a historical overview of the role played by the U.S. military. "America is the beacon of light in the history of the world," Crawford said. "Killing and war are never desired by loving, moral people, but they are sometimes necessary." Younger generations are having to face a whole new set of dangers, said Austin Bay, a syndicated columnist and author of A Quick and Dirty Guide to War. "Terrorists plus rogue states plus weapons of mass destruction is the formula for hell in the 21st century," Bay said. Bay argued that war is the only path to a lasting peace in Iraq. "This is our moment in history. Our actions are crucial in securing genuine peace," Bay said. "The bayonet to the throat remains the only method for establishing authority." Bay also condemned the current Iraqi regime and called for the establishment of a new democratic government. "Reforming rogue states should be the common goal of a civilized world," Bay said. Gilbert Diaz, an Austin resident, said he felt it was important to be at the rally to support Bush and the United States military. "Freedom is something we really have to cherish. I believe the people in Iraq are waiting for us," Diaz said. A group of about 10 anti-war protesters interrupted the rally but were made to relocate outside the Capitol gates by Department of Public Safety officers. "War is never a method to peace," said Amy Hunter, an anti-war protester. "Attacking Iraq is only going to escalate potential terrorism." |
