The Martlet

It had all the hallmarks out of an old 1970’s dystopian film: protestors holding banners, crowds of arguing passersby and the presence of members of the armed forces providing information on a university campus. But this situation had a twist — the armed forces weren’t as annoyed or rude as their stereotype suggested.

The protest happened in the Student Union Building during the February Career Fair, but while the event has long past, the fact remains that strong statements can be made peacefully.

“Find your fit” was the slogan of the fair, yet the military protest consisted of five students carrying a red banner and red dye on their hands, handing out leaflets in front of the Canadian Forces information booth where a chief petty officer second class and an Air Force captain were patiently answering questions from students.

“What better place to show a balance of opinions but here?” asked Shannon Lucy from Students for a Democratic Society. “We’re here to protest the military presence on campus ... because lots of students feel that during a recession joining the Canadian Forces is an option — it’s called the poverty draft.”

Lucy’s most poignant question was aimed at Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government: why is Canada spending money on the war in Afghanistan when it can help support people at home?

Captain Bill Michael, the Detachment Commanding Officer for the Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre, was watching the protesters calmly when asked about his feelings concerning their presence.

“I think it is great for a student population to stand for what they believe in,” he said. “Most students are characterized as being terribly apathetic, but these people have the conviction to stand and protest. It is great that we live in a country were people not only can voice their opposition to something but do, and do it publicly.”

The protest continued until the end of the day. Campus Security stayed close to monitor if things were going all right. They were, and there were no incidents — just lively debate between the protesters and students visiting the booths.

I had the interesting experience of debating with the protesters on the merits of a completely pacifist society in the face of a globe that doesn’t always operate that way, and of the legitimacy of government. Though no victory was achieved by either side, no converts to either opinion, I agree with Michael that it speaks to the condition of civil liberties in this country when there are completely peaceful protests to stark opposing view points.