Description
Object description
American civilian peace protester in St Louis, Missouri, US, 2002-2006
Content description
REEL 1 Background in Smithton, Illinois, US, 1953-2002: community grew up in; family; memories of childhood; fears growing up and story of soldiers in confession; question of bomb shelters; education and influences on anti-war stance; details of St Louis peace movement including confusion over churches stance toward war; missing of draft for Vietnam War; story of friend drafted into army; argument with father over support for conscientious objection; attitude toward draft; visit to Arlington National Cemetery; work of Larry Rice with troops returning from war; details of studying Marxism at college and discussions coming out of it; story of being branded a communist and subsequent problems; continuing fear of communism in America; opinion that Venezuela may be the next American war.
REEL 2 Continues: opinion of America media; discussion of views during 1990-1991 Gulf War including story of Carol McKenny; story of girlfriend in Iran during Iran-Iraq War; details of book Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo; memories of 11/9/2001 terrorist attacks; opinion of effects on USA; discussion of conspiracy theories relating attacks; discussion of US Presidents including George W Bush; lack of analysis of causes of terrorism [Short Reel].
REEL 3 Continues: Aspects of period as civilian peace protester in St Louis, Missouri, US, 2002-2006: details of anti-war vigils; singing of anti-Iraq War song Your Watch; background to 2003 Iraq War including discussion of media coverage; story of turning American flag upside down at start of 2003 Iraq War; further details of anti- war vigils; details of demonstrations coming before big decisions; opinion of media and people in control in America; discussion of civilian attitude toward war; opinion of affluence in America; discussion of human rights violations in Iraq; belief that George W Bush is a war criminal; relationship between USA and Israel.
REEL 4 Continues: singing of song If Not Now, When?; discussion of pacifism; explanation of United Nations Flag decorated with torn pieces of an American flag; discussion of illegality of war and integrity of US politicians; relationship between Tony Blair and George W Bush; singing of song News News; details of petition; opinion of US electoral system; discussion of potential Democrat Presidential candidates for 2008; opinion of war in Afghanistan; changes in Iraq; problems not being addressed in America; hope gained from anti-slavery movement.
REEL 5 Continues: details of anti-war movement in St Louis including work of Bud Deraps and Veterans for Peace; general attitude towards anti-war movement; relationship with sons; discussion of college students; singing of song Wrap Me Up; quote from Howard Vinn.