March 01, 2005

Whitewater Rapids

Tonight is cold, very cold. Almost as cold as Ward Churchill's heart. Almost as cold as Churchill's supporters who had the gall to chant during a prayer to Sep. 11 victims and their families. Fortunately, that was the worst of the behavior. Sure there were plenty of in-your-face discussions, heated at times, but they were peaceful. People were passionate about Churchill's hate speech while others were passionate in defending his right to speak--which no one has questioned--as well as his radical ideas. There was the obligatory Halliburton chant--a Leftist rally wouldn't be the same without one. Socialists and anarchist anti-capitalists joined in the fun. Neocons were blamed for starting a "war for oil." Funny, there was no mention of Karl Rove.

Twenty to thirty College Republicans started the protest by holding signs along the street remembering Sep. 11 victims. A half block down was Churchill's defenders--all twelve of them. These didn't seem like the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree. One held a sign that read "I Love Men." I didn't ask her what that had to do with free speech, anti-American hate, or Ward Churchill. It was Merry Prankster-ish.

For a prayer vigil this was the peppiest I ever attended. It was more of an act of defiance toward Churchill and the UW-Whitewater administration. There were cheers when Charlie Sykes and the other speakers pointed out Churchill's hateful rantings. There was a plan to walk silently to the University Center where Churchill would speak, but the College Republican who was to lead us got the crowd all riled up by having us thank everyone who put the event together. Solemnity gave way to passionate indignation.

On a techie note: thanks to Jib for letting me use his computer. I'm having no trouble posting with UW-Whitewater's wi-fi. I'm glad to know some of my tax dollars are going to something productive. I have pictures and recorded some conversations. I'll try to post those later tonight.