[NY Newsday - 10/8/01] As the United States was bombing Afghanistan, a peaceful protest was taking place yesterday in Smithtown against any military retaliation for the Word Trade Center terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. "Honk For Peace Now," "Military Action Will Not End Terrorism," "Stop Bombs, Save Children" were the signs that caught the attention of motorists.
The signs were part of a demonstration by the Long Island War Resisters League against military actions taken by the United States in response to the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks.
"People are interested in bringing the terrorists to justice, but not by losing lives, and I think we need to give a voice to them," said Rodger Snyder, spokesman for the LIWRL and candidate for county legislature.
As the 45 demonstrators walked along Main Street from Town Hall to North County Road and back, their sidewalk march was met with praise as well as opposition.
"Why should we care if we're bombing them, it's an eye for an eye," said Anthony Benkovitz, whose brother works across the street from the World Trade Center, and is alive because he was running late. "If they lost love ones, they would probably feel the same way."
Waving an American flag and wearing military fatigue pants, Jeff Peress boisterously voiced his opinion to a driver in a Mercedes at a red light, and engaged in shouting matches with some motorists.
"What we did in the past didn't work, and they turned around and counterattacked us," said Peress. "I'm here to say that the U.S. should stop giving aid to these rogue nations in reference to weapons deals."
John Keenan, a New York City firefighter who is part of the rescue efforts at Ground Zero, feels that this is only the beginning of something worse to come.
"I think the process our government is taking is a mistake," said Keenan, grasping a Green Party banner. "Bombing unknown targets won't do anything but bring more pain and death."
Anne Mayer Kristiansen, another marcher, has written letters to President George W. Bush and Fox News about the role and fairness of the media, and wants equal air time for all opinions.
"There has to be another voice. The media only interviews military experts, and they need to give time to the alternative thinkers of today," said Kristiansen. "Anyone who wants a peaceful solution or has a different viewpoint is considered anti-American."
Robert Lepley, executive director of the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, says what the United States is doing is terrorism in the form of revenge.
"Congress has not declared war on any nation so these bombings are in violation of international law," said Lepley. "This is a crime against humanity and not an act of war."
Some drivers engaged in "conversations" with some of the protesters. Some people looked from the store windows and restaurants.
But those walking along Main Street holding signs and flags wanted people to stay open-minded and to not believe everything they hear.
"I'm very cautious as to what I believe, and I don't believe what the Pentagon is saying because they have lied before," marcher Vicki Plastino said.
[posted 10/19/01]
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