January 16, 2003, By Renee K. Gadoua Staff writer Syracuse Post-Standard
Syracuse police on Wednesday arrested 16 people protesting possible war with Iraq after they refused to leave the entrance to the Federal Building. "Their consciences say many more people will die if there's war," Margaret Birdlebough said. Officers put plastic bands on the protesters and escorted them to police vans after the protesters stood at the entrance of the Federal Building for nearly an hour and declined several requests to move. Some protesters wore masks, including one depicting George Bush. One protester sat on the cold sidewalk, rocking a doll and feigning crying. Another protester, dressed in a black robe and papier-mache mask, stood in front of a 3-foot cardboard "missile," and bent and picked up a doll covered with ashes. She lifted the doll above her head, then rocked it and wailed as if in mourning.
Protesters repeatedly sang, "No war no more, we mourn the victims" as Federal Building employees walked in and out the revolving door. Just before the arrests, the protesters, accompanied by about 30 other people, sang "Happy Birthday" to Martin Luther King Jr.
Organizers from the Syracuse Peace Council said they chose Wednesday as the day of the protest so it would coincide with the birthday of the late civil rights leader and in honor of his example of nonviolent protest.
The arrests followed an hour-long protest in which more than 200 people walked along the sidewalk between the Federal Building and South Clinton Street chanting anti-war verses and singing peace songs. Scarves and hats covered most people's faces, and many carried signs with slogans such as "No Blood for Oil," "War Breeds Terrorism" and "Build Peace Through Cooperation." A few people carried American flags.
The crowd included several adults carrying children, a few people wearing business clothes and at least six local clergy members. "We see this as outrageous," said Diane Swords. "This is not a defensive war. This is in no way defending our territory or legitimate interests."
Those arrested included a 90-year-old man and his 23-year-old granddaughter.
"We want to make clear there are a lot of people who do not want war," said Angus MacDonald, who sat in a wheelchair and walks with a cane. "This is the right thing to do," said Laura MacDonald. Both said they don't expect protests to immediately change officials' minds about military action in the Persian Gulf.
"It's a step in the right direction," Angus MacDonald said. The following people were charged with disorderly conduct, a violation, and given tickets to appear in City Court on Jan. 24:
Jerome Berrigan, 83; 106 Maywood Drive, Syracuse
Catherine Cardell, 56; 219 Candee Ave., Syracuse
Paul Collier, 59; 124 Wadsworth St., Syracuse
William Cuddy, 66; 245 Cambridge St., Syracuse
Paul Frazier, 57; 208 Slocum Ave., Syracuse
William Griffen, 74; Palmer Road, town of Preble
Richard Keough, 68; 417 Roberts Ave., Syracuse
Edward Kinane, 54; 340 Midland Ave., Syracuse
Jessica Maxwell, 27; 162 Cambridge St., Syracuse
Angus MacDonald, 90; 833 E. Brighton Ave., Syracuse
Laura MacDonald, 23; 948 Ackerman Ave., Syracuse
John Murray, 74; 121 Circle Road, Syracuse
Kathleen Rumpf; 51; 115 Maywood Drive, Syracuse
Mayer Shevin, 52; 210 Buckingham Ave., Syracuse
Ann Tiffany, 67; 340 Midland Ave., Syracuse
Mary Elizabeth Woolever, 71; 308 Crawford Ave., Syracuse.
