The undersigned are members of Students for Peace. As members of this student organization, our anti-war sentiment cannot be denied. The belief expressed by President George W. Bush, that the war is in some way going to serve the cause of peace, is one that we all categorically reject. We have organized a rally for today to express our personal opposition to the Bush regime and our feelings on whatever we may think are related issues — classism, sexism, racism, feminism, environmentalism, political radicalism, humanism, objectivism, etc.
Though opinions within the organization vary, the undersigned would like to invite persons with intelligent objections to any agenda taken up by the group or by individual members on the issues of activism, information, or the war itself, to attend the rally and make informed selections as to what they believe. Debate and doubt — be it personal or social — are an essential part of reaching certainty about many things. Among these, informed political positions are very prominent and vital areas.
Students for Peace, as an organization, has no more objection to pro-war demonstrators shouting, “Kill, kill, kill” (as has been shouted) than it has to anti-war demonstrators endorsing radical agendas unaffiliated with Students for Peace (though it is important to point out that a large percentage of dedicated activists do possess radical leanings, and are often more informed about these issues than many of the political moderates who dismiss them).
People with objections should make their opinions known in a non-insulting manner, and in a way that acknowledges their presence at a rally that was organized by anti-war demonstrators. Believe it or not, there’s work that goes into these things. Disrespect is an important issue.
The walk-out will be taking place at 2:30 p.m. Those who have class at that time should leave it and congregate at the EMU Amphitheater. There will be music, slam poets, speakers and people from every walk of life at the rally. Anyone from any walk is welcome.
At 4 p.m., a Bikes Not Bombs ride and a march will be going to the Federal Building to join a larger rally that will be forming there. Community activism is an important activity, whether you intend to make specific changes or are just going on record as agreeing with whatever sane power finally comes into existence.