Peace march attracts students

Make tea, not war. This was just one of many anti-war slogans heard from protesters marching through the streets of Dallas Feb. 19. The Peace March and Rally to End the War in Iraq started from Dealey Plaza and flowed to Ferris Plaza.

Women, men and children united to protest the war in Iraq, chanting, “1-2- 3-4-we don't want no stinking war, 5- 6-7-8-stop the kill and stop the hate.” A local celebrity, Tunde Obazee, led the chant. He is the National Program Director/ Deejay for radio station KNON, 89.3 FM.

Most protesters were carrying posters and signs with catchy slogans, although a few demonstrators were carrying a coffin adorned with an American flag.

One slogan read, “Mr. President, we double dog dare you to make peace.” Another read, “What if they gave a war and nobody came?” A baby carriage was adorned with a sign that read, “Exxon send your own troops.”

While the marchers marched, car horns blew and cowbells rang. And one protester pounded a bongo through it all. Pots and pans were banged together to show support as well.

Hadi Jadad, a demonstrator, said, “Too many lives, too many dollars. This insanity has to end.” His passion, geared toward ending the war, was shared by many of the other protesters and several guest speakers.

One speaker said that this is “not a dictatorship but a democracy, and this is what a democracy looks like.” Other speakers included two sisters who spoke of their brother, Sgt. Ruben Salazar, holding a sign reading: “Bring our soldiers home!!!”

Jenni Mardis said, “I have friends over there and I want them to come home, but not in a body bag.” Some people, however, gave voice to issues that were unrelated to the war.

A man who lives above Dealey Plaza held a sign that said: “I protest protesters.” He said he was unhappy with the noise made by marchers from previous rallies. He added: “Most Americans aren't even worth it anyways.”

Two women (who called themselves the Flower Girls) hadn't attended a rally since the 1960s. They were at this peace rally to fight for rights regarding vaccination, specifically the human papillomavirus vaccination. One Flower Girl spoke of her granddaughter and how it was her and her family's right to decide if she should get a vaccination for HPV - not the government 's decision.

Laray Polk, a demonstrator, championed a program providing help with college applications for high school students. She explained that young people from low-income families are more likely to join the armed forces, partly because of military enlistment programs targeted at high schools. Recruiters at those schools have a strong and positive appearance, and they're armed with enticing incentives for anyone who will listen. When the military is the only positive interaction the kids have, they run to join it, she said.

Another protester, Stephen Webster said, “Bush is getting what he deserves.”

The crowd was not as large as expected (under 100 people). One police officer said, “It's a quiet day.” The rally ended at sundown. For information on upcoming events, visit www.dallasrally.com.