To the editor:

We saw many anti-Bush signs, but no anti-Saddam or disarm signs. We listened as speakers condemned President Bush, but not Saddam Hussein. Were we at a peace rally or at an anti-Bush rally? What is the organizers’ true agenda? Who is being patriotic, and who is not?

My daughter and I attended the anti-war peace rally at South Park. We did not go as demonstrators, but to conduct a survey to find out exactly who participates in these demonstrations and why. There were some demonstrators who seemed uncomfortable when we interviewed them. Some walked away.

We surveyed both men and women from ages 19 to 80. Seventy percent of the participants in the survey were in the 40 to 55 age group. Among all the protesters we surveyed, 60 percent were Democrats, 6 percent were Republicans and the remaining 34 percent declared “other.” The results indicate that the majority of those who attend these anti-war peace rallies are liberals, mostly Democrats. Sixty-five percent of protesters do not want the bombing of innocent people (including children). Thirty-five percent protest because of political reasons. All said they believe in the sanctity of all life. Eighty-seven percent were pro-choice supporters, 0 percent pro-life, and 13 percent said “no comment.”

The results show a common denominator among those surveyed. I believe it is safe to assume that those interviewed represent the vast majority of those who attend these demonstrations. If you believe otherwise, I encourage you to conduct your own survey at the next so-called peace rally.

Ray Mehl,

Lawrence