Posted on 09/12/2002 9:57:56 AM PDT by ValerieUSA
Government skepticism was a hallowed virtue at South Seattle Community College yesterday, as about 250 activists showed up to denounce war against Iraq and other U.S. policies that have taken hold since last Sept. 11.
The signs that read "Fund welfare, not bombs" and "1,500 immigrants disappeared in the U.S." served as a foil to other public functions in Seattle yesterday, most of which featured overtly patriotic themes.
"The government is saying the people support the war," said Cynthia Whetsell, a protest organizers. "We reject that."
"We felt it's important to counter the messages of patriotism and support for the war that have been going on all day today," added Tina Gianoulis of the Seattle Women's Action Network. "We feel like there's a lot of people in this county who are opposed to what's happening."
The rally played host to political speakers, dancers and singers -- one who was dressed as a Catholic nun and waxed poetic about the woes of U.S. government.
"I'm here because I have yet to see any substantial proof we need to be fighting a war against Iraq," said Holly Pike, who watched the presentations from the crowd.
Seattle police officers observed the demonstrations from the sidewalk and from across the street. There were no disturbances as of late last evening, police spokeswoman Deanna Nollette said.
Jessie Cary, a community college student, said he found hope in the fact that so many people turned out for the 5 p.m. event.
"All of us might not have the same political views, but we can get together against war," he said.
Michael Robinson, a 53-year-old physician, stood next to the curb with a large peace sign around his neck and holding a sign that said, "Violence is the strength of the weak."
"I've been developing concerns about the U.S. in the past few months, especially with all the drum beating about Iraq," Robinson said.
He added that an invasion would do nothing to win the "hearts of the Muslim world," and only alienate the United States in many international circles.
Not all at the protest yesterday were smitten with the anti-war message.
Hans Zieger from the Young Americans for Freedom showed up at the demonstration with his friend Crosby Olsen.
Both are 17 years old and they stood on the outer edge of the crowd holding a U.S. flag and absorbing the verbal barbs from the anti-war demonstrators.
Olsen held a sign that said "Conquer or Die."
"We don't want to give into the radical left," Zieger said. "If any time war is justified, it's now. You got to take out Saddam."
Convoluted logic is the wisdom of the dumbass.
(from dictionary.com): Patriotism Love of and devotion to one's country.
So they are repudiating the country that protects their right to repudiate in the first place. Nutty.
These demonstrators, like most in my neck of the woods, reek of overprivilege and underexperience. What, if any, country would they rather feel patriotic about? Or is it love and devotion they don't like?
I strongly recommend you read the home page and the last two essays. It opened my eyes regarding Seattle demonstrations and politics!
Well, Dr. Robinson's practice just took a major hit!
As in: "Fran, quick...quick...come here! Look! Look on the TV! Those war protestors. Isn't that Dr. Robinson?? See? Over there! With that sign around his neck. See him? Talking to that reporter?"
Oh well, maybe Dr. Robinson works at a "free clinic".
She and her cronies don't qualify as "the people."
.008% of Seattle doesn't qualify as THE PEOPLE
That's GOOOOD!
These intellectuals are so dammmn smart that they accuse Bush (and us) of being too "simple" when we see the world in terms of good and evil, moral absolutes.
All their mushy "intellectualism" and "seeing the complexities" is just a way for them to not have to show the character required to live a moral life with core values.
Oh, your way of saying it is much more to the point.
It's not like any of them would stay home and help Mom make dinner.
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