Young Activist Finds Avenue for Protesting War

[babylonsister]

Activist Finds Avenue for Protest
by Brian Morelli


Standing in front of the White House, David Goodner and a group of 20 Iowans unfurl a banner declaring “God forgive America” and begin to read Sermon on the Mount. Police seal off the area, move in and arrest them for protesting without a license.


That 2006 episode was the first of four civil disobedience arrests for the 27-year-old University of Iowa senior, including twice in Sen. Charles Grassley’s office for refusing to leave and once in Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Des Moines campaign office. While he is not proud of it, the City High alum says he is not ashamed, either.

“To me, the war in Iraq is the biggest criminally wrong human rights violation in the world today. It’s a symptom of the larger disease of capitalism,” Goodner said. “I thought if people are fighting and dying in Iraq, the least I could do is take a stand, even if it is just symbolic.”

A self-described rebel without a cause in high school, Goodner found his cause rallying people for social justice. Whether you agree with him or not — and plenty don’t — the Iowa City native is devoted.

“As individuals, we don’t have a lot of power, but when you bring people together, you have power,” Goodner said.

Goodner wears many hats. He takes 17 credit hours in pursuit of an international studies degree; works part-time in the geography department; blogs daily for The Des Moines Register and is on the paper’s Young Adult Board of Contributors; and as a leader of the UI Anti-War Committee has helped organize several political demonstrations.

more...

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/02/7406/

[RedCappedBandit]

1. Protesting without a license....

How american! :patriot:

[Deja Q]

2. He should get a girlfriend and have lots of babies instead.

Now that's power. :evilgrin: