Peace Builds Nations: War Destroys a Beautiful world

History of the Peace Movement in Las Cruces

by David Boje, Ph.D.

October 20, 2002 

President George Bush's visited New Mexico State University and spoke at the Pan American Center on August 24 2002. New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau was main sponsor of the event, paying $30,310 of the $37,603 dollars in expenses.  Bush spoke to 7,000 people. "Farm bureau president Erik Ness says the bureau did not contribute money for the event, but rather logistical and staff support. An unidentified member of the bureau contributed $25,000 to cover costs for the Bush campaign" (KRQE). 

Meanwhile, on a grassy knoll across from Pan Am Center, another 100 people held the first Peace Protest against the Iraq war in the City of Las Cruces. The Media mostly ignored the Peace Movement in Las Cruces and put out celebratory reviews of the speech (e.g. El Paso Net, Amarillo Globe, El Paso Times, Sun News).  An exception is the Sun News article by Adrian Gomez (Aug 24), "Demonstrators Cite Iraq, Health Care" (reprinted in Deming, NM).  

The following week, citizens of Las Cruces began organizing a weekly Peace Vigil in downtown Las Cruces. 

The following photos were from the September 13th Peace Rally.  One sign said, "Drop Bush, not bombs." 

Sister Catherine Darcy of the Border Women's Group said she was impressed with the turnout of supporters on such short notice. She said the group was there to express its deep concern about a possible war in Iraq. "War is not the answer. We need to seek a nonviolent solution to overturn the culture of war," she said.

By September 20th, given the lack of media coverage of the Peace Movement in Las Cruces, the New Earth Times began to document coverage of the weekly Peace Rallies. The little coverage that did happen, such as by the Sun-News, underreported the numbers of people at the event and got basic facts wrong.

Sept 20, 2002 - Friday's peace demonstration was very encouraging. More people showed up than I had expected -- college students, baby boomers, retirees -- an excellent mix. I wish I had counted the participants. My best estimate is: significantly more than 100, maybe as many as 150 (Solberg, New Earth Times).

Peace Rallies are held in Las Cruces every Wednesday on Church Street (downtown) in front of the Federal Building. Bring a sign and see how one community lends their voice for Peace.

I think it is very important to document the history and actions of the Peace Movement in Las Cruces, New Mexico - David Boje, 20 Oct 2002.

The following photos taken by Ann Wing's are of the Peace Rally Friday, September 13 (not positive about the date) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.