A rally against the Iraq war promoting Free Speech Cable TV occured last night at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. The event featured local bands and several speakers of the anti-war movement.
Vietnam Veteran and Madison Area Peace Coalition member Will Williams said the rally was important at this time because people have discovered many 'concealed truths' about the war.
'The temperament of the country, not just Madison, is ripe for people to make change,' Williams said.
He explained he thought that High Noon Saloon was a good venue for reaching a politically diverse crowd, saying both the Iraq war's critics and supporters should discuss the issue.
'Government has let us down,' he said. 'We must take action as a community.'
Barn Rintz, another member of the MAPC, stressed how FSTV is a valuable member of the progressive movement, noting that satellite TV access is currently needed to get the programming.
Free Speech Cable TV is the reason I have satellite television,' Rintz said. 'They have great coverage of the liberal progressive movement.'
Chris Dols, director of the Madison Campaign for Free Speech Cable TV, said FSTV is negotiating with Charter Communications to include its programming for Madison cable subscribers.
'Charter doesn't think FSTV will be sufficiently profitable,' Dols said. 'We want to have these?? rallies to show people would be interested in this kind of programming.'
In his speech, Williams invoked Dr. Martin Luther King, declaring the importance of bringing troops home from Iraq. He also explained his ability to relate with them.
'I think they feel the same way I did in 1966 when I did my share in Vietnam,' he said.
Williams said many recent veterans thought the government has neglected them.
'Veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome are left out in the cold,' he said. 'Support is more than flying ribbons on your car and waiving a flag.'
Former UW-Madison history professor and MAPC member Allen Ruff described how the local anti-war movement is building.
'The movement started small but is growing larger,' he said. 'It'll build as more and more people have to sacrifice.'
