Peace coalition gathers to protest government actions

Members of the Bloomington Peace Action Coalition gathered Wednesday evening on the Monroe County Courthouse square for their weekly meeting, but with the anniversary of Sept. 11 in mind. \nBloomington resident Linda Windforest said the demonstration was predominantly to "remember the victims of 9/11 and honor them by demanding an investigation" of the national tragedy.\nWindforest said she believes tax dollars should be spent on education and health care instead of weapons. She also noted members of the military in Iraq are likely wondering when they can come home.\nThe group has gathered every Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the corner of Walnut Street and Kirkwood Avenue since January 2002. Participants carry signs and provide literature to passers-by.\nThe coalition's goal is to shape national and world events, educate the public and encourage residents of Bloomington to be more tolerant and participatory. The group formed in August 2001 and holds peace vigils, campaigns and lobbies government agencies. \n"We get lots of people honking as they drive by," Windforest said. "For every person that doesn't agree with us, there are probably 80 who do."\nRoger Voelker, a 1965 graduate of IU, participates in similar demonstrations in Tucson, Ariz., where he now resides. His friend is involved with the group and invited Voelker to attend while he is in town.\n"I believe war is not the answer," Voelker said. "The war in Iraq has nothing to do with 9/11." \nHe claims better intelligence and police action would be more effective solutions than military action.\n"We need a response, but this is not appropriate," Voelker said.\nOne sign at the gathering read, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."\nBrown County resident Cynthia Roberts, who is not associated with the coalition but attends the gatherings occasionally, carried a sign reading, "Fight poverty not people."\nRoberts said the demonstration may or not be in commemoration of Sept. 11, and thinks that's for the best. \n"Maybe it's time to move on," she said.\nWindforest said the group's main focus is on peace. \n"I don't think we're going to have peace in the world unless we work for it,"she said.\nFor more information, visit BPAC's Web site, www.bpac.info.\n-- Contact staff writer Michelle Perry at meperry@indiana.edu.