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CLOUDY Temp: 42 °F Wind: W at 3 mph Tuesday, April 15, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend March 17, 2003 Graydon Palmehn, 5, of Ashland, was one of about 300 people who attended a peace vigil in downtown Ashland on Sunday. Mail Tribune / Andrew Mariman In Ashland,A plea for peace Give diplomatic efforts more time, say those at Sunday’s vigil By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune ASHLAND — As rain poured down, making it difficult to keep their candles lit, local residents took part in a peace vigil that was one of more than 3,000 held Sunday in cities around the world. About 300 people in the Ashland Plaza held candles, sang songs or stood silently to express their opposition to impending war in Iraq. "This war was planned before 9-11," said Ashland resident Nicole Danziger. "Terrorism and 9-11 are being used as a cover story." Danziger said none of the supporters of peace think of Saddam Hussein as a nice guy. But they also think there are a lot of bad regimes throughout the world and question the motives behind the Bush administration’s need to invade Iraq. What’s more troubling for Danziger and others at the vigil is the fear and anger being fomented from the White House to Jackson County. "I’m very afraid for America," she said. While Danziger voiced her opinions, others in the vigils said they were reluctant to give their names for fear of repercussions. "People are afraid to give you their name — that should tell you something," said Danziger. One woman, who asked not to be identified said, "Our civil liberties are being threatened in the name of liberty." Ashland resident Charles Kehoe said the 60 percent of Americans who support Bush’s plans to wage war are being duped. He said that in a recent interview, Bush referred to 9-11 many times in the same breath as Iraq, while showing no clear link between that country and the terrorist attacks. "That’s the reason he has 60 percent of the people behind him," said Kehoe. Justine Cooper, executive director of Peace House in Ashland said peace vigils and peace marches being held throughout the world can make a difference. "People are very clear that killing isn’t the answer," she said. "Millions and millions of people are on the move." Not everyone who saw the vigil Sunday supported the protesters’ opinions, and some faulted their reasoning. "I have a hard time believing some people can be so shallow as to not see these threats," said Verne Herz of Sams Valley. Another woman in the vigil, who asked not to be identified, said war should be the very last resort. "Every avenue of diplomacy should be used first," she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S