U.S. Policy Protested

BOSTON--Shouting such chants as "Stop the Sanctions! Stop the Bombing! U.S. out of Iraq!" about 300 people jammed the square at Boston's Park Street T station to protest American economic sanctions and possible bombing of the Persian Golf nation.

Marchers included members of many humanitarian and anti-war groups such as Mass Pace Action, American Friends Service Committee, Task Force for Economic Justice and Veterans for Pace, Inc.

According to Melvin H. Singleton, a demonstrator from Watertown, the main goal of the marchers was to "raise awareness of the disastrous consequences of American foreign policy and persuade American citizens to reflect of killing in Iraq."

Gatherings such as last evening's are part of a recent and growing trend of protests by anti-war and anti-sanction activists in Boston and around the country.

In addition to the one-hour rally the Boston common, protesters gathered for a 90-minute address and prayer service at the Arlington Church. Boston University Professor of Political Science emeritus Howard Zinn spoke while members of the Islamic and Jewish clergy officiated.

Mass Pace Action and other organizations have been holding similar protests for the last three weeks, according to Edward B. Childs, a member of the National People's Campaign and an Adams House cook.

A protest of February 5 drew about 150 people, and demonstrators hope the next protest, set for Tuesday, will draw even more than yesterday's 300 demonstrators,;

A common theme cited by protesters is opposition to the American government's claim that sanctions hasten the downfall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

"Over 500,000 children have died since the end, I mean the end, of the Gulf War. Isn't it time to re-think our plan?" said Howard M. Keller of Braintree.

Rachel A. D'Agostino, a first-year student at the Harvard divinity School, came to the Boston Common to protest against grater US involvement in Iraq.

"My brother is a marine. He doesn't need to go over there. How many millions of children need to starve?" she asked.

However, not all marchers and witnesses agreed with the anti-war sentiments. Watching the protest, former Navy Seal and Desert Storm veteran Arthur J. Doctor of Dorchester questioned the convictions of many marchers.

"I served on reconnaissance missions," Doctor said. "I picked up the bodies of the dead American soldiers when Saddam decided to bomb Saudi Arabia. I know What evil he is up to Most of these marchers, they have never seen war."

"Now I appreciate the few veterans who are here in protest," said Doctor, who spent the afternoon trying to counter the antiwar protest. "At least that have an idea what it means to enter in battle. I agree with them--I don't like killing either. But the U.S. needs to take care of sadism."

Because planning for the afternoon demonstration began only about ten days ago, many Boston residents and passers-by seemed surprised by the large crowd.

Susanne and Louise Lindbaek. two visiting students from Denmark aged 11 and 9, remarked that the large crowd and bull-horns "seemed a little scary."

Boston Police attended to the scene, but did not clash with protesters.

At 7:00 p.m. the proceedings at Arlington Church ended, and demonstrators left feeling satisfied.

"God didn't intend for us to make war with each other" said Paul L. Atwood, a demonstrator from Norwood." I hope that this rally makes more of the American People aware what's happening. If so, it's a success."