I love being part of the progressive community, I really do. I marvel at the many voices in it and the heartfelt sense of right and wrong that people have.
For instance, this week there will be a pair of protesters making their way through Iowa on their way to Washington. People are looking forward to this and coming out to support these intent folks at the weekly vigil at the edge of the Pentacrest.
Locally, we are no slouches either. We have anti-war folks who are willing to be arrested to end the war in Iraq, some stand in silent vigil, some hold signs (needlepointed, printed, or hand-scrawled), and some bang drums or fill plastic pop bottles with coins and shake 'em. There has been a substantial amount of flack on the ICProgressive listserv about method of protest and people are seemingly mad as hornets. THIS IS GOOD!
If people don't feel free to express their opinions, how are we ever going to arrive at a place of real peace, let alone end this insane war? It is exciting to see more people come out on the war and it is important that people find a way to do it that fits their core beliefs. For some folks headcount matters, for some folks expressing their feelings about their sons and daughters who are serving is why they are there. Everyone has a reason, everyone has a method, but most importantly everyone agrees on one CRUCIAL point, this war must end.
If you feel this way, put aside your differences (or bring ear plugs, like I will) and be a presence for peace. This is too important.
Come to the corner of Clinton and Washington at 5:15 on Friday 7/27 and support those who are just passing through.
UPDATE
The U.I. Anti-War Committee and Iowans for Sensible Priorities invite you to attend a weekly vigil to protest the Iraq War on Friday night at 5:15 on the corner of Washington and Clinton in downtown Iowa City.
This will be a great chance for you to both raise your voice in a call for peace in Iraq and to welcome the 3 members of the March For Peace who are walking across America this summer. They will be coming into downtown I.C. along with marchers from the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids area who will meet them on the corner of Hawkeye Park Rd. and Melrose Ave. around 3pm. It would be fantastic if a large contingent of people will be at the vigil to show our solidarity with them in their efforts in service of nonviolent resistance to war.
If you have any questions about the weekend's events, please reply to this e-mail or contact me at timothy-gauger@uiowa.edu. You reach me by phone at 319-936-2307.
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