An estimated 20-30,000 demonstrators, including six Tufts students, gathered from across the country to protest George W. Bush's inauguration in Washington D.C. this past weekend. Their goal was to demonstrate their opposition to Bush's policies, the flawed election process, and the corruption of the American political system.
Most of the protestors' venom was directed at Bush's policies regarding the death penalty, social policy, and education.
"The protest was a broad-based effort with specific points. We went because it was necessary to show our disagreement and concern," sophomore Roger Winn said.
The protest was organized by the International Action Center, whose goal was to peacefully voice its objections.
Despite the protestors' commitment to nonviolence, some said the police were needlessly hostile and aggressive.
"Washington must have been very nervous. Bush had militarized the entire city, and security agents were everywhere," Winn said. Both police and demonstrators resorted to violence, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
The six Tufts students were hassled by police for attempting to walk on the sidewalk, but avoided serious trouble. "There were some very scary moments," Winn said. "In general, the feeling was a mix between fear and empowerment. I was glad to see so many people voice their disapproval. The protesting had some effect, but if there had been more media coverage, the people who came would feel more rewarded."
Those opposed to Bush were not the only Tufts students who participated in the inauguration weekend, as a group of Tufts Republicans also journeyed to the nation's capital. Freshman Nikhil Abraham said that, while he disagreed with the cause of the protestors, he admired the passion in their beliefs.
"It was interesting to speak with them and impressive to see the variety of opinions of different people in this country," he said.
Anti-Bush sentiments could be felt on campus among students who dislike Bush, but did not join the protest. Junior Doug Hansen watched unhappily the inauguration festivities from Tufts.
"Bush's record isn't attractive, and along with the fraudulent election, there is plenty to protest," he said. "I wouldn't want to go and protest about the election being stolen from the Democrats, or turn it into a whine-fest for Gore... the media flocks to violence, and now other countries will see how Americans feel about this election and their new president."
Bush's pro-life views have spurred opposition from a large faction of feminist activists. The nomination of John Ashcroft for Attorney General has stirred further agitation, as Ashcroft's anti-abortion and civil rights policies worry many Tufts students.
"I'm personally afraid that civil rights cases will not receive any attention or recognition under the Bush administration, since both Bush and Ashcroft are opposed to extending the nondiscrimination act," said Michael Lambert, the co-coordinator of the Tufts Transgendered Lesbian Gay Bisexual Collective.
While protestors knew that it would be impossible to prevent Bush from being inaugurated, they still felt that it was important to voice their opinions.
"The protest had some effects. It let the world know what's really going on helped some students feel like they did something to oppose Bush and the laws he wants to enforce." Winn said
Rebecca Batchelder, Stacey Dubin, Emily Good, Thea Lavin, and Erich Tisch also participated in the protests.
