125 in 'funeral march' protest Afghan war
Demonstrators lament civilian deaths as onlookers seethe at Cherry Creek
By Sean Kelly
Denver Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 10, 2001 - Somewhere in the Afghan cities of Kabul and Jalalabad, Emamudin Ghiasi said, his relatives are living in fear of American bombs.
Carrying a small black coffin labeled "Afghani Child," Ghiasi joined about 125 protesters for a "funeral march" through the streets of Cherry Creek on Sunday to protest the American military effort, which they said is racist and unjustly hurting civilians.
"It is time we raise our voices against the killing of innocent human beings who weren't involved in doing anything wrong," Ghiasi said. "Only God knows if my family is OK."
The group - comprising some Afghans, some college students, some black-clad protesters and others - was organized by the Colorado Coalition for Middle East Peace. They targeted Cherry Creek, they said, to contrast American consumerism with the suffering of Afghans.
"It is wrong for the U.S. to respond out of simple retribution and retaliation," said Dan James, who helped organize the march.
Yet polls say they're in the minority, and much sentiment on the streets reflected it.
The group was met with plenty of obscene gestures and shouted insults from passing cars.
Several pro-military onlookers kept their distance despite calls on a radio station to protest the protesters.
As the group made its way noisily through Cherry Creek North - pounding drums, chanting and flashing peace signs - many holiday shoppers and others were surprised and bothered by the protest.
"I'm just wondering where are the twin towers and the New York police and firefighter remembrance in their protest," said Diane Thornburg, as she and husband Tim waited for their 10-year-old daughter to skate in Fillmore Plaza.
Thornburg's brother, she said, worked in the World Trade Center and was fortunate to make it out safely Sept. 11. The protest brought back bad memories, she said.
"I find it really offensive."
Ghiasi said Muslims have been victims of American aggression here and abroad. The group plans to protest often for as long as the conflict continues.
"There are demonstrations against America all over the world. I tell you that 1.5 billion Muslims do not support the bombing," Ghiasi said. "Love, understanding and fairness is the only way to solve this problem."