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Thousands gather to rally for peace

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Thousands of Americans — including more than 200 in Madison at a peace rally located on the Capitol Square — gathered Saturday to speak out against the war.

The national day of protest was sponsored by two major antiwar coalitions: Act Now To Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) and United For Peace and Justice. As people in Madison spoke out against the war, protestors in Washington, D.C. gathered around the Pentagon to let their voices be heard.

“It’s great that we all got together on the Gandhi Day of Peace to recognize the importance of [our country’s] actions,” Amy Fuelleman of the Madison Peace Coalition said.

The Madison Speak Out was part of an international call to action — the largest demonstration of the sort since last February.

“I think today consolidates what is also going on in D.C., and I think it is excellent that so many people have come out,” Robin Gee of the Internal Socialist Organization said.

“It’s a wonderful demonstration because I think there is a slow polarization going on in this country,” said Jack Barisonzi, member of the Madison Area Peace Coalition.

Events at the Speak Out included poetry readings, music, drumming, and a satirical skit. Those wishing to speak were allowed three minutes to address the group.

“I think they’ve got a great format going, letting anyone who wants to come speak up [do so],” University of Wisconsin senior Cally Carswell said.

Many spoke out against the $87 billion request for the cost of the occupation, as well as the mounting deaths of both American soldiers and Iraqi civilians.

Overall, many of the protestors said they agreed that something must be done in Washington, and the Speak Out on Saturday supported the sole purpose, “turn up the heat for those in power,” according to Robin Gee.

When asked about the right course of action to end occupation of Iraq, Gee added that, “the answer [to the war] is not to necessarily vote this Democrat, or that Democrat. It’s a matter of getting together, organizing on the ground to make whoever is in power hear what we have to say.”

Organizations involved in the Speak Out ranged from Mad Poets Revolt to Veterans for Peace and sponsors from the Democrat presidential campaigns of Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich.

“We need to let the community here know that we still need to think and talk about this (war) and come out here and let our voices be heard,” said Diane Farsetta, member of Code in Pink, a female anti-war group in Madison.

“It’s really important that people are coming out to realize there are still issues we need to debate, and we need to protest. We need to continue a dialogue that was started before the invasion of Iraq,” Farsetta said.