"I got here before you got your sign up," said a 75 ish man with a chuckle as he shook my hand. John Fortier was getting the sign so this man had no way to know what we were going to do other than by familiarity with the vigil.
Moments later, John displayed the sign and as he did, an 8 ish girl riding in an SUV swivelled her head to read it and her eyes opened wide as she tried to absorb the message. It is important children learn from this vigil as hopefully a means of preventing future wars.
Last night's vigil attracted numerous horn honks, waves and two fingered peace signs, which says people are thinking about the wars' victims, even if they don't know how to stop the wars.
It's no surprise. Despite all the money candidates are spending in these elections, the wars and their cost in lives and money are virtually never discussed, nor does the news media question the candidates about them.
That's because war is horrible and no candidate wants to be associated with death and destruction, even if while in office he or she may quietly vote to fund it, rather than be viewed as "soft on defense." Yet no-one ever asks the wars' orphans what they think, nor the parents grieving the loss of their children.
Last night's vigil was attended by an early 50's couple who often join and by a 66-year-old woman who sometimes participates. Last night she joined in mid-vigil and stayed until it was nearly over.
"They should bring all the soldiers home," said a 30 ish man from his SUV, as he lowered his window to talk with us. "My cousin served two tours in Afghanistan," he stated, his voice ringing in anger. "He's in the Army.
"They should re institute the draft," he added. "That would end the wars in a hurry because all of a sudden (many) people would get drafted and that would include rich people."
"And might include the children of politicians," John replied as this man shook his head in agreement.
Later, as the vigil ended, a distinguished looking 60 ish man wearing a dark suit and tie driving a black Mercedes read the sign. Then he raised his right hand and held his thumb up, as he made eye contact with us and nodded his head in agreement. It was a nice way to conclude.
Dick
1 comment:
I agree with the man in the SUV! They should absolutely reinstitute conscription and pay for the war through increased taxes. Another never going to happen would be for the children of the congresspeople who voted for wars to serve in that war. Sadly there is little accountability and risk for congress and most of their constituents. That divorce from the blood and violence allows this madness to continue!
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