Rally Saturday
Against the War

There are nationwide protests against the war in Iraq this weekend, including one in our state on Saturday.

Feeling the war in Iraq was wrong before it even started, many of us marched in protest for the first time in our lives. We were joined by an extraordinary worldwide outcry. For the first time in history, record numbers of people protested BEFORE a war began. 

And we have come to know that the reasons put forth by the Bush administration to engage in war against Iraq were based on fabrications. It is a war that never should have started. 

Now that we are there, many responsible and thoughtful people are concerned about our accountability to the people of Iraq, that we not let that country dissolve into its own civil war. But meanwhile we wait. 

Do you really have faith in this administration to draft an exit strategy on its own? We learned in Vietnam that without vast numbers of Americans behind the message to end the war, the government has no urgency to change its course.

With American soldiers and Iraqi civilians being killed daily, we cannot wait for our government to lead. We must become leaders in ending this war ourselves, compelling our government to pay attention.

I have no doubt we can figure out a peaceful exit strategy given the will to do it, but what is critical and urgent is that the dialogue begin and the dissent of the American people be known. 

Nothing will happen if we sit in our houses and remain invisible.  There is a march being organized. You only need to show up. 

If you believe this war is wrong, join in a powerful public act of peace in Montpelier this Saturday Sept. 24. Gather at City Hall on Main Street at 10 a.m.  A rally on the State House lawn will follow.

Deborah Van Dyke,

Waitsfield