While a number of residents are mobilizing in support of peace, one Bakersfield College student is at the other end of the spectrum.
Michael Alesso II, a 20-year-old computer science major, supports President Bush’s decision to go to war with Iraq.
“I understand why we didn’t (take down Saddam) in 1991, but it’s been 12 years of cat and mouse,” he said. “What the Bush administration is doing is … holding him to the task, to what he signed when he surrendered.”
Alesso joined a group of people supporting military action in Iraq on a recent Friday evening at the intersection of California Avenue and Stockdale Highway. It was the first time a pro-war group picketed across the street from a pro-peace group, which had been picketing at the intersection since September. On the northwest corner of the intersection, anti-war protesters gathered. Across the street, Alesso’s group held signs as well.
Robert Prohaska, a 21-year-old Marine who was at the protest, feels that the United States has been patient with Saddam long enough. He’s ready to do something about the situation.
“He’s had 12 years to comply (with U.N. resolutions). As a Christian, I believe in peace. But as a Marine, I’m ready to go,” he said.
Alesso is working to get his opinion noticed.
“Me and six other friends want to open a chapter of the national club, Young Americans for Freedom.”
Young Americans for Freedom, of which Alesso is the local chairman, is a conservative organization for young people, according to its Web site, www.yaf.com. The club began forming two months ago and will base itself at BC. Though it is nonpartisan, its members all support the Bush administration’s decision to push for war with Iraq.
In an interview with a few members of the local YAF, 20-year-old Kephren Newton, an engineering major and the club’s secretary, said the Bush administration is confronting an issue that has been on hold since the Gulf War.
“This is building up from unfinished business,” said Matthew Heflin, 20, the organization’s treasurer.
Those against the war said they, too, have an interest, only theirs is an interest for peace. An older crowd, they offered a perspective differing from that of the younger set on the other side of the street.
Doug McAfee, who was present at the anti-war protest, has a daughter who attends BC. According to McAfee, she was ridiculed for being one of three students who oppose a war in her government class. For him, the war is an unjust one.
“It’s about money really … and corporate greed. It’s not about stopping violence. Violence begets violence,” he said.
At the same protest, Virginia Martinez pulled over and picked up a sign.
“My brother died in Vietnam. I don’t want other people to have to experience that,” she said.
Besides those at the intersection, other peace supporters gathered at the recent Kern County for Peace rally at Jastro Park. Jim Bronke, 52, who came down from Lebec for the rally, feels that the information provided by some Iraqi defectors is too dated upon which to base a war. Bronke is not anti-war, but is against this war, believing that the issue has been inflated.
“Internationally, (Saddam) is not that evil. A defector from 1994 is not enough … he hasn’t been back to Iraq in nine years … it’s all speculative,” he said.
Despite how hot the issue is for many involved, the protests finished with only one incident. A man on Alesso’s side punched a peace protester in the face after a small confrontation over a sign slogan.
Another man from Alesso’s group was quick to come to the aid of the man who was hit. A report was filed but no arrest was made.
Despite the incident, Alesso has an open attitude regarding the peace movement across the street, seeing a common ground.
“I think (the difference of opinion) is one of the best things about America. No one wants to go to war. It’s an absolute last resort.”