Downtown protestors aim for peace
By: Ashley Marshall
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Features
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A core group of about six people join together to "make people aware" about the war in Iraq, said group leader John-Michael Sun.
In the last year, Sun has felt more support from the community because people are tired of the Bush administration, he said.
"We have conservatives and soldiers drive by, and they support us because they want the same thing - an end to the war," Sun said.
The group stands at the crosswalk holding signs which read, "Troops are dying, America's at the mall," "Draft college Republicans" and "Honk today stand tomorrow" from 5 to 6 p.m.
Walking by these signs got Chico State alumnus Bill Wetterstrom to join the demonstration. The deaths in Iraq are "disturbing" to Wetterstrom, who decided to focus this anger and frustration in a positive way, he said.
Most of the people who drive and walk by support the demonstration, but there are some who oppose it, Wetterstrom said.
Sun agreed and said that only about 1 percent of the people who see the group respond negatively.
Most of the time people honk or give the peace sign, but sometimes people give "the one finger peace sign," Sun said.
The location of the demonstration is ideal for Street Peace because it's a conversion of many streets where a lot of people drive by. Although the group is very close to campus, students rarely join the demonstration, Sun said, adding that he would like to see more students come out.
Wetterstrom agreed and said that it is "bothersome" that more students don't.
"We are right by the college," Wetterstrom said. "I don't understand why more students and professors don't come out."
Although more people are welcome to join the group, it involves a time sacrifice to come out and demonstrate, Sun said.
Standing out among people and voicing an opinion can be hard and could be the reason why people don't come out, said Karen Hamerquist, another Street Peace member.
"It's been an amazing experience, but there was the trauma of getting out in the street, feeling alone and having people yell derogatory things at you," she said.
With Edwin Starr's song "War" playing from iPod speakers setting a 1960s freedom of speech vibe, passers-by stop to chat with members of Street Peace. Some ask questions about what they do, and others give them kudos.
Others pass by and decide to remain conspicuous.
Junior Alex McCann walked by the group without stopping or asking questions. Instead, he spoke to his friends about the group and walked on.
"I was just wondering if it's getting anything done," McCann said.
As a bystander, McCann didn't stop, but if he would have been in his car he would have honked, he said.
"I saw a sign that said 'Honk to impeach,'" McCann said. "I'm definitely honking for that."
Others who pass by strongly disagree with the demonstration, including Rob Roy, a Chico resident. He said that the people of Street Peace need to consider both sides.
"I just wish that these people would listen to both sides instead of doing it because it's popular," he said.
Both Roy and the demonstrators agree that there needs to be dialogue between those who support the war and those who don't.
"Instead of me throwing rocks at them, I need to talk to them and help them see that this war is our future," Roy said.
Sun is open to a conversation and opposition about the war and the administration.
In the mean time, Street Peace gets only a quick moment to read the personalities of those that pass by and have a conversation only through facial expressions.
The different attitudes and personalities of bystanders and drivers are interesting to watch, Hamerquist said.
She recalled one time when a couple drove by, she said. The woman in the passenger seat was leaning over to honk, while the driver was against it trying to get her to stop.
Other peace personalities are obvious to the group as drivers pass, Wetterstrom said.
"Some give peace signs but don't honk because they don't want to be ostentatious," he said.
For those who don't honk, smile or give a peace sign, it's for a different reason other than shyness or personality type. Some simply just don't support the cause.
Some people confuse not supporting the war with not supporting the troops, Hamerquist said.
"It's hard to try to say that in six words or less," she said. "We want them home, and we want them home alive."
Just moments later, a passenger in a car driving by shouted out the window, "Support the troops."
"That's what we're doing," Hamerquist responded.
Street Peace has been on the corner of Broadway and West First streets for more than two years and will continue to demonstrate "even if it's raining," Sun said.
"Unfortunately," he said. "We're here until the war is over."
Ashley Marshall can be reached at amarshall@theorion.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Oh Tham Eng
posted 10/03/07 @ 10:02 AM PST
An Open Letter to US Congressmen, Senators and American Citizens:-
Crusading for the Prophet's Prayer in Memory of 911
Hi Americans!
Thank God for your gallant General Petraeus! Thank Allah for your resolute President Bush and VP Cheney! I'm pleased that some days after receiving my email letter to him on 10 September, 2007 (along with this open letter to all Americans), President Bush had called up Senator Hillary Clinton not to pressurise him too much so as to allow herself some wriggle room should she become the next US President, as problems arising from Islam-inspired terrorism will also be her problems too, and she will need the support of General Petraeus and the US Army to combat it. (Continued…)
Amanda
posted 10/03/07 @ 9:17 PM PST
Great article! It makes me want to join the protesters aim for peace and make signs :) do work ash!
joe
posted 10/06/07 @ 3:47 AM PST
1- Iraq has/had nothing to do with 9/11
2- Bush is a liar working for the oil companies and the military industry.
3- US is a terrorist state too. See CIA activities in Latin America and other recent epsodies such as Abu Ghraib and Blackwater
4- American people is extremely ignorant. (Continued…)
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