While many Brandeis students have been presented with an opportunity to either sign a petition against a possible war with Iraq or to attend many protests against it, not many are aware of a small group of students on campus attempting to start a pro-United States club which would support America no matter what President George Bush decides to do. The club has not yet been recognized by the Union Senate.According to a press release the club sent the Justice, the main goal of the club 'United We Stand' is to provide a non-partisan outlet for students to express their support for the united States.

"This is important because while there are lots of groups on campus that appear to be devoted to constantly protesting everything that America does (e.g. Anti-war groups), there is no club that explicitly supports America," the press-release said. "Especially now, when our nation is at war, Brandeis needs a patriotic club to rally students in support of America."

According to Mira Meyerovich '03, the founding member of the club, the reason she started the club is to organize a pro-America demonstration to counter the walk-out anti-war protest.

"I was frustrated because the way the anti-war protest was construed, it would look like all Brandeis students either vehemently opposed the war or didn't care," she said. "I wanted a third option -- the option to support America."

Meyerson said she decided to start the club when it became apparent to her that no group was going to come forward to counter the protests.

"I posted a message on a forum at my.brandeis.edu expressing my wish. Several people responded and we decided to start a pro-America club," she said.

Currently the club consists of two more members besides Meyerson, one of whom refused to be identified. Joshua Wiznitzer '03 is currently the only other member.

"I feel that due to the apparent/perceived hostile liberal climate on campus, many students feel very apprehensive about expressing their true political beliefs, nor do they have an outlet to do so," Wiznitzer said. "And as such, I see this club as an opportunity for students to express their beliefs."

Another purpose the club hopes to serve according to the press release is to "shatter" the stereotype that all students are extremely liberal and anti-American.

"By exposing the real diversity of opinion at Brandeis, we will make it possible for students of all political affiliations to express their true feelings without fear of censure," the press release stated. "In addition, a large demonstration of pro-American sentiment will improve the image of Brandeis and all other universities in the minds of our fellow Americans."

At the moment, United We Stand is focusing on organizing a pro-America demonstration in the "likely" event of war with Iraq. On the day that the United States goes to war with Iraq, instead of "walking out on war" the club encourages students to "Study For America."

"We want students to go to class, and while they listen to lecture, think about how that particular class would make them into a better citizen," the press release said.

United We Stand also wants people to wear a yellow ribbon on either their jacket or backpack. The yellow ribbon, according to them, "symbolizes the desire for a swift American/allied victory in Iraq and the safe return of all our brave troops."

The club will be handing out the yellow ribbons.

"United We Stand also has some long-term plans," the press release said. "Sometime in the near future, we plan to set up a booth where students can write letters of support to our troops."

"We also would like to hold a pro-America rally on-campus," it said. "Finally, we are in the process of contacting pro-America student organizations around the country so that we can coordinate our efforts with theirs.