Anti-war demonstrators chose symbolism as their tactic at Truax Field Wednesday, where they risked arrest in a peaceful show of opposition to the war in Iraq.
About 50 Madison-area students and community members gathered at Truax in support of the Iraq Pledge of Resistance, a coalition of over 55 groups across the United States promoting non-violent civil disobedience to protest the war. Eighteen protestors showed their opposition by sitting in front of Truax's main entrance and received citations for standing in the roadway.
The protestors who were willing to risk arrest convened quietly in front of a line of yellow caution tape before Truax Field's entrance at 5 p.m. Other participants remained in the background in support, singing songs and carrying red carnations to represent the blood shed by both American and Iraqi soldiers.
After 10 minutes, about a dozen police officers gently escorted each demonstrator to another area to receive a $50.40 citation. The protestors were cooperative, even thanking the officers as the police helped them to their feet. One officer accepted a red carnation from the protestor he led away.
Diane Farsetta, a former UW-Madison student, was among those cited. She colored her hands red to symbolize that she as a taxpayer is paying for the war yet does not support it.
\The war is taking money away from where it's really needed,"" she said.
Asked why she was willing to risk arrest in the protest, she cited her unsuccessful attempts at getting the government's attention through letters to Congress.
""I've done so much before the war to try to stop it ... This is the most I can do within the boundaries of being a peaceful person,"" Farsetta said.
Jason Van Driesche, a UW-Madison graduate student, chose to observe the events, calling himself ""a witness"" to the action. He said the group's objective was to show citizens could be patriotic without supporting unilateral war.
""I think there are far better ways to resolve this conflict than by infuriating the rest of the world and risking additional terrorist attacks on our country,"" Van Driesche said.
Justin Mog, also a UW-Madison graduate student, reiterated this stance.
""We don't pledge allegiance to George W. Bush,"" he said. ""If being patriotic means blindly following in line, I don't want it.""
Vietnam War veteran Will Williams gave a speech before the group engaged in civil disobedience. He said American citizens should protest the war not only through similar actions but also by ousting President Bush in 2004.
""Bush talks about 'Shock and Awe,' and people should be talking about the shock and awe that will take place in the next election,"" he said. ""Justice is the only thing that will bring peace.""
