Rallies oppose, support war

Mountain Home High School students encouraged the community to take a stand with them on March 11 as they staged peaceful demonstrations near one of the busiest intersections in town. Students gathered at the intersection of American Legion Boulevard and Tenth East Street during the busy lunch hour and again after school to express their feelings as the nation prepares for war.

The peaceful demonstration was anything but quiet as drivers and their passengers sided with students protesting the war or with those on the other side of the street asking people to "Support Our Country."

Signs encouraged drivers to "Honk for Peace."

"This war is not sanctioned by the UN. … We must remember that we are an interdependent nation."

"Just know that democracy lives," said one of the protestors. "We are grateful for the fact that we can be out here … Most of us are here because of our military families."

"My dad has been in every conflict since Vietnam. He is supportive of our stand."

Students waved their protest signs "No blood for oil," "It begins with you," "No war."

Across the street, other students were asking for support of our country's troops. Their signs encouraged drivers to "Honk for freedom," "Support our troops," and "Support our country, attack Iraq."

The student groups on both sides of the street obviously felt strongly about their opinions. Members from each side tried to convince those with differing opinions to change their minds.

People should not have to live with threats of war, said the protestors. "We want him (Saddam Hussein) to disarm."

"He's not listening," said the supporters. They explained that they don't necessarily want war, but our troops must know that we stand behind them if they are sent into battle.

As each side tried to gather a show of approval for their views, they noted, "we will be here as long as they are here," pointing across the street.