Brandishing posters proclaiming "Bush is "'da man" and "Support our troops," a diverse group of students and Charlottesville residents gathered on the north steps of the Rotunda yesterday afternoon to support President Bush and the nation's armed forces.
A handful of dissenters with anti-war and anti-Bush messages also attended the rally.
The College Republicans and the Jefferson Leadership Foundation sponsored the rally, which lasted approximately 30 minutes and drew around 150 people, according to estimates by the College Republicans.
"Our purpose was to respond to some of the more anti-American tones that the [anti-war] rallies have done," College Republicans President Ben Beliles said. "To say, 'hey you can do that,' but we also need to respect our democracy and those trying to protect us."
The rally's intent was not to explicitly support the war in Iraq, Beliles added. However, that theme did end up dominating many of the speakers' messages.
Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle, and Rep. Virgil Goode, R-5th, were keynote speakers.
Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, both Republicans, could not attend, but provided printed messages to be read.
"Why would people sit on a plane to go to Iraq? They're doing it for us," Bell said. "The land of the free has a few less brave men in it right now."
Goode, who was received energetically by the crowd, delivered a passionate message to those gathered.
"None of us want war," Goode shouted. "I wish the morning news shows would come on and say: Saddam has destroyed his weapons of mass destruction."
Goode also expressed his appreciation for those speaking out against the Bush administration.
"The beauty of the U.S. is that you can have an opinion," he said. "In Iraq, you can't have that."
Members of Food Not Bombs, the University Democrats and other individuals spoke up at the rally.
"Dissent is patriotic, and we do support our country," third-year college student Brooke Dreene said.
Food Not Bombs, which was offering baked goods at the rally, argued that too much money is spent by the U.S. government on weapons in place of food.
"We support all people, whether they are our troops or not," said Jennifer Conner, a member of Food Not Bombs.
"My hands are frozen and my arms are sore, but as long as people are out here to support Bush, someone will be out here," former University Democrats secretary Laura Fairney said.
First-year College student Chris Rivera said he felt the rally was an important event at the University.
"In general, I don't think the University puts its full support behind President Bush," Rivera said. "I believe he is a firm, ethical leader, and he is looking out not only for the safety and interests of our people, but of all nations of the world."
Goode offered a piece of advice for students in an era of potential war.
"I hope that if they have a friend or relative in the United States military that they might express their appreciation for their service," he said.
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