MICHAEL MEISINGER

Tucsonans Joe Bermick and Jan Waterman paint signs at a Vigil for Peace held outside the Tucson Federal Building, 300 W. Congress St., yesterday evening. More than 100 people attended the event to promote the idea of a peaceful resolution to the terrorist attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C.

Friday September 21, 2001

'Make peace not war,' the issue being sought

A group of concerned citizens, including UA faculty, united yesterday evening in a vigil for peace and justice in front of the Tucson Federal Building downtown.

More than 100 people stood in front of the Tucson Federal Building, 300 W. Congress St., holding signs that denounced numerous issues regarding government actions taken during past wars and reaction to the terrorist acts of Sept. 11.

Most members of the group said they think a war against terrorists is wrong.

"Wouldn't it be nice if America called for a war and no one came?" Tucsonan Phyllis Menard said.

Joe Bermick, a member of Tucson Peace Action Coalition and war veteran, said he was concerned that President Bush is blaming Osama bin Laden.

"He doesn't even know who did it and he's got this killing urge," he said.

Retired Col. James Burkholder, who served in both World War II and the Vietnam War, said he thinks the motives of war have changed.

"Casualties of war used to be at a ration of seven soldiers to one civilian, with today's style of war, it's seven to 1,000," he said.

Many people attending were veterans of war, but the vigil also attracted University of Arizona faculty.

A UA professor questioned the government's decision to use military force in retaliation to the attacks.

"I think violence as a response to violence only breeds more violence," said Andy Silverman, professor of law.

Another UA faculty member said she believed the media misleads the public.

"The media is claiming America is united in war, but there's a lot of people who want peace," said Miranda Joseph, an associate professor in the women's studies department.

The group stood along Congress Street during rush hour as people in cars drove by and honked their horns in support. Others expressed their opposition both verbally and with hand gestures.