Anger Lacks a Sense of History
Demonstrators Support War on Terrorism

K.C. Crain / The Daily Californian 25sep01

"Pro-America" demonstration organizer
Randy Barnes is also chair of the Israeli Action Committee

In an effort to counter large anti-war rallies and marches protesting military action over the terrorist attacks, hundreds of UC Berkeley students bearing U.S. flags descended on Sproul Plaza yesterday to support President Bush's war on terrorism.

Hoisting signs with "USA" written on them, demonstrators supporting retaliation clad in red, white and blue were confronted by anti-war protesters carrying long banners proclaiming, "We don't want your racist war."

"Pro-America" demonstration organizer Randy Barnes, also chair of the Israeli Action Committee, said the "Rally for America" was "a grassroots, student-led rally for America."

The demonstration was organized largely as a response to last Thursday's anti-war rally, Barnes said, and to "speak out on behalf of Berkeley students who stand behind our country's efforts in the struggle against terrorism."

Speakers and rally supporters said they felt like a suppressed voice at UC Berkeley.

Only 300 students were present at yesterday's rally supporting retaliation, while 2,500 students and Berkeley residents marched through the downtown area to protest military retaliation in Afghanistan.

"Something needs to be done to show that we are a country, to stand against a common enemy, and that enemy is terrorism," said Anka Lee, president of the Cal Berkeley Democrats.

"Take note—the silent majority is not going to be silent for long," said Robb McFadden, president of the Berkeley College Republicans.

Neither of those campus political party groups nor the Israeli Action Committee were officially involved in the rally.

The speakers came together as individuals to make a show of unity in support of the actions of the president, they said.

"(We need to) hunt the people down and punish them, to make sure that it never happens again," Lee said to repeated cries of "USA."

Speakers expressed a great deal of frustration regarding the popular anti-war sentiment on campus.

"I expect Berkeley to be respectful of those who died and our country," McFadden said. "(There seems to be) an unwritten rule in Berkeley—no matter what, blame America."

Jon Kwook, a flag-bearing "pro-America" demonstrator, said he came to "show my pro-American sentiment, my American pride."

The rally ended with a moment of silence, signaled by a horn blast that traditionally marks the beginning of the Israeli New Year. It drew the respect of protesters and bystanders alike, and for a moment all of Sproul Plaza was silent.

The moment of silence was followed by a series of patriotic songs as the protest became unruly. Anti-war and "pro-America" demonstrators gathered in heated argument, and some pushed and shoved each other.

Cheers in support of Bush's policy were met by opposing chants of "peace" from the anti-war protesters.

Will Youmans, speaking on behalf of the Berkeley Stop the War Coalition, said a counterdemonstration was necessary.

"(It was) the natural inclination of those who oppose death and destruction to oppose those who support it," Youmans said.