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 gold bond cleaners Quality Dry Cleaning and Shirt Service 332 Maynard St. across from Nickels Arcade 668-6335 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 r It's here. . WEEKEND MAGAZINE *Restaurant Reviews *Week-long list of events and happenings *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 ENT ARE A70FR1&NE 5THAVE A IBRY761.9700 AYINK RELO UTEDPCR H N BRING IN THIS ENTIRE AD FOR, ONE I FREE 32 OZ DRINK TUNE IN 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 -~1 0 IU1I~m~WI Ea~lar*~~u~mmmiur~hum~~uu~~awmuu~ut;