Are Anti-War Petitions Working?

Whether you agree with the war in Iraq or not, you can't deny the fact that it's extremely controversial and that there are people who are protesting against it everyday. I'm sure you've heard about all of the protesting across the United States and in other countries as well. In this country, we're all given the rights to protest and to create petitions. There are many petitions both offline and online protesting against the war, and asking the government to bring the troops home honorably and safely. All though the current government doesn't appear to be listening to those who oppose their decisions, the war is supposed to be an extremely important issue for the upcoming election. Hopefully those hoping to take over the White House soon are listening to both sides of the argument and not just those whose opinions coincide with their own.

It's very important that we exercise our first amendment rights and continue to protest and petition the issues that we care most about, including the war. The Internet alone contains many petitions dedicated to bringing the troops home and ending the war. There are thousands of signatures on each of these online petitions. Petition Spot is a popular site that hosts well over 100,000 online petitions, many of which are for ending the war and developing global peace.

Not only are there petitions dedicated to ending the war, but there are petitions concerning war prisoners and innocent civilians as well. An urgent appeal can be found on Petition Spot, asking for the release of four Christian Peacemaker Team members. The Christian Peacemaker Teams are not spies or associated with any government in anyway, yet four members were captured in November of 2005. It's always a shame whenever civilians are caught up in war.

Anti-war petitions seem to be the most popular among mothers. A great number of mothers of soldiers who are either currently stationed in Iraq, or that have died in Iraq, are protesting to end the war. Many mothers, including the now infamous Cindy Sheehan, are getting fed up with seeing American sons and daughters dying over there. Thankfully they have every right to protest and start petitions in order to get their voices heard. Petitions have more meaning when those behind it have truly experienced pain and loss from the cause they're fighting for. They know that their protesting and petitioning will help save others from suffering the same ways the have. Their petitions truly stand for something.

We've come along way since the Vietnam protests in the 1970's. The days of being a "hippy" and riding all across the country protesting the war and promoting peace are over. Now those who wish to protest wars can do so on the Internet. The Internet is a powerful medium that brings the entire world together. Whether we wish to voice our opinions by going all out during a street protest or just by simply signing online petitions from the comfort of our own home, we can do so. We don't have to hold rallies and assemblies and go door to door handing out flyers. We can if we want to, and many people still do, but starting an online petition is very helpful and convenient as well.

There are also many people on the other side of the coin. There are, what some refer to as, "Anti-Anti War" protesters. They support the reason(s) for the war in Iraq and wish to see it through to the end. While those supporting the war are now a minority, they have every right to have their voices heard, as well. The great thing about the Internet is that it doesn't choose sides, therefore anybody can use the Internet as a way to get their own opinions out there. People disagree on the Internet all the time, but every one of us has a right to agree and disagree as we see fit.

Online petition sites also host petitions to fight out against any upcoming wars with Iran. Not only do people feel outrage over the government's stubbornness over Iraq, but they fear the same scenario will play out again with Iran. Threats are always imminent, no matter where in the world we live. But if enough people band together to protest all types of violence and war, maybe we can make the world a more peaceful place.

If you're an anti-war protester, don't become discouraged. The government is aware that you have every right to protest and to sign any petition(s) you desire. The anti-war movement is a very large one, and more and more people everyday are joining in with the cause. Don't forget that elections are coming up soon, and hopefully the next President and Vice President know to listen to the will of the people; from all angles.

Remember that you should always be respectful and polite with any petition(s) that you sign. Petitions are intended to be powerful, but not forceful. Petitions are meant to encourage change and to some extent, demand change; they are not meant to be flat out offensive or rude. While we do have every right to be rude if you want to, we'll be taken more seriously if we act in a reasonable, professional manner. We need to show dignity and passion; not hatefulness.

Online petitions is a creative way for everybody to voice their opinions in a meaningful way. Time and time again petitions prove to be a way to bring people together with common interests. Petitions give people comfort in knowing that they're not alone with the causes they fight for. When we know that we have enough support from others, we can stay strong and stand our ground. Petitions have always been, and always will be, a powerful way of getting us all to stand together for causes greater than ourselves.