The potential war with Iraq has brought a pacificist opposition movement to Brandeis. Wednesday evening, students attended "Walk-Out on War: The Teach-In." Some were already opponents of the war, while others came simply to learn more about the situation before deciding their own position. Students listened to Professor David Gil (HS) and Jim Kershner, an ordained lay-member of the Vietnamese Buddhist sect, as they talked about problems of war and peace.

Gil, who spoke first, said he was frustrated with the last Brandeis discussion held on the forthcoming war with Iraq, as only technical questions were discussed, rather than the aims of the war. He added the forum had focused too much on why war is bad in general, rather than why war will not be effective in the specific, current case.

Gil then identified what he said are probable causes for widespread hatred of the United States. He said the United States constitutes only 5 percent of the global population, yet consumes about 40 percent of global resources. "We are all entitled to (global) products . we are all brothers and sisters . we are all of the same source," Gil said.

Gil also addressed the contention that war with Iraq is largely motivated by U.S. reliance on Iraqi oil. He said that in the event the United States invades Iraq, we would no longer need to worry about how we obtain our oil as it would be in our hands. Some see this as a valid reason to go to war, he said.

Finally, Gil noted the United States cannot go to war without soldiers. He said he encouraged students to refuse to participate in the war. "We cannot free ourselves from violence through acts of violence," he said.

Kershner began his speech by teaching gathered students the basic tenets of Buddhism. He said his pacifist beliefs stem from the Buddhist idea of compassion, adding, "There is no need to fight and kill other people, because we are all one."

He said his Buddhist mentor realized it is impossible to end war simply by meditating. As a result, he chose to aid people who were the victims of war, in a process called "engaged Buddhism."

Kershner said he equates the potential war in Iraq with the Vietnam War. He said that in the same way the United States did not understand Vietnam, we do not understand the Third World or Iraq. He saw this teach-in as reminiscent of 1960s demonstrations and lent hope to the attendees by adding, "I do believe that it is the opposition of people that ended the (Vietnam) war sooner than it would have."

Like Gil, Kershner also encouraged peaceful resistance to war. "Guns will not end violence . killing will not end violence . compassion will end violence," he said.

After the lectures, one student said the United States had never tried to respond to a violent measure in a non-violent way, suggesting that this might be a viable solution, if only we were willing to attempt it.

Should the United States go to war, many Brandeis students are already planning to respond with a peaceful protest. The first day of classes after the United States begins bombing Iraq, some students plan to hold a "walk-out" or strike on the part of the student body. If the attacks begin during finals or winter break, the strike will occur Jan. 29.

Those organizing the walk-out said they hope it is well-publicized and will occur not only at Brandeis, but at many colleges and universities. There will be a walk-out meeting on Thursday. In addition, a pledge against the war on Iraq is currently being displayed in Usdan for all to view and sign.

The teach-in was sponsored by the Anti-War Club, Radical Student Alliance, Buddhism Club, Environmental Club and the Meditation Club.