Organizers are making an impact

Twice in the past month, Pitt News columnists have… Organizers are making an impact

Twice in the past month, Pitt News columnists have taken it upon themselves to criticize antiwar activities on campus and in the city (“Make an Impact, Organize” by Zak Sharif on Feb. 28 and “War for the perpetuation of petroleum” by Steve Thomas, March 16). The first, a diatribe about the uselessness of a speak-out the columnist saw on campus, advocated ‘organizing’ (apparently the columnist doesn’t know what that really is), or blowing stuff up as an alternative to “’60s style political action.” The second said that large scale “parades” would not be useful to end the war, and instead we should all just give up and wait for the fourth world war. Frankly, I’m sick of holier-than-thou leftists who write for The Pitt News criticizing activists who are actually trying to do something.

I’m not one to say that the antiwar movement isn’t without strategic flaws, the biggest of which was supporting John Kerry instead of pressuring both candidates, forcing itself to build itself up from the start all over again. However, the criticisms of the speak-out and marches are unwarranted. No, they won’t do much without other strategic actions, but at least it’s something. It’s a start. Those who participate at least stop playing Xbox for a couple of hours and take a stand against apathy. It’s easy to watch from the sidelines and criticize it as not doing anything. But until as many people as possible who don’t support this war get involved — according to a recent Gallup poll, 57 percent of the public doesn’t support the way Bush is handling the war — then surely nothing is going to stop it.

Now is a critical time to take action. More U.S. troops are dying, and at least 15,000 Iraqi civilians have died in the occupation. Furthermore, Bush’s recent proposed budget, while increasing military spending 4.8 percent ahead of inflation, cuts numerous programs for the working class and poor, such as Medicaid and education spending. The crisis will only get worse as attacks on Iran and Syria appear in the horizon. No act of protest, whether a vigil or “parade,” should be scorned. Furthermore, college students have played an important role recently in revitalizing the antiwar movement by kicking military recruiters off campuses.

Until these columnists, so quick to criticize those who actually do something about their opinions, get off their butts and start organizing with the rest of us, they’ll just be talking the talk without walking the walk. I have a news flash for them — writing a column criticizing the movement doesn’t do anything to change it, and sitting around doesn’t do anything to stop the “upcoming apocalypse” around us. Last Saturday, Pittsburghers remembered the two-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq by saying, “Bring the Troops Home.” It might not stop the war, but it sure has a better chance than staying home to polish up your next column.

Phillip Legge

Economics/Anthropology

Junior

Co-Chair

Students in Solidarity

Protest an insult to troops

During the antiwar march in Pittsburgh on Saturday, I noticed a few placards that suggested we should “bring our troops home.”

I served in Iraq and am disappointed at the continuing polarization of the local community over this issue. Perhaps it is time to admit that President George W. Bush may have been correct. Given the recent parliamentary elections, the convening of the national assembly, the potential for a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement, the ongoing Syrian withdraw from Lebanon, the growing pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and other events throughout the region, it certainly looks promising.

Every soldier in Iraq volunteered, and the overwhelming majority supports the cause. Pulling our troops out of Iraq at this point would not only jeopardize the future of the Iraqi people, but would be insulting to the men and women of the armed services who have put forth a tremendous amount of energy and sacrifice into rebuilding the country. They deserve nothing less than the chance to succeed and the support of the local community here in Pittsburgh.

Paul Gray

University of Pittsburgh Law School

First Year

Captain, U.S. Army, 2000-2004