During the panel discussion, Davis and Kelson again took very different positions on the issue.

For Kelson, dissent in a time of war is nothing less than a moral obligation for citizens if they believe their leaders are not being honest about the war. “If anyone asks me why I’m protesting the war, I’m going to ask, ‘Why are you not protesting?’ ” he said.

“I don’t understand how people can go out and protest the war,” responded Davis, who had explained from the beginning that he was there to talk about supporting the troops. While he’s not pro-war, Davis continued, the bottom line is that the troops simply aren’t coming home anytime soon. “Whether we went to war for the right or wrong reason, it isn’t their fault,” he said.

“There’s always a war,” he continued. “If you support our troops, come and pack a box — with love. That’s supporting our troops.” Once each month, Davis and other volunteers meet at Post 52 on Dunham Road to pack boxes of snacks, gifts and cards for those serving in the military. The next packing session is scheduled for May 10 at 10 a.m.

According to Davis, protesting a national issue on a local level — objecting to the War in Iraq in Diamond Park, for example — doesn’t do anyone any good. “If you want to protest, go to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.,” he said, referring to the nation’s capital.

A member of the audience disagreed, referring to dissent in smalls towns and villages as “what is America is all about.”

“You can protest anyplace you want — but your voice will be heard best in Washington,” Davis responded.

Kelson disagreed. “If you stifle dissent, you harm national security,” he said. “Nothing has been accomplished in Washington,” he continued, noting that throughout American history, “it was people in the streets who did everything.”

In addition to Davis and Kelson, panel members included Robert Rhodes, professor emeritus of political science at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; Women in Black participant Bronwell Bond; and Allegheny College senior Peter Fill. The program was sponsored by Allegheny’s Department of Religious Studies/Service Learning and Center for Political Participation. As moderator, Sarkis chose Sarah Roncolato, instructor of the class that inspired the event.

Mary Spicer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at mspicer@meadvilletribune.com