The best part of last night's vigil came at the end, when a 49 year old U.S. Air pilot, who served 12 years in the Marines, joined the vigil.
Since this vigil began in January, 2006 he has come by on two prior occasions, offering insight into war and what the U.S. is doing, especially in Iraq. Last night he shook hands with John Fortier, a Korean War veteran and peace activist, who not only participates in this vigil but in one he has held each Friday since just before President Bush launched the Iraq War in March, 2003.
This 49 year old U.S. Air pilot expressed his amazement that this vigil has continued for so long and as it concluded, he thanked us for holding it, visibly moved that we care enough to do this.
Earlier, the vigil had been joined briefly by the 50 ish couple who often join and who uplift us with their upbeat attitude and willingness to participate. As always, the vigil received many horn honks and waves of support, with some people holding up their hands in two fingered peace signs.
But as the U.S. is engaged in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan/Pakistan and Libya and "covert" wars in Yemen and Somalia, it may seem disheartening to make an appeal for peace, only to have it ignored by a government hell bent on raging violence for peace and security,while attaining neither.
It attains neither because peace begins in one's heart, with a sincere caring for the well-being of all mankind, followed by actions that show that caring. Today, America's enemies reflect the dire circumstances many of them come from: poverty, oppression, illiteracy and a deep sense of hopelessness. America's response is to kill those who oppose it, including men, women and children who get in the way, terming them "ancillary damage." In turn this leads to intense suffering and hatred, sowing the seeds for revenge.
This vicious cycle will continue until vast numbers of Americans of conscience take to the streets as happened during the Vietnam War and demand an end to these wars. It's up to you. You can sit in silence as America bankrupts itself morally and financially or you can take action by speaking out, by blogging, or by writing editorial letters to the newspaper or by taking to the streets, all of which make a difference. Silence or activism, which course will bring greater meaning to your life? Which will bring a better future for your children and for children all over the world? Only you can decide what is right for you.
Dick
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