Shawn Dixon August 28th, 2007

As a UK alum, I sometimes still browse the website of the student newspaper the Kentucky Kernel. Today, I was glancing through the website and saw a great article about University of Kentucky students who organized a 24 hour march and vigil against the war in Iraq.

I’m proud to see UK students really understanding the particularly important role they play in the grand scheme of the entire war debate. While many students around the country will march against the war, most aren’t able to demand the attention of a party leader during his impending election cycle.

Kudos to Stephen Shepard and Richard Becker, UK students who organized the rally, for understanding and capitalizing on this unique and important opportunity to make a difference!

From the KY Kernel

Many students who are critical of how elected officials are handling the war ignited strong reactions as they kicked off a 24-hour peace rally yesterday by marching from UK to downtown Phoenix Park.

Drivers honked their horns as rally participants chanted, “Hey McConnell, what do you say, how many kids have you killed today?” referring to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Rally opponents shouted out a window in Holmes Hall at the students marching along South Limestone Street below them; the participants responded with calls of “join us.”

At Phoenix Park, the rally began with speaker Richard Becker, a political science junior. Becker, who opposes the war, said he was disappointed with McConnell’s support of President George W. Bush’s Iraq policy and called for other students to become involved.

“We’re at a generational crossroad,” Becker said. “It defines who we are.”

• Mitch McConnell , War
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