Students show support; ground fighting intensifies
Frogs for Freedom rallies for support of troops, Bush
By Sarah Chacko
Staff Reporter

Students showing support for the American troops in Iraq served “freedom dogs” to those who passed by, encouraging them to participate in the Frogs for Freedom’s pro-war rally Monday afternoon by Frog Fountain, called “Freedom Fountain” by demonstrators.

Jeremiah Morris, president of Frogs for Freedom, said the organization sprang up last week while watching Australians burn the American flag. Not all students oppose the war, as other protests have demonstrated, said Morris, a sophomore philosophy major.

“Just from talking to people around campus, it seems that students want an outlet,” he said.

Frogs for Freedom shares the same ideals as other anti-war organizations, such as Peace Action, in that they support peace and value life, Morris said.

“Idealistically, we don’t want war,” he said.

However, Morris said, it is necessary to still support the president and his efforts to bring justice to the thousands of people being starved, tortured and killed under Saddam Hussein’s rule.

“If war brings that to an end, so be it,” he said.

Megan Severns, a sophomore religion major, said it is sad to see Americans divided on the issue of war. Severns said she is confident that America’s efforts will be successful.

“No one wants war, but in the long run, you’ve got to do it,” she said.

Stephanie Bilhartz, a freshman biology major, said that protesting war before and after the fact is OK, but while the war is progressing, support for the troops is needed.

“At least support them while they are there,” she said.

Lauren Kelley, a Peace Action activist who showed up to voice her views against the war, said it is a misconception to think being anti-war means a person does not support the troops.

“We want to support troops by not putting them in harm’s way,” said Kelley, a junior English major.

Kelley said it is dangerous to impose American opinions on others, and that this kind of war should not set a precedent for foreign policy.

“We believe in saving lives above all else,” she said. “Above monetary gain, above our opinions, above the American lifestyle.”

Ashley Davis, a sophomore finance major, said personal opinions do not outweigh responsibility as an American citizen.

“Everyone has an opinion,” she said. “But you show support regardless of how you feel because you are an American.”

s.e.chacko@tcu.edu