Virtual Marchers Tie up Phone Lines with Protest
By Kim Forrest
WASHINGTON–Eager protestors from all over called, faxed and e-mailed anti-war sentiments to Senate offices and the White House Wednesday during an all-day “Virtual March.”
New Hampshire residents were no exception.
The offices of Sens. Judd Gregg (R-NH) and John Sununu (R-NH) both received much greater volumes of communication from their constituents than normal. So much so that phone calls to both of their offices later Wednesday afternoon were met with the message: “All circuits are busy now. Will you please try again later…? ”
Jeff Turcotte, press secretary for Gregg, said that while specific numbers were not available, the phone lines were “extremely busy” throughout the day. He said that normal phone traffic is around a call every five minutes, or about 10-12 an hour. On Wednesday, however, the calls were coming without interruption.
Sununu’s communications director, Barbara Riley, said late Wednesday afternoon that the Washington office received over 350 calls regarding the war in Iraq, while the New Hampshire office received 23. Though subject matter was not yet tallied, the Washington office received about 700 e-mails.
The March, organized by the groups Win Without War and MoveOn.org, did not include the offices of House members, and so the offices of New Hampshire’s two House members were not greatly affected.
Sally Tibbetts, press secretary for Rep. Charles Bass (R-2), said the office received 30 calls and e-mails Wednesday about war with Iraq, while the office of Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-1) received “the normal volume, with a few more calls regarding Iraq,” press secretary T.J. Crawford said.
Those who registered for the virtual march on Moveon.org posted their messages by state.
“This war will only magnify anti-American terrorism,” a Keene resident wrote. “War is not the path to democracy or friendship. We need continued diplomacy!”
“Two bullies don’t make a right!” a New Ipswich resident posted. “Bush, take the lead and find the peaceful way.”
Peter Schurman, executive director of MoveOn.org, said that as of midnight Tuesday 140,000 people had registered for times to call. He said that that would equal about 420,000 calls from registered participants and 80,000 faxes.
Schurman spoke positively about the day’s events. “From what we’re hearing, senators are hearing loud and clear from constituents about their opposition to war.”
While many protestors were able to get through to Senate offices, at least two New Hampshire residents were met with constant busy signals.
Melissa Gosselin, a 35-year-old Nashua resident, tried to call Gregg’s and Sununu’s offices and the White House, but was met with busy signals. The message that she had prepared spoke loud and clear of her feelings toward war.
“I was going to say war means broken bones, blindness, loss of limbs, death of brothers and sisters…. The United States is not above international law,” she said.
Noel Cassidy, a 55-year-old Walpole resident, also tried calling Gregg’s and Sununu’s offices, but could not get through. He said he felt a bit pessimistic about the protest’s effectiveness, adding that he wasn’t sure about the administration’s willingness to listen to constituents.
Still, Turcotte said, the enthusiasm with which people called represents the true nature of the Granite State.
“That’s what great about New Hampshire,” Turcotte said. “People are not afraid to share their opinion.”
Published in The Keene Sentinel, in New Hampshire.
