Students protest in D.C.
JMU takes 35-plus to anti-war demonstration
By Sarah Sullivan, staff writer
Posted on February 1, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A sea of colorful signs with loud messages filled the National Mall and the streets of Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest the War in Iraq and President Bush’s proposed troop surge. Protest organizers United For Peace and Justice estimated 500,000 took part in the demonstration. Among those were a number of JMU students.

“I was blown away by how many people from JMU came,” sophomore Marley Green said. “I know of at least 35-plus people who went, and everyone I met had a great time. There could always be more, though.”

Said sophomore Nick Milas: “These events are what make history. Nothing feels greater than to be with a shockingly large group of people just to show ‘Premier’ Bush where we stand.”

Other JMU student protesters shared the same sentiments.

“I went to the anti-war march because I feel strongly that our involvement in the Iraqi war is wrong,” freshman Meredith Burns said. “Marching on the Capitol shows that the American people are against the war and that the government should be listening to us instead of ignoring us.”

The crowd in Washington consisted of people from across the country.

“There were radicals and moderates and everything in between, masked people who don’t believe in revealing their identity to corporate media and grandparents from Ohio,” Green said, “but everybody was smiling at each other, glad to be there in the midst of so many kind-hearted people.”

Many gathered printed signs reading, among others,  “Out of Iraq,” “No Iraq Escalation” and “War is Not the Answer.” Others brought signs with more expressive sentiments. “Impeach Cheney, Then Bush,” “Women Say Pull Out,” “Bring My Husband Home” and “ I Ain’t Gunna Study War No More” read others.

A number of JMU students rode vans organized by JMU professor Jack Gentile.

“I’ve always found that the JMU students are very socially concerned, and if given the chance, most will jump at the opportunity to get involved,” Gentile said.

Nineteen students rode the vans to Washington.

“It is very important for the young people to see that they can make a difference in this country,” Gentile said. “Many of them feel as though this thing that is happening is too big for them to get involved in… and the Bush administration feeds on that perception. I just tried to help my students see that they can do something, and that the effort is worth it.  That’s what makes America America.”

Another JMU student viewed his participation as more of a necessity.

“I don’t know if I was proud to be there,” Green said. “If the war stopped, then I would be proud, but right now it’s a piece of the struggle, part of the long haul, a big piece, a learning experience, a great time, but this war is still going on, people are still dying, the president is still lying.”