2008 Woodie Awards
Sumser Continues Protest
Fragmented flag remains displayed in professor's office window
Sarah Turnwald // Turnwald.2@wright.edu
Issue date: 5/11/05 Section: News
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The fragmented American flag that sparked complaints last May is still displayed in the office window of history professor Robert Sumser. The display has been clearly visible from the Millett Hall parking lot for more than a year and is accompanied by changing text. Over the last few weeks it has gone from "crash" to "c ash" to "ash."
The cut up flag was and still is a symbol of Sumser's protest against the American invasion of Iraq. "I feel exactly the same about the war today as I did a year ago," said Sumser. "In fact, things are probably worse today. The war and occupation have destabilized the region and have encouraged North Korea to develop nuclear weapons to deter a U.S. invasion of the country." Sumser supported his stance by questioning the number of casualties in Iraq over the past year, when an Iraqi government will be formed, when Iraqis will be able to maintain law and order, when Saddam Hussein will be tried and when the Guantanomo prisoners will receive justice.
"My nephew just came back from Northern Iraq," said Sumser. "It sickens me that he now has to live with blood on his hands."
March 19 marked the 2nd anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. The day was marked with tens of thousands of anti-war protestors of the U.S. led invasion holding demonstrations across Europe in cities such as Tokyo, Istanbul, Athens, Stockholm and London. According to CNN, demonstrators protested the U.S.-led actions saying they "have caused needless bloodshed and failed to uncover weapons of mass destruction - a major reason for the invasion." Insurgent violence in Iraq escalated with daily attacks and suicide bombings after President Bush declared an end to the military phase of the war on May 1, 2003. The number of U.S. deaths in the war exceeds 1,500.
Bush marked the anniversary by defending the invasion and the U.S.-led operation to help establish a democratic political system. "Now, because we acted, Iraq's government is no longer a threat to the world or its own people," Bush said. "It's amazing how much progress has been made there. Completing the mission means making sure the Iraqis can defend themselves."
The cut up flag was and still is a symbol of Sumser's protest against the American invasion of Iraq. "I feel exactly the same about the war today as I did a year ago," said Sumser. "In fact, things are probably worse today. The war and occupation have destabilized the region and have encouraged North Korea to develop nuclear weapons to deter a U.S. invasion of the country." Sumser supported his stance by questioning the number of casualties in Iraq over the past year, when an Iraqi government will be formed, when Iraqis will be able to maintain law and order, when Saddam Hussein will be tried and when the Guantanomo prisoners will receive justice.
"My nephew just came back from Northern Iraq," said Sumser. "It sickens me that he now has to live with blood on his hands."
March 19 marked the 2nd anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. The day was marked with tens of thousands of anti-war protestors of the U.S. led invasion holding demonstrations across Europe in cities such as Tokyo, Istanbul, Athens, Stockholm and London. According to CNN, demonstrators protested the U.S.-led actions saying they "have caused needless bloodshed and failed to uncover weapons of mass destruction - a major reason for the invasion." Insurgent violence in Iraq escalated with daily attacks and suicide bombings after President Bush declared an end to the military phase of the war on May 1, 2003. The number of U.S. deaths in the war exceeds 1,500.
Bush marked the anniversary by defending the invasion and the U.S.-led operation to help establish a democratic political system. "Now, because we acted, Iraq's government is no longer a threat to the world or its own people," Bush said. "It's amazing how much progress has been made there. Completing the mission means making sure the Iraqis can defend themselves."
