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TechnoratiTeens March Across US to Protest War
MONTEZUMA, Iowa - Two teens from opposite coasts are marching across the country for peace, hoping to gain followers and attention with each step.
Ashley Casale, 19, of Clinton Corners, N.Y., and Michael Israel, 18, of Jackson, Calif., had hoped others who oppose the war in Iraq would join them on their 3,000-mile walk from San Francisco to Washington.
However, since they started off May 21, it's just been the two of them for the most part.
"Although it's always nice to have as many people as possible, it's more about the message and we haven't been disappointed there aren't tons of people walking," Casale said.
It wasn't what Casale planned when she started a Web site and sent fliers to colleges nationwide to promote what she called the "March for Peace." Still, after 1,600 miles and three pairs of sandals, she seemed satisfied with the march's progress.
The two met 10 minutes before beginning their journey. Casale just finished her freshman year at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and Israel recently graduated from high school.
Israel learned of the anti-war walk from the Web site. "I was looking for something bigger to do than just a weekend rally," he said.
On Wednesday, the two stopped for lunch in Montezuma. Wearing T-shirts and displaying deep tans, the two described the blisters and achy knees they have endured as they crossed the western deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.
"We've never thought about quitting, but there are parts of the country that are so isolated and towns are so far between we feel like we're alone without any support, but then we come across a town and see the support we have and it helps," Casale said.
They said most people have been receptive, even if they have not agreed with their position on the war.
One retired farmer and World War II veteran in Nebraska met them along the side of the road with a welcome sign and had dinner with them, they said. Other people have brought them food and water, opened their homes or let them camp in their yards.
Then there are those who greeted them with obscene gestures and yells.
Still, Israel said he felt good about what he and Casale have accomplished.
"I hope it inspires people to be more vocal and politically active and become more aware of what's going on around them," he said.
Both acknowledge they get homesick. Casale said she calls home once a day - at her mother's insistence. Israel calls his family at least twice a week.
They rely on each other for emotional support but insist their friendship hasn't become romantic. "We're just friends," Casale said, smiling.
Casale and Israel said they have gone two weeks without clean clothes and a week without a shower. They go through a lot of water, sunscreen and bandages for blisters.
They hope to reach Iowa City for a peace rally on Friday and to arrive in Washington by Sept. 11. Along the way they hope their message will be heard.
"Our message is about ending the war in Iraq, but it's more than that," Casale said. "It's about cultivating peace in our daily lives and responding to things in a peaceful, nonviolent way."
© 2007 The Associated Press.
13 Comments so far
Show AllYes, SkySonja! It will be the most memorable summer of their lives as I can testify. Twenty-one years ago (in 1986) I walked across the United States on the Great Peace March for Nuclear Disarmament. Five hundred of us walked for nine months – 3,700 miles. The folks in Iowa, by the way, were especially friendly and generous.
I think their walk is making a difference and if they are allowed to live to old age, I think this will be the most memorable summer of their lives.
PEACE
Nobody in this country has any right to bitch and moan ever again if they are not OUT ON THE STREETS AT LEAST A FEW HOURS A WEEK. Talk about a "culture" lost in apathy and denial! But for those reading this, that is no excuse.....if you can't or won't get serious, just get back to your tubes and shut the f..k up.
Every major non-violent uprising ( and the violent ones too to think of it) has had as it's core a constant major street protest component. Why is it so difficult to get this across? If you are out there, just stay at it, on the job, and at least we will know we did SOMETHING.
"Then there are those who greeted them with obscene gestures and yells."
These would be the 20-some-% that will follow W. and Co. until they break the World completely.
But seriously: I read that sentence and my heart went sick. What kind of mentality...?
namvet67
My curiosity finally got the best of me. I have noted for quite some time your closing, "Hoa Binh". Did a search - "the name means "peace" in Vietnamese".
Thanks for the opportunity to learn something.
Terran
http://www.historynet.com/magazines/vietnam/3024816.html
Bladerunner: check out Irag Moratorium website. It may be what you're looking for, only the date is different: September 21st...the international Day of Peace. What a great start to a national uprising. These two wonderful young people are truly an inspiration!
good for them. I can't get my teenager off of "world of warcraft"
Only two are marching, but thousands more are with them in spirit. I hope this story gets more traction as they near the end of the march. (Distance from SF to Montezuma, Iowa: 1871.8 miles)
Here is their official website (bookmark it and take care of them when they come to your area!):
http://www.marchforpeace.info/Home_Page.html
God Bless the teens,adults are too busy watching sports while loosing their country.
Thanks to CD and AP for covering this story. People like Ashley and Michael give me hope for the future of our contry. I hope they write about their experience when it is all done.
We need to listen to what motivated these two young Americans. They are willing to give up a summer of fun for a walk across America. It's certainly encouraging but the mainstream media is deathly silent about this real life "reality show". Instead we are bombarded with worthless hours and hours of "news". Just like Cindy Sheehan these two young Americans are fed up with the system in place today in America and they want to tell people to wake up and start asking questions. These are the true patriots. They are trying to save their country.
Hoa binh
"Our message is about ending the war in Iraq, but it's more than that," Casale said. "It's about cultivating peace in our daily lives and responding to things in a peaceful, nonviolent way."
Hats off to two very decent people. It would do good if the Bush/Cheney cabal understood their quest but I fear it may be too much to ask. After all, the military industrial complex, to whom they are bound, would have nothing of it and that is why it is such a sad time for America.