Peace Demonstration No. 258, 2/16/11

"It's always nice to see you guys out here," said a bus driver with a big smile as he opened his doors while stopped at a red light. "We can't forget these people. It's important. This is what's really going on and they don't say anything about it. Thank you."

For years, this vigil has had the support of various bus drivers who wave and sometimes honk their horns and as he did last night, open their doors to talk. In addition to him, there were numerous shout outs and horn honks, waves and two fingered peace signs.

What a beautiful winter evening it was, with a cool, crisp breeze blowing in off the ocean a 1/2 mile away. And as the cars lined up on Pacific Coast Highway often to inch through the intersection, I stood at the edge of the sidewalk, candle in hand, sign in front of me and with a broad smile, made eye contact with many of the motorists.

It was a remarkable feeling, seeing in their eyes how the vigil was touching some of them. It is a gentle appeal not to forget those who are enduring enormous suffering, more of them each day, people just like themselves, and to ask them as a matter of conscience why these wars are allowed to continue.

In Egypt, people peacefully rallied in the streets and brought down their government. A generation ago in America people rallied peacefully and brought the Vietnam War to an end. Now it's up to Americans today to decide what they stand for.

Silence and inaction or compassion for their brethren and action to end the wars. There is plenty of room for peace demonstrations on street corners and college campuses across the U.S.

Dick