Issue date: 1/27/04 Section: Aggielife

Mallory Bond, a freshman general studies major, and Jackie Vasquez, a freshman bioenvironmetal science major, attend the PRO-WAR rally held at the Sul Ross Statue in front of the Academic building Wednesday night. Bond and Vasquez were out there to support Bush and to pray for the saftey of the troops and the children of Iraq. (photo: JP Beato III - The Battalion)

When Nick Anthis, a junior biochemistry major and president of the Aggie Democrats, went to Spain for spring break, he said he had no idea he would experience one of the greatest moments in his life.

"I was in Spain for spring break, right around the time the war in Iraq was starting and I took part in a march for peace protest on the streets of Madrid," Anthis said. "It was great to take part in that event and witness such a show of unity."

While many students consider protests to be a particularly effective form of political activism, others have different opinions. Many overlook protesters completely and condemn them as extremists. Whatever the case may be, students such as Anthis are politically conscious and feel they must act on certain issues.

"Great injustices drive us out and activism will hopefully be able to make a difference," he said. "I mainly have participated in low key protesting, mainly to bring awareness to the public and officials in charge."

There are a variety of ways people can protest, but he has found simple things such as holding signs, yelling chants and marching to be most effective.

"Being physical and loud is important so that people take notice," he said. "Big numbers also help out."

Anthis said he has tried other means to express his opinion, but said he thinks protesting is ultimately necessary in some cases.

"Some other ways I have tried to raise awareness are voting and campaigning for people who share similar ideals, but sometimes certain issues are too urgent to wait," he said. "You want to hopefully make a change in society, but sometimes voting isn't enough. Sometimes we need more awareness than ordinary means provide."

Continued...

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