At the First Interfaith Service for Peace at the Unitarian Church, Jack Barns, retired minister of the Christian Church, a Catholic Sister, and another lady minister (whose name I didn't get) participated along with the lay ministry of the UUs. Another faith provided special music.  It was very inspirational.  Ryan Amundson of "Peaceful Tomorrows" who lost his brother in the 9/11 crash into the Pentagon gave a thoughtful and moving rejection of war.  Most of the seats in the sanctuary were filled, and people stayed & visited for a really long time. 

 

Pat
mailto:mchipman@earthlink.net

U-News (UMKC):
Anti-war sentiments and patriotism unite in D.C.

By Fatimeh El-Sherif

On Jan. 18 a display of American democracy not commonly seen in recent years brought the U.S. capitol alive with song. The friendly sounds were those of nearly half a million citizens who did not agree with President Bush's plans to attack Iraq.

Much to the surprise of organizers and activists alike, the National Mall was full early in the day, with numerous buses and vans still en route. Announcements like that made our eyes well up with tears. We realized that there were so many people who side with peace, so many who worry about our nation's future.

Peace workers came from across the nation, and world, to show their solidarity and unity in the anti-war cause. We were not "foes of war," we were friends of a peaceful humanity. Young and old alike marched together through a frostbitten, windy day to prove their dedication and outrage.

Notable speakers gave their views of the situation, all at one point or another pleading for "no blood for oil." Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark defined an impeachable offense and shortly thereafter shouted, "Let's impeach him," much to the delight of a cheering audience. Other speakers gave an account of the numerous situations around the nation where our dollars could be better spent. Speakers listed needs in American institutions: the severe disrespect for our veterans, the budget shortfalls in schools, problems with getting healthcare to the impoverished.

The gathered agreed enthusiastically with chants and cheers asking for peace not only in Iraq, but across the globe. Student representatives gave possibly the best of arguments: money saved by not attacking Iraq would be money invested in a better education here.

Many shouted angrily that this nation was built on the backs of peace workers such as Martin Luther King, Jr. They requested that Bush look seriously into what these heroes of the past had done.

Unfortunately, Bush was not in D.C. on the 18th. But I was, and hundreds of thousands of others like me were. The movement is growing across the globe. Protests, rallies and demonstrations from Cairo to Paris to Japan kept our hearts warm through that cold day. Their support will kept us standing then and now.

During the last few days dissent has grown in the hearts and in the media of our allies. Europeans aren't supporting us in this war. Iraq's old enemies aren't supporting us in this attack. The United Nations is even disapproving of any unilateral preemptive strikes. Most important, American people do not agree with war. Bush, this is what democracy looks like!

fel-sherif@unews.com