13 Protestors in Downtown San Jose Oppose Possible War Against Iraq

By Lisa M. Krieger

Mercury News

December 16, 2002

Thirteen activists began a five-day hunger strike Sunday night on the windy, rain-drenched sidewalks of downtown San Jose, showing their opposition to President Bush's call for a pre-emptive strike on Iraq.

The protesters, most of them Santa Clara University students, held candles and prayed in front of the Federal Building, just blocks away from holiday shoppers and moviegoers.

``I'm a little nervous. I'm hungry right now, thinking about it,'' said Blair Thedinger, 21, an environmental science major at the university. ``But I'm really opposed and frustrated by U.S. military policy and our approach to world domination, rather than working through diplomacy.''

Thedinger and fellow activists will sleep in two large tents on Second Street, comforted by sleeping bags and nourished only by bottled water. A visiting nurse will provide medical support and surveillance.

The students, most of them adherents to the Catholic Church's Jesuit tradition, are members of the Santa Clara University Peace Action Committee.

``They're very brave, and it is important what they plan to do,'' said anthropology professor and Jesuit priest Luis Calero as he visited the students during the evening's ceremony. He was joined by sociology Professor Laura Nichols and Sister Elizabeth Avalos of the Diocese of San Jose.

The students are following a longstanding Jesuit tradition of non-violent protest, epitomized by Vietnam War protester and priest Daniel Berrigan, Avalos said.

``We want greater efforts put toward diplomacy . . . and the $50 billion now going to the war effort to be spent instead on domestic issues, like homelessness and education,'' she said.

Patricia Adams, 22, held a cell phone that had been lent to her by her parents, who support her mission. Raised as a Catholic in Kansas City, Mo., she said that her education and travels in El Salvador influenced her to work for social justice.

``We want people to know that there is a growing anti-war movement here in the South Bay, a movement that is gaining momentum,'' said Adams, a recent graduate who studied engineering and environmental science. ``You don't have to go to San Francisco or Santa Cruz. There are people here in San Jose who care.''

Adams, Thedinger and others joined together in a midday meal of vegetarian Mexican food, then prepared for what they know will be tough times.

``You can't concentrate. You feel lightheaded. You have to walk slowly,'' said Adams, who has fasted in other anti-war demonstrations. ``On the second day you feel hungry, but by the third and fourth day, your body goes into starvation mode, and almost accepts it.''

She will be home for the holidays, she hopes, spiritually regenerated by the mission.

``I want to work as an agent of change,'' she said. ``I want people to hear -- loud and clear -- that there is a growing commitment to opposing war.''

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact Lisa M. Krieger at lkrieger@sjmercury.com  or (408) 920-5565.