"What would you do about the Iranians trying to get the bomb," asked a 52 year old Englishman as he joined the vigil. "Buy them coffee and talk about it?"
"That's not a bad idea," I replied. "We should sit down with them at the highest government level and listen to them so that we can try to find a basis of meeting our mutual objectives."
This gentleman wanted to "hit them with sanctions," but as we explored that idea, he wasn't sure what sanctions to use other than "banking ones" because he felt many other nations ignore the U.S.'s efforts to try to isolate or punish Iran.
For 20 minutes, we discussed the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Israel vs. the Palestinians and also Hezbollah in Lebanon. We disagreed repeatedly but it was a respectful cordial conversation and an interesting sharing of ideas, a concept nations and organizations could use among one another instead of going to war.
As he left, the vigil was joined by John Fortier and Robert Urena, also for about 20 minutes. John is a 76 year old Korean War veteran and Robert, 31 is a bright aerospace company employee. Their weekly peace vigil is held Friday nights nearby.
John is a retired school teacher who now teaches as a volunteer and from his many years of experience, he recommended to two deeply troubled Los Angeles schools, ways to motivate students and to involve their mothers. We hope they will listen to him.
Throughout the vigil, there were plenty of horn honks and waves of support and John and Robert seemed pleased with how many people responded that way to us.
"We need more people like you out here," said a 50 ish woman in a husky voice from her SUV shortly after they left and just before the vigil ended. She then stared at the glow of the candle and added softly, "Thank you."
And dear reader, thank you for your support, as your caring makes a real difference in these vigils.
Dick
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