WE OBJECT - 5/31/2008 - SUGGESTIONS

Here is a list of suggestions we have received so far for protest plans and other suggestions:

Brett Wrote:
Do we want to focus on a single compelling Bush failure, or just go for general disgust?'
A collective theme helps focus the message.
We need to give the media the "shot" to be included in coverage.
A graphic presentation of the dead US soldiers in Iraq could be the shot.
It's in the day time, right, so candles won't work. How do we find 8,000 boots...
I'm guessing that the protest participants don't want to risk arrest. That's point one.
Figuring out how we can effectively exercise our 1st Amendment rights is point two.

Denise Wrote:
take our candles to Furman...and get the word out via the media to invite others who would peacefully protest this war to bring a candle and meet at a certain point. 
A lot of people who would not be comfortable with a more boisterous protest would happily participate in something like a candle lite ceremony. 
That doesn't mean the louder protest can't be going on somewhere else...
no rule says there has to be only ONE event....

Andrew Wrote:
We should secure permission to protest on some private property across from or adjacent to the campus on Poinsett Hwy.
Then I would think they can’t force us to not be on someone’s property where we have permission!

Floyd Wrote:
Let all who might come know that the anti-protesters on the Right can be pretty nasty.
They want to provoke.
They will get in right close to you and yell obscenities, communist, traitor etc.
They want confrontation.

Dorah Wrote:
As someone who has a nephew graduating, I want to celebrate this milestone in our family and honor him for all his efforts during his college career, but also want to protest against Bush.
Thinking of all the Iraqi and US families who have mourned the death of their young,
I propose having an “ungraduation”.
We could have posters of people who died before they could celebrate their graduations.
Maybe we can sit together and wear black armbands.

Ryan Wrote:
We don't necessarily need private property on Poinsett to protest,
medians and the strips of land close to the road are public property.
There are five entrances/exits to campus,
we should have some kind of visible protest at all of them.
I agree that the candle light vigil/solemn protest and the boisterous protest should be separate.
One as a memorial/remembrance of those who have died and the other for ending the war.
Since it is graduation, I think the theme "Graduate from War" might be a good one.
We could create/paint a gigantic report card to illustrate President Bush's performance.
Mortarboards could also be used for creative messaging.
I agree that we should not engage with pro-war protesters.
They are good at getting people off message and into arguments.

Diana Wrote:
I'm a peace-lovin' tree hugger who doesn't agree with the Bush administration,
but I am concerned with your plans to demonstrate at Furman's graduation this month. 
The kids graduating have busted their asses for four years to graduate from Furman.
Most of the graduates aren't the ones who chose to have Bush come speak.
Those who disagree with his policies don't have to attend.
I'm all for peaceful demonstration.
Protest him at the airport.  Have a protest downtown.
Have a protest across the street from Furman's entrance.
But, please, let these kids and their families enjoy
one of the happiest days of their lives without drama.

Kathryn Wrote:
I saw Brett's post about boots and thought they would be nice but logistically problematic.
In pondering the idea, another came to me - prayer flags or rather meditation flags. 
Strips tied onto a continuous string approximately 6" apart and strung from tree to tree
somewhere on campus or along the entrance or whatever would make a great visual.
We could go for the full 4000, or 400 with each flag representing 10 solders.
Whatever resources allow.
Resources of money (to buy cloth and string)
and manpower (to cut the strips and tie them to the string)
I have some string and cloth that I can donate.
Not nearly enough but maybe others would be willing to do the same?
Or we could use old sheets from Goodwill, although the colors might not be as bright.
We could organize a flag-tying-party for 5/26/08, Memorial Day.

Chris Wrote:
I do like the idea of some type of visual image for daytime viewing.
What about 4000 small US flags with a huge banner behind them reading:
"Please Tell Us Why They Had To Die Mr. President" 
If flags would be too expensive, we could get some red, white and blue ribbon.
I definitely agree that we need to come to consensus soon and start planning.

Susan Wrote:
I liked the idea of 4,000 flags attached to a rope that is strung up.
Do we know it won't be taken down?
Does someone have a lot of rope?
If we do that, I recommend we start making "flags" now and then bring them to one place to be attached.
I think the flags could just be simple pieces of cloth.
Maybe we could write on it "American killed in Iraq occupation"

Roxanne Wrote:
I like the idea of presenting a visual presentation.
Some thought has to be given to public areas of access at the main entrances to the campus.
I like the idea of report cards on this administration and of course war casualties.
Think visual for the cameras and visibility that's legal to access.
The people who want to spare the graduates because they have worked so hard are soft.
The world is hard and Bush has made things harder for kids who can't afford to go to college.
They can handle a little truth telling and if they can't they need to toughen up.

Hannah (2008 Furman Graduate) Wrote:
I am extremely concerned that people will connect this website,
the coalition, and their actions with the signers of the (W)e Object Petition.
As one of the cosigners, and a member of the Class of 2008,
I do not want to be affiliated with or endorse your efforts at this time.
I cannot support anyone who would make getting to graduation any more of a hassle.

Let me be clear: I do not want Bush at my graduation.
I strongly object to many of his policies and to the man himself.
I am a (W)e Object co-signer.
I will be indicating my disapproval for Bush, and his presence,
at my graduation in some way during the ceremony.

But let me also emphasize this:
I'm having to be ready to walk several hours in advance because Bush is coming.
My parents and visitors are going to have to be seated early because Bush is coming.
If your campaign makes it even more of a hassle or disrupts the ceremony itself,
I can guarantee you that I am going to be extremely angry and disappointed.
I agree, ultimately, with what you're trying to accomplish.
Imagine how people who do not agree with you will feel.
You will not accomplish by ruining a moment in our lives,
that isn't supposed to be about Bush or you.
It's about us.
And that's part of the reason why some of us object to Bush's presence:
He is inherently political, disruptive, and burdensome.

So I am asking you this:
1) Please make it abundantly clear that you are not affiliated with the Petition of co-signers.
I realize some co-signers may support or be involved with your efforts.
However, not all of us are.
That is why it is important for people to know that our co-signing,
does not indicate support for your coalition/campaign.
2) Do not do anything that would prevent people from getting to Furman.
Do not block Poinsett Highway or nearby roadways.
Do not cause a spectacle that would draw media attention.
Let us, the members of the Furman community, do what needs to be done on campus.

Ann Wrote:
At a march for the 5 year anniversary demonstration in Portland this year,
they created this amazing banner out of clothing.
The banner may not be a good idea,
but I love the clothing of individuals being held on poles.
"Why did he have to die?" or even simply "collateral damage".....  something.
Anyway, it would be inexpensive and simple.

Annie Wrote:
I'm a senior at Furman so I might be able to help you out.
There is a grass median right between the main entrance & exit.
It would be very visible there.
It might be even more visible down the mall,
a very public part of campus with lots of space.

Wade Wrote
Flags and coffins always touch the heart and are respectful
in moving the message to those who are indifferent.
I do suggest that there be signs or banners that tell in words,
what you want, what your messages are, what must be done.

Charlie Wrote:
As an Iraq war veteran, I have very mixed emotions about the flag.
But,regardless of how we feel about it individually,
it still represents patriotism and the mythical view of America
expressed by many who have not yet really thought about the war. 
In that regard, Red White and Blue flags are the perfect frame.
Using American flags also removes  the objections we have had
to using the American service members pictures,
crosses or other icons that we have had in the past. 
It is also an idea that I have not seen used elsewhere. 
It is simple, somewhat elegant, and will likely take a good picture,
which is what you want from a media angle.

About the white cloth for the Iraqis,
I am not sure that this will work.
If the white cloth was being put under the American flags,
some may think that we were calling the service members cowards.
Would it be possible to display of thousands of shoes or other clothing in a pile,
representing the chaos that we have caused for the Iraqis' lives
and also showing that we do not know the full number?

Finally, i too am concerned about an attack on Iran.
I am also concerned about the number of suicides in returning veterans,
the state of VA health care,
the lack of proper aid to china,
and for that matter, our dependence on foreign oil.
There is very little that we could NOT be concerned with in regards to this president.
However, if we add objections to the original protest,
we loose the simplicity and visceral nature of the protest.
I think that we need to focus on the human cost of the Iraq War both American and Iraqi.
If we would add a military family component, it would be good but not necesary.

Denise Wrote:
If an invited guest chooses to wear something that shows how they feel about the war in Iraq,
or about this president in general,
are they going to be allowed into the graduation ceremony? 
I would be very interested in knowing that,
and we should be on the lookout for those who are "excluded" from graduation,
and who WOULD have attended had not Bush been invited to speak.
We need to make sure that these people are brought to the attention of the media.
It should be emphasized that they are INVITED GUESTS of a graduating student,
but because of Bush they missed a huge milestone in a loved one's life,
something that cannot be redone.

The names of the student committee that invited Bush to speak need to be made public.
This way students who are unhappy about any "disruptions"
will know who is REALLY responsible -
those who invited a war criminal to speak.

Dorah Wrote:
I like the no more victims clothes with this respectful suggestion-
the messages could be pinned to the clothes,
and the clothes donated to an appropriate place afterwards.
I could easily bring or send a shirt with a message,
and so could everyone else probably.

Susan Wrote:
I don't feel comfortable with combining my Iraqi civilian peace flags
with the flags for the American soldiers.
I think they should be separate.
I won't put them on private property without permission,
so I think they will have to go on public property.
I will made a couple of signs to go with them.