Opponents of U.S. action in Iraq say warnings of military actions ruined their hopes of peace when Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the nation following U.N. weapon inspectors’ reports.

“There will be serious consequences for continued Iraqi violation,” Powell said in his address. “We cannot allow the process of investigations to string us out forever.”

Although some citizens simply frown disapprovingly at the implications of war, area residents and organizations are strengthening their plea for peace, but not all Madison residents are joining in the protests.

The Wisconsin People for Pre-emptive Peace, a coalition of more than a dozen anti-war groups, have converged to organize a day of mass opposition.

“We’re telling the government we don’t support sending our kids to die for oil or other economic reasons,” said Allen Ruff, an organizer of the Madison Area Peace Coalition.

“There are those who say mass rallies have no effect; history says otherwise.”

History, Ruff said, will be put to the test Saturday, Feb. 1, when hundreds are expected to assemble on Library Mall for what the organization hopes will be the largest Wisconsin gathering of peace and anti-war forces since the Vietnam era.

Accommodations have been made for overnight participants, and University of Wisconsin students from all over the state are expected to attend. Other activists expected include Vets for Peace, elementary students, middle-school vocal performers, environmental groups and members of faith-based communities. The MAPC and other frequent demonstrators look forward to joining with other protesters to display their positions.

A protest parade is planned for 11 a.m. in front of Library Mall that will proceed up State Street to the foot of the Capitol. Political satirist, David Lippman, followed by nationally known radio-talk-show host Amy Goodman, will address the crowd at noon.

Not all Madison residents will be protesting U.S. involvement in Iraq, however. Many say the protesters may not have a clear understanding of the United States’ role in its dealings with Iraq.

“Their ‘peace at all costs’ attitudes are very naíve. If we were to do as they do, the United States would be in grave danger of attack by terrorists who could get weapons of mass destruction from Saddam,” said Nick Cekosh, chair of the UW College Republicans.

Ruff said such criticisms would not keep the protestors from their plans and that Madison can use Saturday as an opportunity to “reclaim its tradition of opposition.”

UW alumnus and peace activist Phillip Bondy said the current situation reminds him of Madison’s past.

“Ten thousand people would meet and start the march. It was a very exciting and frightening time,” he said.

Peace vigils, police intervention and passionate protesting are among his most vivid memories.

“Tear gas in the rain — now that stings,” he said.

Bondy said that today, with no draft influencing students to become educated and defend their opinions, young adults have shown themselves to be more apathetic than their Vietnam counterparts.

“Complacency comes when you’re not threatened,” Bondy said.

To counter this trend, Ruff encourages students to become active.

“Approach everything with healthy cynicism; question authority,” Ruff said.

Ruff suggested student participation in forums, teach-ins and debates for those who could not attend Saturday’s events.

“Students came to Madison for its reputation, but its reputation is only as good as its population,” Ruff said.