Local Eugene peace groups gathered in the EMU Amphitheater on Sunday to protest the United States’ military action against Afghanistan.
Nearly 150 people attended the rally, which was organized in part by the University Survival Center. The protest, part of a national day of action for peace called by the National Coalition for Peace and Justice, was scheduled before the United States began air strikes Sunday morning, but the focus of the rally remained the same: “One planet, one future, one people.”
The demonstration opened in song, continued for more than an hour with speeches and ended with a march around campus. Speakers touched on everything from their frustrations concerning government policy to their disappointment with the American public’s response to U.S. military action.
University sociology professor Michael Dreiling said 90 percent of the U.S. population supports military action against terrorism, a fact that has him just as scared as he was after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“I’m confused on how to communicate to this 90 percent,” Dreiling said. “I want to say they are being ignorant, stupid, racist — but these are words of anger. They won’t create a connection, and people won’t understand hurtful words.”
Dreiling also said that the symbols that were attacked — the World Trade Center and the Pentagon — are symbols of capitalism and military might, which have escalated the poor foreign policy that instigated these attacks.

“Look, there is a shadow that hovers over the United States of America — it’s our foreign policy,” Dreiling said.
Several speakers concentrated on America’s poor governmental operations and the country’s inability to become part of a global community.
Stan Taylor, a political science instructor at Lane Community College, said Congress is working to pass what’s known as “fast track” legislation, or the Presidential Trade Authority. This legislation, he said, paves the way for the passage of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, as well as other global economic unions. It allows Congress to pass trade policies in less than 24 hours with virtually no debate.
“Bush talks about fighting for good and democracy,” Taylor said. “But he is pushing for legislation that takes away our democracy.”
Taylor suggested people contact their legislators and voice their concerns. Bevin Gilmore, a New York native, encouraged the crowd to “use strong words” when speaking with their legislators.
“They are exploiting the deaths,” she said. “They are traitors to our country.”
Brian Bogart said he is having trouble sleeping at night. The University graduate and member of Eugene Peace Works said though he is concerned, he sees this as a way for the American people to start thinking beyond themselves.
“Burdens once carried by Ghandi and Dr. King will be picked up by others worldwide,” Bogart said. “Humankind must become a species that no longer cares about borders.”
He also frowned on America’s foreign policy, likening it to that of Hitler’s policies.

Activists also performed songs relevant to the crowd’s sentiments.
Scott Michael Perry started off with his rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.” David Bersch performed a revamped 1961 Bob Dylan tune, and South Eugene High School freshman Jordan Blumberg-Enge sang a ballad. Lyrics such as “No, we will not disappear” and “If God is on our side, there will be no new war” brought together topics of the event.
The rally ended with a march around campus, which featured signs, banners and a giant figure of a person holding a globe. Slogans said everything from, “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and, “One world, indivisible.”
“Our task is to create a vision of a peaceful future,” Bogart said. “Absolutely everything should be done to eliminate the threat that can be done non-violently.”