War of Words at Opposing Rallies

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Balboa Park Sunday to oppose the escalating Persian Gulf War, while a noisy group of flag-waving, counterdemonstrators--many with loved ones serving in the war zone--lined Harbor Drive to show their support for the Bush Administration and troops in the Gulf.

Both rallies were peaceful, and no arrests were reported by police. A small group of counterdemonstrators briefly confronted the war protesters at Balboa Park, but two officers mounted on horseback quickly moved in and kept them apart. Both sides exchanged chants and slogans.

War opponents carried placards that read:

“Brave soldiers. Smart Missiles. Stupid leaders.”

“They’re lying to us again.”

“Who’s going to arrest war for disturbing the peace?”

A counterdemonstrator used a variation of a favorite slogan used by anti-war groups and carried a placard that read “We gave peace a chance.” Other slogans written on signs carried by counterdemonstrators read “Peace through superior fire power,” and “Support riders of the storm,” a combined reference to Operation Desert Storm and a 1960s song by the rock group The Doors.

Various groups opposed to the Persian Gulf War, brought together by the Coalition for Peace in the Middle East, gathered at the reflecting pool in Balboa Park at 1 p.m. Police estimated the protesters numbered 1,000, but organizers said the number was between 2,000 and 3,000.

Although their ranks included many students, the anti-war groups also included a large number of older veterans of the Vietnam War peace marches. In fact, the gathering had the strong flavor of a 1960s protest.

Several high school students, barely old enough to remember President Jimmy Carter, sported tie-dyed shirts, embroidered jeans and granny glasses. Others burned incense and entertained the crowd with drums and guitars.

“Half of these people are stuck in the ‘60s and the others are trying to find out what it was like then. They have no concept of what’s going on today,” said Skip Clarke, 50, a counterdemonstrator. “I was on the other side in the ‘60s. I was against the Vietnam War, but this one’s different. There are some key things at stake in the Middle East.”

“No, I don’t think it was necessary to have a war,” said Katherine Carter, 17, a San Diego High School student. “I don’t think that Bush ever intended to find a peaceful solution.”

The government’s assertion that sanctions were not going to work against Iraq “is bunk,” said Trevor Harrington, 20, a Denver musician visiting relatives in San Diego. “Why are years of sanctions enough for fighting apartheid in South Africa? Why did our government decide after five months that sanctions aren’t enough in Iraq?”

John Phillips, 46, who is vacationing here from Orange with his wife, Judy, said they decided to attend the anti-war protest after hearing about it on the radio because “you cannot enforce peace or democracy with violence.”

Gloria Escalera, 40, a teacher at Sweetwater High School, was at the rally to protest the war and deliver a message to “those white leftist groups you always find at these things.”

Escalera, a member of the Pueblo Against the War, argued that Latinos “have greater reason for demonstrating against the war.”

“Many of the ground troops are Latinos and people of color. Our people are going to take the majority of casualties. We are still oppressed and living in a racist society. These (minority) soldiers are being used as cannon fodder by white America. I’m not being racist. It’s reality,” said Escalera.

As she spoke, a man walked through the crowd carrying a sign that read, “We ain’t fighting for rich gringos. Chicano power.”

Supporters of the war began gathering on Harbor Drive, across from the County Administration Building, in the early afternoon. Their rally was organized by several Navy sailors who passed the word around during the week at naval installations. Plans for the rally were also broadcast on radio stations.

About 500 demonstrators lined the street by 4 p.m., singing patriotic songs and chanting “Support our troops.” They were supported by hundreds of motorists who honked and offered thumbs up as they drove by. The crowd let out a loud cheer when the Berkeley ferry, anchored in San Diego Bay, sounded its whistle in support of their efforts.

“We’re the majority. Aren’t we,” yelled a man using a bullhorn. “Yeah,” responded the crowd.

John Guzman and his family, who were visiting from Sylmar in Los Angeles County, were among those who lined Harbor Drive.

“We’re tired of the media giving the anti-war protesters all the attention,” said Guzman, 43. “We want everyone to know we support our troops. We are the majority.”

“Yeah, the silent majority can’t be silent anymore,” said Ray Balogh, who stood nearby.

Earl Moody, a Korean War veteran who served with the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said he did not necessarily agree with the politicians who sent the troops to the Persian Gulf.

“I’m a soldier from America’s forgotten war. But I haven’t forgotten what war is like. I’m not forgetting the men and women who are over there. Regardless of our political beliefs, we should not forget our men and women who are risking their lives for us,” said Moody, 58.

Kari Machado, 21, said she decided to attend the rally “for the morale of the troops.”

“I want our troops to realize that the anti-war protesters are a minority. Good morale is very important, and we want them to realize that most Americans are backing them,” said Machado, who lives in San Diego.

A Navy wife who wanted to be identified only as Vonda said that her husband, a lieutenant, is stationed aboard a ship in the Persian Gulf. Navy officials have asked families of men and women stationed in the Gulf to be careful about disclosing too much about their loved one’s mission, she said.

“The anti-war demonstrations hurt me, because I feel America should stand behind its troops. But I do believe in freedom of speech. That’s part of our heritage. I don’t agree with their position, but they have a right to be heard. We all have a right to be heard,” said Vonda.