U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” played Thursday while emotions ran high the day after America went to war.

About 200 people showed up in the King Memorial Commons Thursday at noon and about 30 people spoke their minds in an open-microphone forum.

Those who wanted to speak signed a list and waited their turn to voice an opinion in five minutes or less.

Views clashed when a group of students carrying a sign reading “Back Bush” came to the Commons. Most demonstrators already present opposed the war and held signs reading “We have a voice – support troops, not government” and “Put Bush in desert and bring troops home.”

Demonstrator Leanne Frydrychowicz said about 65 people at an emergency meeting after war broke out Wednesday elected her to keep Thursday’s demonstration calm. She reminded the crowd to keep the demonstration peaceful so everyone could speak.

The crowd respected everyone’s opinion most of the time and raised concerns for U.S. troops in the Middle East several times in an emotional debate.

Despite the presence of those supporting and opposing the war, most seemed to be concerned for U.S. troops. When DeKalb resident Shawn Brown asked who was against the war, he drew applause from more than half of the crowd.

But when he asked who is against U.S. troops there was a serious, lingering silence.

“Even peaceful people here support the troops,” said junior sculpture major Laura Miracle. “I am against my government, which is the most hypocritical and bully government of all. Anti-war protestors are not against our troops.”

Junior English major Steve Honchell is a member of the National Guard waiting to be called.

“The first thing they teach you in the National Guard is to take care of your buddy,” Honchell said. “Well, my buddy is out there and the only way I can take care of him is if I get him home.”

After the demonstration, Shane Sims, a junior business major, said he thought the rally went well and it proved everyone cares about U.S. troops.

“I think the only thing it lacked was discussing the innocent people who died in Kuwait,” Sims said.

However, Mitch Melan, senior health/physical education major, said the demonstration was “one-sided and the same people who burn flags” were the ones talking.

“I support Bush, but sometimes you have to support violence,” Melan said. “You can only turn the cheek so many times.”