Published Sunday, March 30, 2003
Herald Staff Writer
Emmy Mostoller wants people to know that teenagers in her generation care about things -- especially the war. She also wants it known that being against the war does not mean being against the troops involved.
The 16-year old sophomore at Lakeview High School made her feelings known publicly at a peace rally Saturday in downtown Youngstown.
"I've been wanting to get involved with something that was against the war," said the Sandy Lake Township girl.
"A lot of my peers are saying I'm against the troops and that I'm being ignorant. I've been told to shut up in school. I have a cousin in the Marines and he's in Iraq, so it's not like its not affecting me and my family."
She was invited to speak by The Valley Citizens Against the War Coalition to represent the student voice. Her mother, Mary Jo Palmer, encouraged her daughter to speak out her convictions.
"As soon as she could speak, she spoke her mind. I think her first words were 'no' and 'why'," said Mrs. Palmer, who was there Saturday to support of her daughter and peace. "I have three brothers who fought in Vietnam. I wanted peace back then. I have a nephew overseas and I want him home."
During her speech, amid derisive comments from a handful of war supporters across the street from the Federal Courthouse in Youngstown, the teenager gave her reasons for opposing the war in Iraq.
"Saddam should have been removed from power in 1991 and tried for war crimes," Emmy told the crowd of about 175 people.
"We're trading blood for a U.S.-friendly leader and oil ... (It's) an unfair trade ... I feel pride in being an American but we're not the greatest. We're just equal as humans," she added to loud applause.
The high school student also talked about getting harassed at school for her opinion of the war. "I can't count the amount of rude and hostile comments made to me and my classmates who are against the war in Iraq," she said.
Mrs. Palmer said she's concerned about the attitude of Emmy's peers. "I know she can handle herself and she's pretty diplomatic. But this attitude that if you don't go with the masses you should shut up is disturbing," Mrs. Palmer said.
She described a time recently when her daughter's class was asked to write a paper about something that the students believe strongly in and Emmy decided to write about her feelings about the war in Iraq.
"The teacher told her 'No, it's too controversial.' My daughter said that someone can write about how much John Deere tractors meant to them but she couldn't write about the war," Mrs. Palmer said.
"I told my daughter to go ahead and write it anyhow using the description of controversy as her lead-in. I don't care if it is controversial if that is what her passion is."
Emmy just wants to see the war end quickly. "I wouldn't say I'm anti-war. I'm more pro-peace. I understand that we can't pull out now -- that we're too far into it. I just hope the troops are brought home safely."