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DENVER – The day after millions around the world took to the streets to protest a strike against Iraq, 300 people in Denver gathered on the steps of the state capitol to show their support for President Bush and war, if necessary.
The Coloradans, waving American flags and holding signs saying “war is bad, evil is worse” say those who oppose war are not using common sense and in some cases are lacking in patriotism.
“There's a whole bunch of individual human beings that are apt to have to lay their life on the line, and they need to know that we're behind them and we care about them,” said Steve Calvert, Vietnam veteran.
Pam Pearson came to the rally to support troops because her two sons are in the Navy.
"I support our president and I support my sons. This is the only option," she said. "I'd rather force Saddam (Hussein) out than have to play by his rules."
Some residents came dressed in colonial costumes and as World War II fighters. Others held signs that said "remember 9-11?" and "self defense is always just" as state legislators and religious leaders expressed support for President Bush.
State Senate President John Andrews, R-Centennial, told the crowd war was forced upon the U.S. after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and Bush has no other choice but to attack Iraq.
"Defense is not duct tape and endless inspection," he said. "Defense is not misguided peace marches. How about ground troops and some air support?"
The rally, sponsored by Americans Against Terrorism, drew a handful of protestors against war in Iraq, who lined the street opposite the Capitol. Some carried signs that read, "no blood for oil."
Brad Hagstrom and his wife Mariana came down from Fort Collins and came to the rally thinking it was an anti-war protest.
"I can't understand why people are so eager to kill," Mariana Hagstrom said.
At a rally against force in Iraq in Colorado Springs Saturday, police fired tear gas at demonstrators and hit at least one with a rubber bullet after a demonstrators spilled out of a park and blocked a major thoroughfare.
At least two people were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released after the rally at Palmer Park. Thirteen people were arrested after they forced the closure of a half-mile stretch of Academy Boulevard, police spokesman Lt. Skip Arms said.
A second rally at Peterson Air Force Base ended with 21 arrests but no tear gas. Peterson is home to the Northern Command, the joint military command in charge of homeland security.
Similar protests occurred in Durango, Breckenridge and Grand Junction.
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