Winnipeg Rally Opposes War Hysteria and Racist Attacks

Over 500 people rallied at the Manitoba Legislature during the afternoon of September 23 to oppose the growing war hysteria and racist attacks that have followed the September 11 terrorist assaults in the United States. The crowd represented a broad cross section of people, including workers, women and youth. Anti-capitalist activists participated alongside members of different church groups, members of Winnipeg's Muslim and Arab communities and peace activists.

Organized by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), the rally was mceed by the Manitoba CFS organizer Krishna Lalbiharie, who introduced the speakers and highlighted the common themes that brought people out to participate in the event on such short notice. Speakers included representatives from the Islamic Centre, Project Ploughshares, Peace Alliance Winnipeg, high school youth and Winnipeg North Centre MP Pat Martin.

The speakers unanimously condemned the climate of hysteria that is being created to justify the military aggression the U.S. is preparing to unleash on the world. They all rejected the assertion by President Bush that those who oppose U.S. aggression are siding with terrorism. Echoing the opinions of the majority of Canadians, the speakers called on the Canadian government to refuse to get involved in Bush's war and encouraged Canada to instead take a leading role internationally in pushing for a rational response to the terrorist attacks as opposed to more killing of innocent civilians.

The speakers also described and condemned the attacks that are taking place against Muslims and people of Arab origin, as well as other national minorities, pointing out that an injury to one is an injury to all.

The rally was just the first of many activities that are planned in Winnipeg for the weeks and months ahead.