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Preston Wood, of the ANSWER New Mexico Coalition, rallies protesters outside the Bookstore. The coalition held nationwide protests over the weekend, opposing the U.S. bombing Libya.

Activists: US needs to stay out of Libya

Organizers called for “emergency” protests in cities across the country to oppose the recent bombings in Libya, and Albuquerque was no exception.

About a dozen members of the local chapter of Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) met in front of the UNM Bookstore for Saturday’s protest.
Compared to past events, member Gloria LaRiva said that the turnout was low.

“This isn’t the same turnout as we had in 2003 before the war,” she said, “However, no people can support foreign occupation for long.”

Members held yellow signs with anti-war slogans, while others shook maracas at cars driving by on Central Avenue. Cars honked as they passed by.

Joel Gallegos, a member and organizer in the ANSWER coalition, said that the group wasn’t protesting the Libyan revolution, but American involvement in the conflict.

“If the U.S. really cared, then they would be also be doing something about the people being killed in Bahrain and Yemen,” he said. “But they don’t because those governments are friendly to U.S. interests.”

The ANSWER coalition, formed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has about a dozen members in its local chapter and holds meetings once a week.

Gallegos also said protests often impact change.

“A lot of people have the concern that maybe demonstrations don’t change public policy, but I would beg to differ,” he said. “If it wasn’t for popular movements, the Civil Rights movement would have never occurred.”

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