News coverage missed the point

On Oct. 27, I was part of a group of more than 5,000 people witnessing for peace at the federal building in downtown Chicago. I heard short speeches from Catholic and Protestant Christians, and from Jews and Muslims. There were speeches from various politicians and artists as well. Each one spoke against the war in Iraq, and many voiced fear of a possible war against Iran. The speakers all seemed to agree that our tax dollars would be better directed elsewhere for things like hunger, homelessness, health care, infrastructure and the natural environment.

It was a peaceful gathering. A small group of people with American flags stood across the street, also peacefully, with signs proclaiming their support of the war. There were many policemen around, from what I could see, very cordially keeping order. Parked nearby was an ambulance and trucks from all the various news channels. When I went home I TiVoed most of the local news broadcasts in order to see how they covered the event. After watching them, I feel that their reports missed a wonderful opportunity to show an example of the human species acting with great compassion and maturity right here among people in the Chicago area.

The lead news story that night turned out to be about an unfortunate automobile accident involving two deaths and an injury. I do not believe that it would have led off if there had been some blood shed at the peace rally. As it was, in their coverage of the rally, one focus from the news people was that several young people were arrested for disorderly conduct. From my perspective this was so insignificant compared to the thousands of people who gave of their time to speak out against a war that is killing and maiming so many human beings, turning thousands of others into refugees, while depleting our national treasure and reputation.

Jane Stavoe

Mount Prospect