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Protesters mark Iraq war's 5th anniversary

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BY LISA MUNGER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008 - 10:09:10 pm CDT

Protesting a controversial war week after week on a downtown street may seem futile, but activists at an anti-war rally said after five years of protest they’ve seen a shift in the public’s support for the Iraq war.

About 250 people gathered on O Street, between Centennial Mall and 16th Street, Wednesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war. Peace activists have staged anti-war vigils at the site every week since the war started.

As honking cars drove by Wednesday, expressing their support for the protesters, the vigil seemed more like a rally. Two women thumped on drums in the center of the large crowd.

Story Photo
Matt Gregory (right) and Susan Alleman hold a Nebraskans for Peace banner during the anti-war protest along O Street on Wednesday. (Heidi Hoffman)

People of all ages spread across the large block, waving peace flags, holding up signs with slogans like: “Bring the Troops Home,” “Vote for Peace” and “Less Bushes, More Trees.”

Now that nationwide public support for the war has declined, some protesters wondered why an unpopular war was moving into its fifth year, seemingly unabated.

“A Democratic Congress was elected a year ago on an anti-war platform, and they are still funding the war, even after their constituencies have changed their minds,” Susan Alleman of Lincoln said at the rally.

Despite the change in public opinion, Alleman said President Bush still makes people feel unpatriotic if they oppose it.

Alleman — who has attended the weekly Wednesday peace vigils since the war began — said she plans to keep coming until the troops are home.

Some people ask if she believes the protests change anything, she said. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, standing outside each week forces drivers to remember the war is still happening, Alleman said.

“The more we’re out here, we’re keeping it in peoples’ minds,” she said.

Sitaram Jaswal, a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shares Alleman’s commitment to end the Iraq war.

He said the war has eviscerated the United States’ support in the international community and soiled America’s image through debacles like the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib.

“We had a moral standing in the world at one time,” he said. “Now we don’t.”

With public opinion on the anti-war activists’ side, why hasn’t the war ended?

“People are disengaged,” he said. “If people would come down here and stand outside like this every week, the war would end.”

Jaswal said it’s important for him to match his convictions with action, regardless of what is popular.

Over five years of protesting the Iraq war, he’s seen supporters for peace increase — more honks on the streets and fewer “fingers” in the unofficial weekly poll of O Street drivers.

As the war marches on, Jaswal said he hopes there won’t need to be a sixth year of vigils.

Said Alleman: “Five years is a long time. Even people that were originally for the war have changed their minds. Everyone realizes it’s a quagmire.”

Reach Lisa Munger at lmunger@journalstar.com.


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Ashamed wrote on March 19, 2008 11:13 pm:
" Re-enlistment is up in the Army to higher levels than pre-9/11, and you guys are out there protesting. Wonder if the soldiers/Marines/Sailors/Coast Guard feels the same way as you do. Didn't think so. You should be glad you have that luxury. How about you protesters go get a job and stir the economy a little. "

 Ken Hecklsberg wrote on March 20, 2008 6:50 am:
" There are only 2 places where protests actually can help. One is in weak countries, the second is in the 60's. Don't waste your time standing on the corner, all it does is makes a little news and makes you feel good thinking your doing something about it. Protesters don't have the power to stop a war, only the people you elect can, and they could care less about a bunch of people standing on the corner with signs chanting. Focus your efforts on getting the right people in office that will and can do something about it, and once you elect who you think are the right people, hold them to their promises. "

 Stop putting this in the PAPER!! wrote on March 20, 2008 7:47 am:
" .1% attended the rally. Lincoln has about 250,000 people. Far cry in Lincoln for a majority of popular opinion. The numbers might be more reflective in a city such as San Francisco. The Journal Star needs to put up their wide angle lens focusing on somewhat of a week turnout and giving minor opinions such as this a mouthpiece.
"

 Sarah wrote on March 20, 2008 7:49 am:
" While I don't agree with the protesters, it's good to see people getting involved.......that used to be the American way. Not so sure if it's still that way from some of the comments. "

 Support our Troops wrote on March 20, 2008 7:51 am:
" Thank you for your comments 'Ashamed'. You said exactly what I wanted to. My husband is about to leave for his 2nd tour and he has not complained once. "

 There was one? wrote on March 20, 2008 8:10 am:
" Wow, must have been a slow news day for them to cover this waste of time! News flash to 250 people, supporting a soldier does not mean stand on the street corner protesting what they are trained and hired by the government to do! I agree with the first guy, go get a job! "

 jenn wrote on March 20, 2008 8:19 am:
" Instead of standing on the street corner protesting,why don't you put that time and energy ihto supporting the troops who have come home wounded. "

 jo wrote on March 20, 2008 8:30 am:
" It might have been a small turnout but the majority of Americans are against the war. Or don't you well informed folks read the paper or watch the news? But at least this war has given us cheaper gas prices and helped the economy and given people hope for the future. "

 katie wrote on March 20, 2008 8:45 am:
" I find it telling that none of the commenters, so far, could be bothered to put together a cogent argument for the war. All they can manage are foolish ad hominem arguments. Here's the news, folks: antiwar sentiment IS now the majority. "

 Mark wrote on March 20, 2008 8:46 am:
" Where does the assumption that protesters don't have jobs come from - other than ignorance, I mean? I have a well-paying, serious job and everyone else I know that was out there had one too. Most are college educated and vote at every chance. But you're right, protesting doesn't do anything. Apathy would be much healthier, right? "

 a military spouse wrote on March 20, 2008 9:05 am:
" My husband is in the military and has served his country for 12 years. He has been deployed twice in previous conflicts and has never complained. I am so proud of his service, and the service of everyone in the military.

I was at the protest yesterday, because while I am pro-troop, I am against this sham of a war. My husband supported me. He feels the same way I do.

Do we need a military? Yes. Should we support the military? Yes. Do we have to support the war blindly, and support a President who lied to us to get us into this endless war? No.

Changing the minds of people about the war starts as a very small grassroots movement, like these protests. There were protests all over the country yesterday, to show that while we support the troops faithfully and we respect their service and want them to come home safe, we do not accept Bush's excuses, his reasonings, and his lies...and that of his administration. It also gets the attention of those politicians who can help. It gets the attention of people who may not pay much attention to politics, and maybe those people will ask some questions and get involved.

I heard so many complimentary statements from people at the protest about my husband's service, and I met mothers and fathers of service members who have been sent over to Iraq repeatedly, or who have been stop-lossed. It makes people feel like they are doing something to better this country, rather than leave hateful and uneducated comments on a website.

The names of those who have given their lives for this country for read, and it was a bittersweet moment. I saw sadness and joy at this protest, and it won't be the last I attend. Not until my husband's brothers and sisters in service come home safe. "

 BobS wrote on March 20, 2008 9:07 am:
" The people who participated in this peace rally live in a country and have the right to protest. Ironically, this right was fought for and men and women of the military have died defending the freedom to allow these people to protest. No matter what they say about supporting the troops and as a 28-year military veteran, their behavior is an affront to all who served protecting their freedoms. "

 Ashamed of the War wrote on March 20, 2008 9:10 am:
" Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. This is what is special about America. Kinda gives ya goose bumps don't it. I have a feeling these pro-war Republicans would change their tune if we had a reasonably responsible commander in chief who would actually pay his debts as we go rather than dumping his debt on our descendants. A family of four is now responsible for 14,000 just for this illegal war. Read the Constitution. "

 To all supporters of the war wrote on March 20, 2008 9:22 am:
" Why don't you go and enlist? Sign up today and really show your support for this war. Oh, wait, are you too old or too young to sign up? Then volunteer to help out a family who has someone overseas. Or donate time at the VA hospital. "

 NFP....OK? wrote on March 20, 2008 9:29 am:
" Really!? - A Democratic Congress was elected a year ago on an anti-war platform, and they are still funding the war, even after their constituencies have changed their minds,” Susan Alleman of Lincoln said at the rally. - They may have changed minds on whether or not going into Iraq was good....but that doesnt mean they want to up and leave! Now the problem is different.
--he said. “If people would come down here and stand outside like this every week, the war would end.” - WOW and that came out of a professors mouth!! Deep thoughts, worthless, and nonsensical, but deep.
Why do this tiny tiny group of people think they speak for the troops? Ask some and maybe 1% may agree, the others will tell you that you are wrong.
"

 Sue F. wrote on March 20, 2008 10:12 am:
" Let me get this straight, our troops fight for our right to free speech and our right to protest, therefore we should not use those rights because it is an insult to the troops. Horse hocky! We have not only a right, but a responsiblity to stand up against our government when we believe they are doing something wrong. I am only sorry I was not able to join them yesterday. Thank you to every person there. "

 Educating NFP wrote on March 20, 2008 10:31 am:
" NFP brings up a good point. The Democrats were elected largely to stop the war. It takes a super majority of 60% to do that. What your saying is that we need to elect more Democrats. Good point NFP! "

 ashamed, too wrote on March 20, 2008 10:34 am:
" I also am ashamed every time I pick up the paper and read about war and suicide bombers and oil interests. My shame is for my race. The most sophisticated brain on the planet and we behave like children in a schoolyard brawl but with lethal weapons. Does no one understand that the mere presence of a military is the tacit admission of the abject failure of mankind to use intellect and arbitration in favor of brainless violence? As long as we agree to let our brain stems make decisions for us rather than focus on the causes of conflict, we as a species are no better than hyenas fighting over a carcass. Are any of the protest-bashers aware that part of the reason that Westerners are despised in the Middle East is because of our calloused disregard for their land, their holy sites or their culture? That our interest in protecting oil reserves for ourselves half a world away is blatant meddling? That the beliefs in ancient, supernatural concepts spur us to kill each other with no basis in reason or intelligence? My shame is then compounded by the first several respondents to this story who spew anger towards a group of protesters who exhibit a modicum of enlightenment that escapes the animal mind. The argument that "They started it!" is as childish in this venue as it was in kindergarten. Which is most important: Learning to compromise in order to avoid fighting, or protecting the ego and recoiling to the prospect of backing off a little for the good of the whole? Say what you want about war protesters, but they hold the key to stoping a lot of bloodshed. Now, if the "brainstemmers" could just figure out how to rise above self-righteous fear and the denial that they and the US government are totally blameless in this mess... "

 going about it the wrong way wrote on March 20, 2008 10:39 am:
" If you really want to support the troops, these protests have got to stop. My cousin, currently in Iraq, said when they hear about these protests and see the signs, they don't see it as "supporting the troops, protesting the war". It is seen as protesting what the troops are doing and therefore, protesting them. The morale of the troops go down and terrorists gain energy from that. Is that the message you want to send? I didn't think so.
Protest the war by flooding your Congress representative with letters, phone calls, and emails, NOT BY PROTESTS. It's counter-productive.
By the way, how many of these people in their "support" for our troops are showing up at their homecomings, are sending cards overseas or to injured personnel in military hospitals, or are asking families how they can help during the deployment? My guess is not too many.
Even ONE letter or card to a serviceperson overseas will lift spirits and put an extra spring in their steps. A card sent to a family here coping with deployment will be passed on to the serviceperson and will be appreciated by all.
Just my two cents worth. "

 OK wrote on March 20, 2008 10:45 am:
" I think NFP was quoting the article.
Now on to my 2 cents - The "we have the right of assembly...yada yada yada...sure and I have the right to walk down O street in my underwear with a explicit t shirt on - doesnt make it right.
A comment here asked for a "cogent argument for the war" - maybe you are look at this wrong. Its not a issue of should we have gone and why - its now a issue of we created a war torn country and we need to do what we can to fix that - pulling out will not fix it. You go to the VA and tell a soldier that even though he lost his leg you are going to do him a favor and get the government to pull out of the war - you know disgrace what progress these guys have made there and apply the stigma to these young soldiers that vietnam has on those vets. I have friends/family that have went over and are there now, we all miss them and want them to come home, but come home when they are done with their duty. Dont mistake supporting the reasons to be there with a war monger attitude. "

 Its gonna happen wrote on March 20, 2008 11:17 am:
" It doesnt matter how long we stay in iraq. upon our exit now or 100 years from now, there WILL be an IRAQI civil war. the people of iraq will rise up and the majority will win. please do not hide behind the "unpatriotic"thinking that not supporting the war is not supporting our troops. isnt bringing our troops home safe and out of danger the best way that we could support them and their families. i cant think of one family that would not be unhappy that the war ended preventing their family member from going or coming home. "

 MarkyMark wrote on March 20, 2008 11:36 am:
" Going about it makes it sound as if our soldiers are thin-skinned sissies....these are fighting machines they are not going to get emotional and upset about war protesters who, by the way, have their best interest at heart. "

 Observer wrote on March 20, 2008 12:29 pm:
" Why is it that protestors lean left politically? Can anyone tell me if any right leaning/conservative/Republicans have ever had an outside picket drum beating protest? Whenever I see or hear of a protest, it seems to be the left wing of America is conducting it. Any observations of the right conducting such protests would be appreciated. "

 Rys wrote on March 20, 2008 1:14 pm:
" I don't think soldiers would be de-moralized by people expressing that they care about the soldiers lives and families, and don't want them to die for a pointless war. If I had known about this rally, I would have been there. And this assumption that people who go to protests, don't have jobs and don't vote is absolutely unfounded, untrue and ridiculous. "

 Clean Caveman wrote on March 20, 2008 1:42 pm:
" Continuing blindly with this war will bring this great country to it's knees financially. We simply must end this war; the sooner the better. I don't care if you are a troop support or a peace lover, and republican or a democrat, a President supporter or a basher, the simple fact remains that the U.S. CAN NOT AFFORD to stay in this war any longer! If you ask me, the troops know and see this and for the most part will agree with me. Fortunately for us 'civilians', we have military personnel with such a high degree of professionalism, dedication, and honor that they will continue to go off to war, without a complaint or criticism for their commander in chief. It is not the soldier's or marine's position to question whether or not he/she should be there... It is their job and they will do it regardless! But don't kid yourself, just because they do as they are told, they don't always like it or agree with what they are doing...
"

 right leaning protestors wrote on March 20, 2008 2:23 pm:
" Um, look at antiabortion protests. I am pretty sure 99.999999999999999% of those people are 'right leaning politically'
I in no way support this war in Iraq, does that mean I don't support the troops? no it doesn't. I have donated more time and money to the troops than most of the people with those magnetic flags on their cars. "

 Charlie Jones wrote on March 20, 2008 2:55 pm:
" When I entered the military in Jan 1970, I swore to defend this nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic. President Bush is an ENEMY of this country. His policies and ideology are breaking us financially and dividing us. And don't question my patriotism; I spent four years active and seven years in Nebr. Air National Guard. Remember those who call we veterans who disagree with this war unAmerican need to ask themselves why we, as a nation, have tortured prisoners, why we were lied into a war, and who is profiting. The rich are getting richer and the rest of us are paying the bills with blood and treasure. I proudly attended the protest is Lincoln yesterday. And I drove nearly 300 miles to be there. I live in Mullen, and am dismayed that so few know how many have died in this debacle. "

 christina wrote on March 20, 2008 3:12 pm:
" I have lived a long time in the good old USA..Without people like out brave men and women who risk thier lives daily,we would not have the freedom we now have.If you have time to march or stand on a corner why dont you do a little voluntary work withsome of the Vets that have been wounded, see how they feel about the war. Most are very proud to have been able to do what they did.
.Thank you Ashamed- well said. Support or Troops-Thank your husband for me. Thank God we have brave people who will protect us from people like 911.. Why dont you do some reserch on all the wars including North against the South..Wars are nasty,always have been,thats why freedon and peace is so precious.
Do a little research on who was president when all these wars started.I do not like war anymore that anyone else, but I dislike times like 911 worse. If I could I would be there. "

 sdm wrote on March 20, 2008 4:34 pm:
" I have both friends and family that have been or are currently in Iraq. Sensationalism is the only reason all you hear about is the bombs, death, and non-support of the war in the media. You will hear very little of the positive things that have happened or are happing. Why, because fluffy stories don’t make for great headlines. Headlines make sales, and the world revolves around the almighty dollar. Just take the time and really read or listen to all of the main headlines any where, weather it’s local or national news about anything other than the war. How many are about good things? Usually not more than one or two, why I’m not sure, but I have my theories. (It’s like when people pass an accident they can’t help but look even though they may see a dead body, its human nature is to be curious about horrible things, I guess.) So when people say everyone is against the war just look at the news, I say you can’t because the news about the war is only one side. Take the time to stop your ranting and raving and go talk to an actual solider and listen to their side of the war. You may be surprised at some of the support and appreciation the Iraqi people have for them. By the way have you seen the statue made for our soliders by the Iraqi citizen out of the steel from the old Saddam statues? That simple gesture say’s a lot about how much some of our soldiers have helped benefit the lives of these people. America once received a statue from France to recognize our generosity, friendship and pursuit of freedom that we revere as a national icon, Miss Liberty her self. Maybe one day we will look back on this one the same way.
"

 Stop the complaining wrote on March 20, 2008 4:49 pm:
" Why don’t all you people who complain that we went to war over oil stop driving your cars and buying plastic products and other things made from oil. Wouldn’t that show our government that we don’t support the war better than protesting? Oh, wait you don’t want to disrupt your everyday lives, you would just rather sit and @#%$@ about it. Just like you already @%@#@ about the price of gas. "

 p bo wrote on March 20, 2008 5:37 pm:
" For the people who wrote the negative comments- I would really take your thoughts and comments into more consideration if I had seen you on the other side of the street holding signs supporting the war. Something along the lines of "Violence is Necessary" or "Peace isn't the Answer", but that doesn't really work does it? Please do not tell me that I am NOT supporting the troops by protesting a war that was started for other reasons than we were told. I support the troops so much in fact that I would much rather see them back home alive, than fighting a senseless war across the world. And please don't misconstrue that as me telling you you don't want the same. I am taking nothing away from them, they should all feel extremely proud. "

 ML wrote on March 20, 2008 9:39 pm:
" Here are a couple arguments for the war, since everyone seems to think there are none. 1. An evil dictator is dead, one who has hated the U.S. his entire life. 2. Another democracy is being formed in the world. 3. Many schools are being built (by our soldiers) which will help educate others in the world. 4. Police officers, and military armies are being trained, (by our soldiers) helping to bring the "PEACE" to the world that the "MAJORITY" so desires. 5. One more reason I support the war, and the most important, is that there has not been a violent attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. I hate to think about how many more attacks on our homeland there would have been, if we did not enter into this war. And I bet that the majority of the people who are so upset about this war, are the same people who would be up in arms today if we did nothing after 9/11. God Bless Our Troops, and God Bless the U.S.A. "

 Sorry ML wrote on March 21, 2008 8:27 am:
" If there was a God, He wouldnt have "Tol" our fearless leader to invade a sovereign country, which is strictly illegal in the Constitution of the United States. "

 concerned wrote on March 21, 2008 10:41 am:
" I am concerned for one that it seems that our education system doesn't do very well in teaching our citizens about the constitution (refer to SORRY ML).

What I love is the argument for and against the war is irrelevant at this point. Everyone would love for our troops to come home but the real question now is how do we get out and not leave a greater mess (power vacuum, civil war, etc.) that will just bite us later. People love to say "end the war now" but noone is willing to put a plan out there for how to do that. "

 Here is my point wrote on March 21, 2008 12:14 pm:
" This is all very simple:
1. I want AlQeda and Bin Laden brought to justice.
2. As irritating as Sadam was, we have just as many like him. IRAN, Cuba, North Korea, and down there is South America somewhere. When are we going to get them.
3. We have made an already unstable region even more volatile.
4. On God.... Everyone says praise God, Allah and whoever else. Is it God's will for the New York Giants to have beaten the Patriots? This is not a problem of God. This is a problem of not finishing a job we started.
5. Want the job done... Let the Marines and Army lose on tell them to finish the job.
"

 Uhhh wrote on March 21, 2008 12:27 pm:
" The most important reason according to you is there hasn't been a terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11/2001? What "war" prevented the "non-terrorist attack" between 1993 and 2001? (and Oklahoma City doesn't count because T.M. was hardly middle-eastern) "

 MarkyMark wrote on March 21, 2008 1:51 pm:
" Isnt it odd that Bush Jr refused to think about a power vacuum created by snuffing Sadaam. It seems anyone with a Jr High education would have seen that coming. I pointed that out back in '03 to my Republican buddies and they just laughed. "

 GI JOE wrote on March 21, 2008 10:55 pm:
" In response to uhhh. Maybe you dont remember the USS Cole, Khobar towers, East africa embassy bombings. I know these were not on US soil but they were all perpetrated by the same enemy. Oh who was the president then???? Bill clinton! "

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