The UW-Madison chapter of the Campus Antiwar Network held a teach-in on campus Thursday as part of a national day of action against the occupation of Afghanistan.
According to a release from CAN leaders, the organization decided to host the event to discuss the principle of the United States fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, the 2001 invasion's effect on the women of Afghanistan, and anti-Arab racism. By the end of the meeting, the organization concluded that the United States does not belong in Afghanistan and should withdraw immediately.
Phil Gasper, a member of the International Socialist Review editorial board, shared his beliefs concerning the invasion of Afghanistan. He said the invasion covered up large imperial plans in the U.S. government.
[The invasion] was to reassert U.S. power,"" he said. ""The attack on Afghanistan was designed to show that we're going to respond with massive force if we're attacked.""
Bobby Gryzynger, a CAN activist, said he thought the United States is spending massive amounts of money without achieving results.
""Instead of being built up, Afghanistan is being torn down,"" he said. ""Most of [the money] is going to make sure that the public government retains its power. For every dollar spent, only five cents goes to humanitarian aide.""
Gryzynger said the United States must withdraw all its troops and contractors immediately and offer full economic reparations for the people of Iraq.
He called for strong pressure from students and citizens in asserting their beliefs about withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Ben Ratliffe, a CAN organizer and UW-Madison graduate, mentioned the strong antiwar action on campuses during the Vietnam War.
""There were meeting halls filled with 3,000 students who stayed until 8:00 in the morning debating things out,"" he said. ""It was like four million students going on strike at the same time, shutting down [about] 400 universities.""
Gryzynger said he is looking forward to seeing the change President-elect Obama implements once he enters office.
""The election of Barack Obama does represent a change, not in Washington, but in the people '¦ Let's show Obama that we will not accept these wars,"" he said.
