October 7, 2002 Protests in Greenfield and Northampton
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Tuesday, October 8, 2002
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Activists oppose Iraq war
GREENFIELD - George Touloumtzis of Greenfield stood on the Town Common in the cool fall air Monday evening, holding his right hand in the peace sign toward the rush hour traffic on Main Street.
"War should be the last resort. Finding a peaceful solution to any problem should take precedence over violence."
About 100 people gathered on the Town Common to speak and sing their views in opposition to U.S. forces making war on Iraq.
Some lined the sidewalks facing Bank Row and Main Street, holding signs saying, "Food Not Bombs," "Just What We Need, More Enemies" and "George, don't put U.S. between Iraq and a hard place."
Speakers and members of the crowd urged those gathered to write or call their representatives in Congress, talk to their neighbors and meet with like-minded people to steer the nation away from a war against Iraq.
"I am not affiliated with any group, but I just wanted to tell you all that war is hell," said Bob Lehay of Gill, raising his left hand, with his fingers crumpled as a result of injuries he suffered during his time in the Vietnam War. "You don't have to be a part of any group to do what is right. You just have to be a citizen of this country." He said he doesn't see any justification for sending the country's sons and daughters to a war in Iraq.
Throughout the event, people drove by, honked and flashed peace signs in support of the marchers. A few people drove by and voiced their opposition to the crowd, yelling "traitor" or "go to f------ Russia if you don't want to fight."
The Rev. Stanley Aksamit, pastor for three churches in Greenfield and Turners Falls, said society should remember that nonviolence and the theory of a justified war are both meant to work against using force as a way to settle disputes. "In the past 100 years, we've created wars and killed more civilians. I wonder if we can call ourselves civilized."
For more information about peace efforts, visit Traprock's World Wide Web site at:
www.grassrootspeace.org
Protesters oppose war on Iraq
Hundreds of people from throughout the Pioneer Valley attended the anti-war rally and candlelight vigil in Northampton Monday.
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By KRISTI CECCAROSSI, Staff Writer
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Tuesday, October 8, 2002 -- NORTHAMPTON - In a clamor of pots and wooden spoons, about 250 people made their outrage about the threat of military action in Iraq loud and clear Monday night as they flooded downtown.
Gathering first on the steps of the courthouse at 6:30 p.m., protesters spilled onto two blocks of sidewalk along Main Street. Those who weren't armed with kitchen utensils carried drums, tambourines, or empty water jugs - anything to join in the cacophony. Some cried out while clutching signs that blasted President George W. Bush and his willingness to strike Saddam Hussein's regime.
"People in our country need to realize this proposed war is just an excuse for gaining a stronghold on oil reserves and the rest of the world," said Stanley Pollack of Northampton. "Many people feel the president does not represent their interest, and that's why we are standing up. This is what our nation was founded on: the voice of the people."
Men, women and children gathered in the early autumn air. With a poster calling for peace draped over his shoulders, Northampton residents Lucas Sillars, 10, said it was important for him and his 6-year-old sister Emily to join their parents, Anthony and Cherese, at the event.
"We wanted to come tonight because we shouldn't be bombing Iraq. A lot of innocent people there will die. And we want to tell people that," he said.
"We are waking up the town because too many people are asleep. We stand as a symbol of resistance to war. And we're making joyful noise because we're listening to one another," said Valley Street resident Claudia Lefko. "We're banging in harmony. This is not random noise."
Within a half-hour the thunderous noise hit a crescendo, and as people drove by, many honked their horns to chime in. Protesters slammed their makeshift drumsticks against the iron gates around the courthouse, and on the bus stop, benches and street signs.
At around 7 p.m. the long, noisy line of demonstrators headed north, drawing curious onlookers into the doorways of several Main Street shops. The protesters packed into the front lawn of the Unitarian Society at 220 Main St., where speakers took turns addressing the need for international peace.
The Rev. Jay Deacon, minister of the Unitarian Society, introduced three flags hanging over the front steps of the church: the U.S. flag to honor the country, the United Nations flag to honor America's place in the world and a flag with a picture of Earth on it for universal perspective. He applauded the event's large turnout and praised people for carrying out what he called a patriotic act.
"Those love their nation best who call on it to carry out its highest promise," Deacon said. "If we do violence to others we do violence to ourselves."
The crowd joined in songs and anti-war chants before slowing the protest to a noiseless stance in solidarity with victims of violence. The event closed with a silent candlelight vigil. Speakers concluded by urging people to contact lawmakers and spread the word against war until their voices are heard.
The protest was sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Interfaith Coalition for Peace and Justice, the Northampton Committee to Lift Sanctions and Stop Bombing of Iraq, the Western Massachusetts Office of the American Friends Service Committee and the Western Massachusetts Anti-War Alliance.
During the event, a petition calling for peace circulated among the crowd. Organized in part with the National Priorities Project and the Media Education Foundation, the petition will be used as a full-page advertisement in several newspapers. Organizers expect to gather close to 6,000 signatures.
Kristi Ceccarossi can be reached at
kceccarossi@gazettenet.com.
