Speaks Out

Are anti-war protests effective or are they just a waste of
time? Gevork Danielian

First-year, international business

“In my opinion, they are not effective. It’s a good
thing that people can get together and fight for a cause they
believe is important, but when it comes down to it, the government
doesn’t give the attention to the protests that they are
looking for.” Justin Lu

Fourth-year, psychology

“I think they are effective because they raise awareness
to people who may not have a political stance concerning war and
they allow them the opportunity to take a stance against
war.” Jennifer Balakely

Fourth-year, psychobiology

“It’s at least a good thing for the administration
to know that there are a lot of people protesting who are not
behind their decisions. The administration might give protests a
little consideration, but in the end they know more about the issue
than we do and will make decisions based on that knowledge.”
Frank Morales

Third-year, chemistry

“I don’t think anti-war protests are a waste of
time, but I don’t think they are effective either. If nothing
is being done about an important issue, you have to speak out, even
if you pretty much know the government isn’t going to
necessarily offer support.” Michele Zamel

Fourth-year, psychology

“I don’t really know how effective anti-war protests
are considering many of the protesters are usually misinformed or
not informed at all. They are only out to say they are against war
because that seems like the peaceful thing to do.” Paymon
Ebrahimzaden

First-year, undeclared

“Anti-war protests would be more effective if the mass
media portrayed them as they really are. The media definitely
disregards the potential of protests, which can be seen in the
coverage of the ones on Saturday.” Compiled by Kelsey
Hicks/Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Photos by JONATHAN YOUNG/Daily Bruin Senior Staff