The Michigan Daily - Friday, January 18, 1991 - Page 9
SOS challenges
*anti-war group
by Marc Ciagne
Activists plan 'U' shut down
by Purvi Shah
Daily Staff Reporter
Students representing the group
Support Our Soldiers (SOS), were
refused the right to speak last night
at a meeting held by Students
Against U.S. Intervention in the
Middle East (SAUSI). SAUSI,
*hich earlier had stressed the need
to run the meeting in a democratic
fashion, denied members of SOS
speaking priveleges based on the
strict anti-war focus of the meet-
ing.
"We were refused the right to
sIeak because we were not anti-
War. It reflects a narrow-minded-
ness on the part of SAUSI signify-
irg that they do not want to be
challenged on their beliefs," said
ISA senior and SOS committee
member Reg Goeke.
Graduate student Tom
O'Donnell, who participated in
demonstrations against the Viet-
nam War and was asked by SAUSI
to organize anti-war marches, said,
"The overwhelming decision of the
committee was that this is a meet-
ing to decide on actions for stu-
dents who agree that they oppose
the war. This isn't the place for
*that," referring to the attempt by
SOS members to speak.
SOS was formed Wednesday
evening upon commencement of
the U.S. attack of Iraq. Prior to the
attack, students who formed this
group were not in favor of the war.
Inspired by what they view as
poor and unfair treatment of sol-
diers returning from the Vietnam
War, SOS members said, now that
war has started, it is imperative for
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cleaners
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Americans to support U.S. military
personnel deployed in the gulf.
"The president has vowed that
this will not be another Vietnam. It
is crucial that students at universi-
ties nationwide make the same
vow," reads a statement issued by
SOS yesterday. "Those who lead
protests will only delay peace by
encouraging our enemies and
weakening American resolve."
Committee members of SOS
gathered in the Fishbowl yesterday
afternoon where they claim 850
students read and signed their writ-
ten statement.
"We feel the silent majority of
U of M students would like to sup-
port our troops in the Gulf as part
of the successful conclusion to the
Persian Gulf Conflict," Weersing
added.
The newly formed group put to-
gether a proposal last night which
included the following:
The University should not be
shut down to protest the war.
All students should take a
day to consider the consequences
of any immediate U.S. withdrawal
from the Gulf region.
SOS will hold a rally Saturday
at noon in the Diag and urges stu-
dents to bring letters written to
soldiers in the Gulf as a sign of
support.
With Operation Desert Storm in
effect, anti-war activists, including
those from Students Against U.S.
Intervention in the Middle East
(SAUSI), the Anti-Imperialist Ac-
tion Caucus, and the Revolution-
ary Worker's League, planned a
storm of their own.
At a mass meeting last night,
University anti-war activists
passed seven proposals, including
initiatives to occupy and shut
down University buildings, stage
Diag actions, call on professors to
address the war in classes, and
start a student-sponsored Blood
Drive for the Red Cross.
"We have the power to influ-
ence his decisions in this war.
You've heard talk about massive
mounts across the country. Bush
will hear about this. This action
will force the administration of the
University and this country to an-
swer us," Lori Stark, Rackham
student and SAUSI member, said.
The group decided to occupy
numerous buildings Tuesday,
Wednesday, or both days next
week. During the period between
now and the proposed building
shut-downs, small sit-ins, as well
as educational and outreach activi-
ties, will be initiated.
"We have enough committed
people to carry out this occupation
and this will help-us build support
to the point where we can call for
campus-wide student strike and
shut the University down. The rea-
son we need to shut this University
down is to send a message to
Bush," Stark said.
A "bodybag die-in" on the Diag
will also be staged. "This will
catch their eyes to what actually is
going on in Iraq right now," one
anti-war activist said.
A Blood Drive for the Red
Cross will be organized by the stu-
dent group to increase the avail-
ability of blood if it is needed by
U.S. troops. "We're not anti-sol-
dier, we're anti-war," an activist
said.
Memorial
Rackham graduate student Eric Skib
protest" on the Diag. The wall is a r
the Gulf War.
Wi to with u'
Ca U 764-0552
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It's here. .
WEEKEND
MAGAZINE
*Restaurant Reviews
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*Entertainment and student issue stories
*Feature columns
eDining& Drinking guide
In Today's Pa per!l
JENNIFER DUNETZ/Daly
ba examines a graphic "wall of
memorial to those who have died in
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TOMORROW...
fill Barbara
fit[ Hershey
Keanu Reeves
and Peter Folk
"TWO THUMBS UP"
-SISKEL& EBERT
MISE RY
Sat. Jan. 26
Male Voice Day Concert
featuring the University of Michigan
Men's Glee Club and 250 high school
singers from throughout Michigan
Jerry Blackstone, conductor
Michigan Union Ballroom, 4 p.m.
Friars, Harmonettes, and
Amazin' Blue Benefit Concert
also featuring From the Edge
Tickets $5
Rackhanv Lecture Hall, 8 p.m.
Faculty Piano Recital by
Nina Leichuk
Medtner: Sonata in a-minor, Op. 38, "La
Reminiscenza"
Liadov: Variations on a theme of Glinka,
Op.35
Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit
Chopin: Nocturne No. 2 in D-flat Major
Ballade No. 4 in f-minor
The University of Michigan
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
i
Sun. Jan. 27
All events free unless specified. Wheelchair accessible.
For up-to-date information on School of Music Events, call the
24-Hour Music Hotline - 763-4726
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