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War protesters find they do not stand alone

East Bay Citizens for Peace began protesting the war in Iraq three years ago.

By Alisha A. Pina / Providence Journal

BRISTOL, RI -- Members of the East Bay Citizens for Peace, who protest regularly at post offices in Bristol and Warren, will tell you that the tide has turned.

Three years ago, when their protests of the war in Iraq began, responses to their actions were "evenly split," member Keith Morten said.

But now, they say, support to end the war far outweighs support of the war, and "Impeach Bush" signs draw praise.

Regardless of who says what, the group believes it is their "patriotic duty to address the misinformation" and become a constant reminder of the war's effects on the United States. They go to the local post offices because they are the federal buildings in the area.

They are not deterred by weather. Last Saturday, less than a half-dozen stood in the pouring rain. One had an umbrella.

"We're a witness," Bernice Bowdoin said.

Her poster board, updated the night before with federal Department of Defense statistics and protected with clear plastic, said "Americans killed 2,348, Wounded 17,629."

Specialist Michael Andrade, a Bristol native, was one of the first Rhode Island National Guardsmen killed in Iraq. The Humvee he was riding three years ago collided with a 5,000-gallon fuel truck on a road north of Baghdad during a fierce dust storm. He was 28.

"Why do we still come out ... because we're not done yet," said Ted Sweeney, a new member of the local organization. "Our people are still over there."

He joined the group when he moved to the area from Lowell, Mass., two months ago. He had been protesting the war in Boston before that.

Sweeney emphasized that there are other ways to show opposition. The organization does most of them. They contact state representatives. They participate in marches. They sponsor educational lectures about the war. They also have several handouts that explain their position.

"We have spent close to $247 billion funding this war," one read. "In the meantime, our own domestic programs for education, preschool, children's health, housing, etc., are being cut. Social Security is in trouble."

It continued, "Our children's futures are being jeopardized, not only with the debt that will be left for them, but with the loss of programs they will never enjoy."

In addition, the members solicit residents to sign antiwar petitions.

Several who were asked to sign last weekend said, "Most definitely."

A couple ignored the group, but glanced at Sweeney's "No More War" sign.

An older man said, "Why don't you tell the other side, 'No more war.' "

As the man walked away, two drivers going in opposite directions on Hope Street, yelled, "We support you," and "Thank You."

Said Sweeney, "Nearly 97 percent of the feedback is positive. 'Impeach Bush' gets the most positive feedback.'"