Scattered throughout the crowd of protesters were hundreds of signs with statements such as “Impeach King George,” “Bush was wrong all along” and “No wonder it hurts, we’re getting screwed by an elephant.”
These signs motivated Dylan Schneider, a senior English major, to participate in Tuesday’s anti-war rally in downtown Salt Lake City.
“Part of the reason I came was to get people’s viewpoints in ironic and humorous ways,” Schneider said. “In a situation like this, it’s nice to see a humorous side.”
After spending Tuesday night coloring with markers and drinking beers, Schneider and her friends created signs that said, “Those who flunk history are doomed to repeat it,” and “More lovies not war.”
“It’s important that we speak out for what we believe in, especially against Bush and the war,” Schneider said.
Taking a more serious approach, Michael Baker, an undeclared sophomore, waved his sign, “The weak rule by fear and hate.”
“I’m tired of the politics of fear and hatred that are running the country,” Baker said. “I think there are more intelligent ways to run a government, more compassionate ways based on peace and honesty.”
Learning from European anti-war protests, Henry Grover, a freshman biology major, waved a flag with the Italian word “pace,” meaning “peace.”
Having never participated in a peace rally before, Grover said it was an opportunity to use his freedom of speech and support the anti-war movement.
Lisa TeranA group shows its support for the armed forces with hundreds of other of people during the Freedom Rally at Liberty Park on Wednesday.