Area peace activists disheartened by attack

By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.

Staff Writer

LACONIA — Area peace advocates say feelings of frustration, anxiety and anger have turned to extreme and utter sadness with the announcement of the beginning of U.S. military action in Iraq.

Those who have been opposing war for months fear for the safety of those living in the targeted nation, as well as for this nation’s troops and an America that they feel has taken a drastic step in the wrong direction.

Karen Barker, founder of the Lakes Region Peace and Justice Group, cried as she watched President Bush appear on television at 10:15 p.m. to announce the beginning of a military effort to disarm Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein from power.

Having spent countless hours in the interest of promoting peace, she said that the news of action was devastating to her.

"The most overwhelming thing is just the incredible sadness. There were times when I felt really outraged, but right now I just want to cry," said Barker.

She expressed her belief that the onset of war marks a sad chapter in the nation’s history.

"It just makes me incredibly sad that this country is totally failing to live up to its ideals. I am sad for the people of Iraq and how they will suffer," she remarked.

The peace advocate said she is also sad for those area residents who have family that are now in harm’s way.

"They have to go to bed tonight worrying about their children," she lamented.

Jane Wood, a former state representative from Laconia, echoed Barker’s sentiment saying that the beginning of the war marked a huge failure for the administration.

"I think this has set a very different tone for the country and how it deals with our brothers and sisters in the world," said Wood.

Wood, who described this administration’s diplomatic efforts as "abysmal," said that the decision to use pre-emptive military force will set an ugly geopolitical precedent in a world that has close interconnections.

And while she is sad, the former legislator said her opposition shouldn’t be misconstrued for a lack of support for the those serving in the nation’s military.

She stated her belief that it is often supporters of peace who are the biggest advocates of those who are willing to die for their country.

"I guess I am just absolutely sick at heart. I’ve been through considerable anger and frustration over the whole thing ... I just think it’s wrong," she said.

Dick DeSéve, a peace advocate from Gilmanton, said that the beginning of war has no impact on his belief that the nation has no justification for an invasion.

"The fact that it started doesn’t change the fact that I think it’s illegal," said DeSéve. "There is so much that could have been done through diplomacy that, despite the claims of the administration, didn’t get done."

DeSéve said he is also angry with the concept of troops going into a nation on what he considers to be an unprovoked attack.

"I’m just very sad that our nation has come to a point where it is invading a country that hasn’t attacked us," he explained.

Lynne Fichel Sias, a leading peace advocate in the northern Lakes Region, agrees that the war simply isn’t justified. She remains steadfast in her belief that the war isn’t about liberating the Iraqi people.

"Considering the history of the those in the Bush Administration, how can this not be about oil," she asked.

The Meredith resident went on to say that — while she supports efforts to oust Hussein— the war remains misguided.

"I know Saddam is a bad man, but he is not the only person who is being hurt by this. This is sort of opening Pandora’s box .... I mean, what will happen because we have done this?" she asked.

Sias said that, although she loves her country and her freedoms, she cannot support the conflict. "This isn’t my war."

Dick Stuart of Laconia said the beginning of war marks a significant blow for international attempts at peace.

"At this point, we’ve failed as peacemakers. I really don’t think they gave it a chance ... there has to be other ways than this to handle things," he said.

More than one person interviewed also pointed out that they think the attack will result in an increased amount of terrorism against the United States.

And while the beginning of the war marks the end of hopes for a peaceful solution, opponents to the war say they will continue their march.

However, Barker said the impact of the beginning of the war will have varying impacts on the group’s morale.

"I think there are people who will become more determined to stand there and others who will be somewhat frightened because of public sentiment," said Barker. "I don’t think any of us feel hopeless and I’m hoping people don’t feel like we’ve failed. It’s been incredible in terms of what has gone on with people opposing the war."

Barker and others plan to gather in the downtown area today at 5 p.m. to continue their mission. The group will meet in front of the former Cherry & Webb building.

"I think I will hold a sign that say’s that we stand in sorrow and outrage," said Barker.

Stuart, an ordained Congregational minister and pastoral counselor, said that the beginning of the war makes such action all the more necessary.

"We plan to be there ... it is such a huge movement and it’s not going to go away."