No War in Iraq: Minneapolis Rally Ignites Passion Monday, October 7th, 2002

Some 1200 protesters took their passions to the streets by protesting war in Iraq at the steps of the Federal Courts Building on Monday October 7th. Looking for sense and clarity in the midst of a war-happy President, a growing anti-war crowd wildly embraced several speakers heart-felt pleas to avoid war by working with the United Nations to implement alternative solutions.

People gathered at 4:30 PM wielding bluntly stated signs such as "Violence and Lies Are No Longer an Option," "A Terrorist Behind Every Bush," "No War for Profits," "Bush + Cheney = Ecological Terrorism" and "Violence Begets Violence." An unexpectedly cold 45 degrees produced noticeable shivering and red noses from the cluster but did not deter teenagers from steadily drumming on plastic buckets nor people getting up to a bull horn and releasing impassioned slogans like "One two three four, we don't want your corporate war, five six seven eight, we will not cooperate." The assembly proceeded by marching around the square in the front of the building. The rally, which was sponsored by several Twin Cities peace organizations, was met by frequent approval of honking rush hour traffic on the street.

Getting this mass meeting into gear, Marie Braun of the Twin Cities Campaign to Lift Sanctions, spoke at 5:45 PM. On the first year anniversary of United States bombings in Afghanistan, Braun called a war in Iraq an "immoral and illegal" action addressing "hundreds of thousands killed already" and "four to five thousand children killed each month in Iraq." Driving her point she concluded with "We are here to expose the truth. They [war proponents] are there to support the regime of oil control in the Middle East."

Nathan Middlestedt from the University of Minnesota’s anti-war campaign stated that "Bush wants to spend 100 billion dollars on war in Iraq." A twelve-year-old speaker Dushon Zang also spoke representing the Students Association For the Advancement of Children As Speakers. Dean Zimmerman from the Minneapolis City council addressed the "No blood for oil" issue: "It's about putting profits into the pockets of the filthy rich. This war will take money away from important programs … We must rethink the way we live. Many of you came here in gas guzzling cars. We must change our energy policies in this country [by developing] wind and other renewable energies" instead of spending one hundred billion dollars to drop bombs on Iraq.

Voice for Veterans of Peace Representative Barry Reese has committed his life to the task of keeping peace throughout the world. In discussing solutions, Reese feels that "People need to know the truth about what they are fighting for when they go into the military. There is no credible evidence that Hussein has created weapons of mass destruction." He climaxed his speech by reciting the lyrics to Bob Dylan's prophetic song "Masters of War".

Masters of War By Bob Dylan Come you masters of war You that build all the guns You that build the death planes You that build the big bombs You that hide behind walls You that hide behind desks I just want you to know I can see through your masks You that never done nothin' But build to destroy You play with my world Like it's your little toy You put a gun in my hand And you hide from my eyes And you turn and run farther When the fast bullets fly Like Judas of old You lie and deceive A world war can be won You want me to believe But I see through your eyes And I see through your brain Like I see through the water That runs down my drain You fasten the triggers For the others to fire Then you set back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion As young people's blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud You've thrown the worst fear That can ever be hurled Fear to bring children Into the world For threatening my baby Unborn and unnamed You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins How much do I know To talk out of turn You might say that I'm young You might say I'm unlearned But there's one thing I know Though I'm younger than you Even Jesus would never Forgive what you do Let me ask you one question Is your money that good Will it buy you forgiveness Do you think that it could I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul And I hope that you die And your death'll come soon I will follow your casket In the pale afternoon And I'll watch while you're lowered Down to your deathbed And I'll stand o'er your grave 'Til I'm sure that you're dead © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.

Daniel Masica is a new member of the webteam. Welcome Dan!!