Peace Demonstration No. 267, 4/27/11

"I'm so disappointed in President Obama," said a 40 ish man with frustration ringing in his voice, while he stood along side his bicycle as he and his lady friend stopped riding to speak with John Fortier and me. "I voted for him," he added with a sound of disbelief in his voice, as if to say, how could I have ever done so.

"I didn't," said his lady friend. "But we didn't have good choices (between the two major party candidates)." She didn't vote at all as she saw her vote as purposeless. Her voice reflected the widespread disallusionment with the political system that is so often heard and is shown in national polls.

We spoke of the wars and he felt strongly there was nothing to be gained in any of them. When he voted, he thought Mr. Obama was the candidate of peace and would end the Iraq and Afghan Wars. He also felt our nation must close its military bases all over the world to help stop the enormous spending of money we don't have.

"You know how much money we could save if we closed all those bases," he said loudly. "Billions of dollars! Our country is in a very fragile state."

But as the two of them looked at the vigil, the conversation ended with smiles. "It's good to see you guys out here," the man stated as we finished the discussion. "Thank you for doing that."

The vigil is meant to keep in our hearts, all those who have paid so severe a price in these wars, and that number keeps growing. It is also a reasoned plea for peace as the U.S. has gone war mad. Eight years of war in Iraq and 10 years of war in Afghanistan should show everyone there is nothing to be gained and everything to lose. Yet the U.S. just launched a 3rd war in Libya. The expenses for these wars are being charged to the U.S. taxpayer, who may mistakenly believe he or she isn't paying for them because taxes have not been raised yet. Actually, taxes will be raised but for now it's all going on the nation's credit card.

But on a happier note: Among the supportive horn honks and waves, one of the nicest moments came from a 35 ish bus driver. He regularly waves and honks his horn in support as he drives by, but when he stopped at a red light last night, he opened his doors to talk. "So many people are angry," he said regarding his passengers. As he described it, they are frustrated and go through their lives either spewing anger or ignoring those around them.

This bus driver, with a big smile, gives them a warm greeting. If they are nasty or indifferent in their response he still wishes them "a nice day," the smile never leaving his face. To him, we who conduct the vigil also have that positive attitude and a respect for others and he looks forward to seeing us.

Dick