By Christine Clarridge
Crowded into Westlake Plaza yesterday afternoon were hundreds of people: professional protesters, anti-military activists and plenty of regular folks with kids, jobs and mortgages, who wanted to let the world, the city, anyone who would listen, know that they don't want war.
They carried placards and signs that said, "One people, one planet" and "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind."
And they cheered for speakers who called for reason, patience, compassion and forgiveness in the midst of a military buildup sparked by the terrorist attacks.
"Tuesday (Sept. 11) gave us a pile of rubble that was not only of bricks but also of bodies and hopes and dreams," said Gina Aaf, an Afghanistan native and University of Washington student. "There have been many piles just like that throughout history and one more pile isn't going to solve anything."
Ed Mast, a spokesman for the 911 Peace Coalition that helped organize the Alternatives to Violence rally, urged the crowd to be strong of heart.
"We are grieving. We are mourning," he said. "But let's not betray our grieving with more violence. Let's not betray our mourning with more deaths."
Many in the crowd acknowledged that there was an element of futility to their message: Their voices couldn't stop the buildup of arms and forces already under way in the United States and abroad.
But they said it was important for people to know that the war movement, while supported by many, is by no means supported by all.
"It's a very important thing to show that there are people who are opposed," said Ernest Mailhot, a member of the Socialist Workers Party.
"There's been this idea that if you are not backing the war drive, you're not mourning the dead, and that's wrong."
Cori Adler, a professor, writer and mother who brought her 2-year-old daughter, said she hoped the tragedy would inspire the United States to re-examine its role in the world.
"We can't put all our energy into being a superpower and then be surprised when we're viewed as bullies," she said.
Whenever one group attacks another, it's often described as a strategic move.
"Well, now that's happened to us and we know that all that symbolic posturing is really about real bodies, real blood and real lives."
The demonstration, which may have drawn as many as 800 participants, was overwhelmingly peaceful despite a small group of counterprotesters who gathered across the street with signs and flags.
"We're out here to support the U.S. and George Bush," said Crosby Olsen, a student at O'Dea High School.
"All these people, if they got what they wanted, this country would no longer be free and they wouldn't be able to stand over there and protest."
Lee Tuimanu'a, a former Marine who served two tours in Vietnam, was driving through town on his Harley when he saw the demonstration and the small group of counterprotesters. He pulled over and took a stand with the smaller group.
An anti-war demonstrator, who didn't want to give his name, approached Tuimanu'a, wanting to know why the ex-Marine picked that side.
"I've earned my citizenship. I have a right to be here. You haven't earned anything," said Tuimanu'a, who was wearing a "Remember New York" T-shirt and a red, white and blue bandana.
After a few more exchanges, he lost patience: "Kid, you're a leech. You have the luxury of being here for free because guys like me made the sacrifice."