Advocates of the preemptive war against Iraq gather members to counter the frequent anti-war demonstrations near the Capital and San Francisco, March 15-16. Such rallies will serve as a prelude to the March 22-23 “Liberty Weekend,” where war advocates will gather in cities across the countries.
The rallies will serve as a platform to show appreciation for the military and draw attention to the threat of Iraq, said Kristinn Taylor, co-leader of the D.C. Chapter of Free Republic.
Taylor, whose group is organizing the protest, said he expects the rally to draw retired military officers, high school and college students and Iraqi-Americans, all whom can attest to Saddam Hussein’s treatment of the Iraqi people.
"If Iraq is not disarmed and nothing is done to change the regime, this is something that my generation is potentially going to have to deal with," said George Mason University student and chairwoman of the university's College Republicans Dana Loeser.
"It's important to let people know we are aware of the issues and we are concerned about them," she continued as she encouraged her classmates to attend the rally.
The two counter protests will take place near the White House and the San Francisco Civic Center at noon and 10 a. m. respectively.
Jay Corniea, a Minnesota native, is organizing the events that will happen during the March 22 rally; Senator Norm Coleman and other congressmen will be the feature speaker for the main Liberty Weekend rally.
"We have a handful of opportunities in our lives to make a real difference," Corniea said. "I think this is my opportunity to make a real difference in the world."
For the past six weeks, Corniea has been handing out “Liberate Iraq” signs to foster support of their cause. In addition to these signs, the “Give War A Chance” petition, sponsored by “The Federalist” has been silently circulating through the web; The petition, named, “In Our Name: A Statement of Justice,” has gathered more than 65,000 signatures to date.
To view or sign the petition, visit http://www.patriotpetitions.us/intro.asp?id=3.
By Pauline J.
