Feature Articles

The Voice of Dissent

Right now in America there is a strong anti-war movement. Whether it is being propagated by activist groups such as ANSWER and MoveOn.org or celebrities and musicians, or even individuals like you and me, it is a protected right under our Constitution. Unfortunately many anti-war groups and protestors have experience an inordinate amount of criticism by the purveyors and champions of the pro-war agenda such as FoxNews, Clear Channel, or most of talk radio. Most of their criticism are echoed insults and dittoed attacks. But occasionally true and blatant censorships or obnoxious derelictions happen to those against war. Recently the Hall of Fame canceled the 15 year anniversary celebration of the light baseball comedy Bull Durham citing the film stars Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon's anti-war stance. This and other McCarthian era slights showcase America's tremendous fear of dissent and especially dissent against the extremely powerful and united front of conservative Christian Right-minded parties. The mouthpieces for war will not stand up to criticism of their motives, actions, or their past hypocrisies.

For example, Tom Delay would not support a bill that was very identical to a recent "Support the Troops" bill passed for the Iraqi war. Of course that was for Kosovo, a war that was carried out by a Democratic President. You did not hear talk radio, FoxNews, or other conservative-minded individuals and groups lash out against Delay's actions and calling him names such as 'un-American' or throwing out the 't' word Treason. Why? Because it was not in the interest of the juggernaut of neo-conservatives.

Now while many celebrities are used to the limelight and the potential backlash their comments and ideas bring about, other normal citizens of everyday America are not used to being called a traitor for speaking their mind. Most are not used to be arrested for marching or protesting. Recently, I read on a website about a young college student who was arrested for wearing an 'inflammatory' anti-war t-shirt at an Arkansas shopping mall. I sighed and thought to myself why our country is so obtuse--not being able to understand how we're supposed to be 'liberating' Iraq and 'installing a Democratic and free society' there while attacking our own free society. Bills such as the Patriot Act and the recent provision on the AMBER Alert bill, the Rave Act, have decimated our civil liberties and have created a more Orwellian police-state. So I decided to get to the bottom of this story.

I called the Northwest Mall's security office and was greeted with rude and borderline obnoxious yet unequivocally dodging talk about 10 rules that a mall customer must follow. When asked what those ten rules were and which ones weren't followed, I was hung up on. Obviously there was something afoul. So I then called the JC Penney's at the mall to see what a store manager thought. She was appalled to learn of the arrest and thought for the safety and security of her own daughter who in her words "wore t-shirt a lot more offensive than that one". She was unaware of the apparent ten rules that all mall consumers must follow despite her five years of management at JC Penney's. I also called the newspaper that I originally read the story in and talked to the man at the news desk to see what he thought. He thought that the kids were brazen and probably asking for trouble and didn't see any reason to do a follow-up to the story. So I decided to call the man that was arrested to see his side of the story. After talking with him for quite some time I thought that it was my duty to bring his story to my readers. He agreed to do this interview and I hope you find his story as compelling as I did. Below I've included some links so that you can contact the Northwest Mall in Arkansas and express your dismay at their actions. If this can happen to Daniel Vaught than it could happen to anyone.

Smother: First could you start by explaining from beginning to end what exactly happened this past Saturday?

Daniel: Monday, March 31st we planned in our PSA meeting for PSA members to assemble at the NWA mall on Saturday April 5th at 1:30. We planned to participate in the local anti-war "visibilities" beforehand, and meet up at the mall wearing anti-war shirts to go about out business shopping, eating, etc. At the most, the group thought 15 people would participate. A message was sent to our list serve, which was picked up by the local Indy media site, which stated we were holding a "t-shirt" protest. It was not our intention for this PSA to advertise this as a huge antiwar protest but mainly a meeting of members of the PSA, and some other community activists to silently protest what we feel is an unjust war by wearing messages on our t-shirts. We had heard about the gentleman in Albany, NY who wore a shirt in a mall and got arrested but did not assume anything of that nature could occur in Fayetteville. Honestly we thought we would be in the mall for about 30 minutes, eat, shop, and leave without anyone bothering us. Maybe a few eyebrows would be raised. A little before 1:30pm on Saturday several of us began assembling at the North entrance (near the food court) to put on our shirts, meet up with other group members and enter the mall. Some members still had to make their shirts and they were in the process of doing that. Almost immediately, after maybe 5 or 6 of us were in front of the mall security guards came out to ask us what we were doing. We responded that we were going to go into the mall to eat, shop, and go about our business. Simultaneously, an older gentleman who apparently had followed several of us (Ashley Creek, Sarah Dean, and myself) from our "visibility" on College Ave. (in front of Walgreens with the NWA Veterans for Peace) came up to continue to berate us about our political stance. He remained fairly civil, sat down on a bench, and we never entered into any form of heated debate. The security guards (about 5) stood near us and prevented us from entering the mall. When I questioned them about why we were being prevented from entering the mall they cited the rules about "annoying customers" and "engaging in non-commercial activity." They escorted me and several other members into the entryway where the rules were posted so we could see for ourselves. One older security guard was intent on debating us on the issue and our purpose for being there. We made no aggressive moves, and no member of our group raised his or her voice, including myself. At one point a lady walked into the mall and shouted at us that we were traitors. There was little response if any from the group. The Security guards stated they were going to call the police, and I stated that was fine as we still did not know what we had done that could have constituted a great crime. We were honestly taken aback by the situation and had not prepared for hostility on the behalf of the mall. The police officers arrived very quickly and immediately one officer raised his voice needlessly demanding we leave. I was confused about the situation, having only had incredibly positive experience dealing with security and police and thought that if we could enter into a dialogue with the officer everything could be cleared up. I asked why we were being asked to leave and he stated because he told us too. He then asked us to leave again. I asked could we leave the entryway and go somewhere else on the mall property, he said no that anything paved was off limited. I then asked if we could stand on the grassy areas. He said no. At this point, realizing these people we serious, and really wanted us too leave I turned to several members of the group and asked if we should back down. Without much time to make the decision, I began walking away from the police officer in compliance. When I had walked 15-20 feet away from the officer on the edge of the parking lot I turned to a couple of PSA members who had walked with me and asked what was going on, what should we do. Before I could get the words out of my mouth the cop yelled very loud not to stop. I replied something to the effect that I was leaving. I was then placed under arrest. While I had been walking away other members of the PSA had remained near the cop, not leaving. When I was arrested, the cop threatened to arrest other PSA members. Right before the cop shouted out that I was to be arrested one PSA member, Ashley Creek overheard one cop say to another: "we need to remember this one's face." (referring to me). Two PSA members, Justin Johnson and Nik Robbins stated to the cops that they should be arrested as well, as they had refused to leave and continued to refuse to leave. The cop did not arrest either Nik of Justin. I feel that I was singled out of the group, as I was willing to engage in dialogue and question the reasonability of the situation.

Smother: To your knowledge has anything else like occurred in your area or at the mall?

Daniel: No, though we have heard a rumor that a pro-war rally was held at some point and they became aggressive and were asked to leave, we have no proof of this though.

Smother: What exactly is the charge that you were arrested for?

Daniel: Criminal Trespassing (sp) which is a class c misdemeanor.

Smother: Do you know the minimum, if there is one, and the maximum penalties for this charge?

Daniel: No minimum penalty as far as I know but since it is a class C and not a class B as previously though it carries a fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Smother: Why do you think you were the only one arrested?

Daniel: I was singled out because I had the audacity to question authority; something we are taught is bad from kindergarten till retirement.

Smother: What do you think the response of the community has been thus far? Outrage? Agreement? Somewhere in between?

Daniel: Outrage within the academic community, independent media, and other leftists. I really haven't had the ability to gauge others but I have been bashed by right-wing radio, which isn't the first time.

Smother: Are you or any groups on campus planning another protest possibly at the Northwest Arkansas Mall? What about a boycott against the mall and the stores within?

Daniel: We are having a meeting early next week to chart out a path that might include boycotts or other direct action. Officially, I would have no involvement as it might hurt my court case.

Smother: What would you have done if you were in the mall security or police officer's position?

Daniel: If I was mall security I would have waited too see what we were going to do once we entered the mall. If we had began attacking people than I would have acted in the manner they did. If we (PSA) went about our business and got some food and went shopping, then I would have left them alone. If I was a cop and was called out and the mall was demanding us to leave I would have asked the group to leave and if they refused I would have "arrested" a couple of the group and transported them to their car and asked them to leave the grounds. Not taken them (me) to jail.

Smother: Why are you against the war in Iraq?

Daniel: For 100 different reasons. All my arguments would take pages and pages to make but most importantly, Iraq is not a threat to the United States. To create this doctrine of pre-emptive strike is an illegal and dangerous. To neglect the importance of international governing institutions (UN) is incredibly shortsighted and shows a ignorance of how to create global political stability. And finally, I do not want the US to be perceived by the rest of the world as an imperial bully. I love the country I come from but I cannot stand the thought that we force smaller countries to conform to our will.

Smother: Do you feel that the majority of people in the United States agree with you or believe the war is justified?

Daniel: I think a majority of Americans are too busy with their jobs and complex lives to have the facts that allow them to know what is going on. They accept what they are told because it is easy to conform to the status quo. Because of this many people think that this war is justified. The simple fact that polls show over half of the Americans think Iraqis were onboard the 9-11 airplanes is sick. This is sick. (statistic from underreported.com from a Knight Ridder Poll)

Smother: With the recent developments in Iraq, do you think that any of the other nations in the 'axis of evil' should feel threatened by the United States and should expect a potential invasion much like the one conducted in Iraq?

Daniel: Yes.

Smother: Do you feel that the public knows all the facts about the events of 9/11?

Daniel: No, I do not. See above statistic about Iraqi-9-11. As well as believing the wrong information, most people in American never consider why people could hate America. American's do not realize what is happening to the Palestinians in Israel. They don't understand how our massive support to the State of Israel could make people hate America and cause something as devastating as 9-11

Smother: If you could speak to President Bush face to face what would you say to him?

Daniel: George, please do not include God or Jesus in your rhetoric any longer. America is a Secular state and to choose a specific religion as the state sanctioned religion is wrong, dangerous, and un-American.

Smother: Was the group of eleven protestors affiliated with any group(s)?

Daniel: The Progressive Student Association of the University of Arkansas which is a chapter of 180/MDE (Movement for Democracy and Education)

Smother: Do you feel that the Democratic Party has let down yourself and the rest of America by not fighting Bush as much as they possibly should?

Daniel: Yes, as a whole the Democratic Party has not played the role of a true opposition party. There have been notable exceptions. People like Cynthia McKinney and the late Paul Wellstone, but the Democratic Party has not acted aggressively in pursuing just and important issues. Their lack of response after the 2000 election has left a bad taste in the mouth of many Americans.

Smother: Many people feel that now that the war has started that protest against it should cease and that protestors should 'support the troops'. Why do you think that these people feel that protestors aren't supporting the troops?

Daniel: This is a hard question. Overall I don't know but I will submit an educated guess. People are brainwashed to think that dissent is not patriotic and standing out of the crowd and questioning the president is wrong. They are told to think a certain way teachers, the radiomen, the president, everyone. The easiest argument they can make is to yell that we are not supporting troops. The reason is that they don't know why they are supporting the war and can't find a better argument to use. That sounds incredibly judgmental but after having 100s of people come up and say this at protests or while tabling I have begun to consider it as possible reasoning. But it has to be more complicated.

Smother: What role do you think that our major media outlets play in public opinion especially when it comes to politics and to the war in Iraq?

Daniel: Everything. The major corporate media is the key to conformity, and information control. For more information check out Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky.

Smother: Do you feel that the United States has or will indeed 'liberate' Iraqis?

Daniel: If one good thing comes out of this unjust war, it will be the liberation of the Iraqi people from a ruthless dictator. But that is still not justification for what is going on in the Middle East.

Smother: Many people in America have a heightened sense of fear and anxiety after the aftermath of 9/11. What do you think that Americans should fear the most?

Daniel: The erosion of civil liberties.

Smother: Why do you think that we have not yet found the person or people behind the Anthrax attacks? Do you think that the investigation has been put on hold? Why do you think that many in the press do not continue to press this story, looking for answers?

Daniel: I really have no clue why we haven't found the Anthrax man. I am not into some of the conspiracy theories being offered. But, now the press has found bigger, badder bogeyman to scare Americans with.

Smother: Do you feel that the Bush Administration wants the public to be scared? And if so do you feel that some sort of perpetual war is going to help elevate that fear or eliminate it?

Daniel: Yes, this war on terror scares people. Just like the Cold War, and the War on Drugs. If you keep people scared then you can have justification for creating repression. They will continue to find ways to promote fear. There is a great book called the Culture of Fear that addresses fear in American society very well.

Smother: Do you think that Bush will be re-elected in 2004? And if not whom out of the potential candidates do you think has the best chance to beat him?

Daniel: I don't know if Bush can be beat. The Democrats cannot nominate a pushover candidate like Al Gore. I like what Dennis Kucinich has to say. I also think Howard Dean can speak to the American people in a great way and supports some great issues. Either of these two guys would be great.

Smother: Some predict that the 2004 election will either have massive and perhaps record voter turnout (which usually bodes well for the Democratic Party) or that due to the 2000 election many will feel frustration and that their vote won't be counted. What do you think may happen? Is there a way to encourage voter turnout and inspire voters to come out and place their vote with confidence?

Daniel: I don't really know. I was very depressed after the 2000 election. I believe a coup took place that subverts a fundamental tenet of America: Democracy. Democracy is just a buzzword now; it has no true meaning after what occurred in 2000. The election was stolen!! As a result I do not think that the initial reaction of Americans will be to vote. I think there could be an even lower turnout percentage-wise in 2004 than 2000. But, if somehow we could tap into the young, we have the numbers. The number of voters 18-35 outnumber the entire rest of the voting pool. We could elect anyone if we wanted. The problem is that we don't think we can make a difference and honestly you have good reason to think way. But the 2004 election isn't the end of the world. There are local and state elections that make a huge difference but often their turnout can be as low as 10 percent. That is where we can immediately win, and where a lot of power is.

Smother: Do you feel that the Republican Party and that conservatives in general are more powerful than the Democrats and liberals? Why or why not?

Daniel: Well I wouldn't consider most present day Democrats Liberals but right now for a variety of reasons our country has swung to the right. I would argue Richard Nixon was the last "liberal" president. I attribute a major portion of this shift to the dominance of corporations in politics and the consolidation of the corporate media. If we could find a way to level the playing field in elections (monetary wise) then different voices would be able to be heard and voters might find candidates that they can truly believe in. Also, it seems that we are a culture of conformity. It is unpopular to think outside the norm.

Smother: And finally is there any way that Smother.Net readers can help your case?

Daniel: We are setting up a legal defense fund. We have t-shirts for sale that have what was written on the shirt: Support troops, not war or Bu$h on the front and Free d-vot (which is the nickname I have been called by friends for many years) on the back. For information about submitting donations or buying a shirt contact madcock@uark.edu. But most importantly, your readers should remember to question authority. Question the status quo. Question what is being said, from the left and the right. Expand the base of knowledge that you consume. Turn off MTV and open some books. A great place to start is Naomi Klein's book No Logo. Or for America's real History anything by Howard Zinn. Also, Learn your legal rights. Pick an issue and learn as much about it and learn ways to fight for it. It could be drug-law reform, or tenant rights, or campaign finance reform, anything. These ideas won't directly help my case but by preventing those in power from growing stronger you will be reducing the chance of more repressive laws from becoming the norm.

Related Links and References:

Northwest Arkansas Mall

Northwest Arkansas Times

180/MDE (Movement for Democracy and Education)

Refuse and Resist's story