"You're still out here," remarked a 46 year old woman with amazement in her voice, as she walked up and joined the vigil.
For the next 20 minutes, she discussed the wars, of which she could see nothing good coming from them, the U.S. financial collapse, which she felt was being brought on by the wars and the bailouts and her hope this nation could find its direction again.
"They just don't get it," she said angrily raising her voice as she spoke of the bankers about to collect massive bonuses. She watched the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission on television question top banking officials and was disgusted.
Regarding the wars, "What choice do we have," she said. "We can't get out."
"As the aggressor, we could call for a cease fire," I replied. "And negotiate a settlement with all the parties, and then leave. This is how most wars end and it is how these will as well. It would be better to do it sooner than later so that fewer people are killed."
"And far less money is wasted," she added. "I've never heard anyone discuss this alternative."
The last 5 minutes we were joined by a 52 year old Englishman who often joins the vigil. His concern was the nation's finances and she asked him if he saw a business turnaround. "No," he answered and he expressed his concern the economy is growing worse.
Yet even with the negatives, there was a warmth in sharing each other's company and a respect for the people the vigil remembers. It was a joy to have them there.
Among the horn honks and waves of support, there was a 40 ish woman in a small gray car stopped for the red light. She kept peaking at the vigil and then turning away until finally I smiled at her and waved.
It was as if an emotional dam had burst, as she smiled 100 watts strong and waved vigorously. She just needed to be encouraged.
The cutest response was from a 25 ish couple in a bright red Prius who stopped well back from the signal so they could carefully read the sign. Then they inched up and both of them waved and smiled.
When they finished, like many young people today, they both took out their iPhones, sorted their messages and appeared to text message until the signal turned green.
But most memorable was the 30 ish woman in the far left lane who eased her car to a crawl so she could honk and wave and express her gratitude for the vigil. Rush hour traffic slowed to accommodate her.
It was a lovely vigil and rewarding to know that many people care for those who have paid so severe a price in these wars.
Dick
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