Voices came together at ETSU’s Amphitheatre on Thursday to rally and march in protest of the war against Iraq.
Approximately 150 people attended the rally, including small children and a few dogs.
“I wouldn’t be fighting if I didn’t think there was something worth fighting for,” said Joshua Gambrel, president of the Campus Greens at ETSU, an anti-war group that co-sponsored the rally.
New allegations against Iraq breaking United Nations missile regulations did not put a damper on the spirits of those involved because the hope still remains that all options will be explored before any American blood is shed.
Not everyone who attended the pro-peace rally was “anti-Bush.”
“I just don’t want to see the country divided again like it was during the Vietnam War. Let’s give peace a chance,” said Pat Cronin, an associate professor in the communication department.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said he felt a little left out.
When he asked to speak in favor of the Bush administration, he was told the program was a rally, not a debate.
Some of the protestors believe that the war is about oil and not about eliminating Saddam Hussien as a threat to the United States.
“It’s about oil. There is no actual evidence against Iraq (concerning illegal weapons). If they are hiding anything it probably isn’t major,” said David Labissoniere, freshman.
During the rally some the protestors made banners and signs decorated with pro-peace messages, such as “Drop Bush, not bombs,” “How did our oil get under their sand?” and “War is expensive, peace is priceless” in preparation for a march down State of Franklin Road and East Main Street.
“Bush isn’t listening to the people. It’s all for oil,” said Adam Sanders.
The group prepared for their march by chanting several phrases, such as “Peace is patriotic” and “This is what democracy looks like.”
“This is a way to exercise rights and let our voice be heard,” said Gambrel. It’s important to make your voice heard, no matter what you believe.

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