Shepherd Express: End the War Now

The following article was featured in the March 20-26th edition of Shepherd Express, a local alternative weekly newspaper.

More than 600 people gathered Downtown in 34-degree weather last Saturday to protest the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Not only did they send a strong message to war supporters, but they got to hear some amazing speeches.

Father Simon Harak, of Marquette University's Center for Peacemaking, questioned the $480 billion being spent on the war, and called for bringing the troops home while improving living conditions in the United States. "Let's bring the spirit of America back home," he said. Rep. Gwen Moore talked about congressional efforts to end the war and said she'll only authorize funds that go toward diplomacy and getting the troops out. She also said she signed on to the impeachment initiative because "it's an act of patriotism." Will Williams, of Vets for Peace, focused on young people who are being preyed on by military recruiters. "If we want peace," Williams told the crowd, "we have to fight for peace."

And George Martin, of Peace Action Wisconsin, got everyone fired up by declaring, "This is what America looks like." If you couldn't make it to that rally, the seventh Iraq Moratorium event will be held on Friday, March 21. The 5 p.m. vigil will be held at Water Street and Wisconsin Avenue, part of nationwide protests against the war.