On Saturday, I was privileged to be amongst a crowd of people exercising their patriotism on Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis. This crowd was made up of people of different ages, races, political affiliations and occupations.

What sort of cause could be so important that it brought out such a wide variety of people? It is one of the most brave and courageous of causes. Today I stood amongst these people at a rally for peace.

I say that the cause of peace is a brave and courageous one, because many times, especially in this age of war and terrorism, it is not a very popular cause. Peace activists and supporters are many times looked upon as being unpatriotic or weak.

However, isn’t one being a good patriot when one is responding and reacting to government policy? It is the duty of the people to express their opinions so their government can better serve them.

Giving the government feedback on their policies is the duty of every good citizen. By holding rallies and demonstrations for peace, people are being responsible citizens in telling the government, “We do not approve of your policies, they need to be seriously re-evaluated and changed.”

We, the peace activists, love our country as much as any other person, and because we love our country, we want to be able to be proud of the actions of our government. Therefore, we cannot be silent and let bad, harmful government policies continue without any opposition. We are simply working to try and better the country we love.

Peace is many times looked upon as being weak, and the world’s only superpower cannot be perceived at home and abroad as weak. In a world so full of violence, it takes a strong person or a strong nation to not perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Perhaps it is extremely idealistic, but what if for once, our nation could do something revolutionary and reject violence, both pre-emptive violence and violence in retaliation? Could we inspire other nations to do the same?

Today I was proud to stand with veterans, college professors, political activists, students, parents, and little children and denounce war and violence. I am inspired by the Vietnam War veteran, who was wounded twice in battle, calling for peace, justice, and change in U.S. foreign policy. I am inspired by Butler’s own Dr. Jim Wolfe, who works tirelessly at organizing and mobilizing the local Indianapolis community for the cause of peace and justice. I am inspired by the parents who brought their children to the rally with them, instilling the values of patriotism, peace, and justice in their small children. And finally, today, I am inspired to ask you, the Butler community to give peace a chance.