This supportive comment helped to set the tone for a vigil that attracted more participants than in any held on this street corner in the five years they have been held. Participants joined at various times throughout the vigil.
The 64 year old Haitian man who often joins did last night, as did the 50 ish couple who usually join, the 66 year old woman who occasionally does, and a 40 ish woman with her adorable children, a five year old daughter and a three year old son, who periodically participates.
But it was also joined by a 38 year old Cambodian man who participated in the past. As a child, he lived through the notorious "Killing Fields" of Cambodia. From 1975 thru 1979, the Communist Khmer Rouge under its fanatical leader Pol Pot took control of Cambodia and to punish anyone who opposed them, executed or starved to death or allowed to die of disease, 1.7 million Cambodians out of a population of 7 million.
As a child, this man witnessed the horrors from this widespread death and destruction and fled with his parents, eventually coming to the U.S. They became American citizens. Today, this intelligent, well read man is a financial advisor and a tax planner and he strongly opposes war. Previously he expressed his belief the U.S. is wasting the lives of its soldiers and its financial resources in the Iraq and Afghan Wars.
Last night speaking of Cambodia, he said with anger and frustration ringing in his voice, "1.7 million were killed. It's too bad two more weren't killed (referring to Pol Pot and one of his henchmen) because if they had been killed, many of those 1.7 million people would have lived. That's why I believe in the 2nd Amendment (of the U.S. Constitution, allowing citizens to bear arms)."
He expressed his pleasure that in Tunisia, the people through nonviolent protest just overthrew the 22 year reign of a dictator and that the Egyptians are trying to do the same with 82 year old Hosni Mubarak who has ruled for 30 years and is planning to extend that rule to his son.
Because there were so many vigil participants, John Fortier and I added an extra half hour to the vigil to accomodate everyone. And we welcomed numerous horn honks and waves of support. Today, most Americans are silent about the Iraq and Afghan Wars, many not caring because they mistakingly believe these wars won't affect them. But others regret the wars and some express themselves when given the opportunity to do so. That's the role this vigil serves for them.
For me, it is a call for peace and an end to the insanity and cruelty that continues to destroy everything in its path. And it is taking an hour each week to recall in my heart, all those who have paid so severe a price in these wars, including the families and especially the children who bear the suffering. It is also a message of hope for if others will raise their voices with us, we can bring these wars to an end.
Dick
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