03/19/06 Opponents of Iraq war take battle to the streets of Janesville
Submitted by WNPJ member group Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation
Janesville
Motorists honked horns and waved in support of the messages for peace written on brightly colored signs and banners.
Recognizing the third anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, more than 60 local residents lined the sidewalk in front of the Janesville Post Office on Saturday to take part in the Stand for Peace.
The event, organized by Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation, also attracted members of other organizations such as the Rock County Action Network.
"Mostly, we want to be visible so that people know there are others in the community who want the war to stop," said Kathy Holcombe, a Janesville resident and member of the organizing group.
If the number of honks and waves received was an indication of heartfelt support, the group's stand in the cold was successful.
The cost of war is astounding, Holcombe said. In fact, America has suffered 2,314 casualties-including 52 Wisconsin soldiers-according to www.icasualties.org <http://www.icasualties.org>.
"This war is sucking the blood out of social programs that help people here and around the world," said Neil Deupree, another Janesville resident standing the line for peace. "The whole point of freedom and democracy is to speak out and be open. How much more open can you be than standing out in front of people saying what you believe in?"
Janesvilles's Paula Holz wondered how many people know the tragic statistics being tabulated by the war.
As of Thrusday, Wisconsn put $4 billion into the war, accordng to www.nationalpriorities.org <http://www.nationalpriorities.org>. Rock County alone has spent $38.5 million, according to the web site.
Holz stopped watching national news coverage on television, instead opting to listen to iberal radio broadcasts. She believes nationally syndicated television news shows aren't telling the full story of how this war is costing everyone, not just the families of soldiers.
As she watched passing motorists from her spot on the sidewalk, event participant Karen Goelzer-McKaig noticed that many of the drivers acknowledging the stand were elderley men. She believed the reason for their suport is that they have first-hand knowledge of the costs of war.
"They are wise in years," she said.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking sign was offered by Janesville's Judi Magnus. The placcard borrowed a quote from one of America's famous forefathers.
"There never was a good war or a bad peace."
The original author? Benjamin Franklin.
(Published Sunday, March 19, 2006 10:32:48 PM CST)
By Carla McCann /Gazette StaffJanesville
Motorists honked horns and waved in support of the messages for peace written on brightly colored signs and banners.
Recognizing the third anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, more than 60 local residents lined the sidewalk in front of the Janesville Post Office on Saturday to take part in the Stand for Peace.
The event, organized by Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation, also attracted members of other organizations such as the Rock County Action Network.
"Mostly, we want to be visible so that people know there are others in the community who want the war to stop," said Kathy Holcombe, a Janesville resident and member of the organizing group.
If the number of honks and waves received was an indication of heartfelt support, the group's stand in the cold was successful.
The cost of war is astounding, Holcombe said. In fact, America has suffered 2,314 casualties-including 52 Wisconsin soldiers-according to www.icasualties.org <http://www.icasualties.org>.
"This war is sucking the blood out of social programs that help people here and around the world," said Neil Deupree, another Janesville resident standing the line for peace. "The whole point of freedom and democracy is to speak out and be open. How much more open can you be than standing out in front of people saying what you believe in?"
Janesvilles's Paula Holz wondered how many people know the tragic statistics being tabulated by the war.
As of Thrusday, Wisconsn put $4 billion into the war, accordng to www.nationalpriorities.org <http://www.nationalpriorities.org>. Rock County alone has spent $38.5 million, according to the web site.
Holz stopped watching national news coverage on television, instead opting to listen to iberal radio broadcasts. She believes nationally syndicated television news shows aren't telling the full story of how this war is costing everyone, not just the families of soldiers.
As she watched passing motorists from her spot on the sidewalk, event participant Karen Goelzer-McKaig noticed that many of the drivers acknowledging the stand were elderley men. She believed the reason for their suport is that they have first-hand knowledge of the costs of war.
"They are wise in years," she said.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking sign was offered by Janesville's Judi Magnus. The placcard borrowed a quote from one of America's famous forefathers.
"There never was a good war or a bad peace."
The original author? Benjamin Franklin.
Submitted by wnpj on Mon, 03/20/2006 - 2:16pm.