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Peace Protester Meets Military Men; Perceptions or Promise

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

This morning, as I approached the peace corner, two of my fellow demonstrators made mention of the soldiers across the street. Weekly, a throng of Iraq war dissenters stands and pickets on the south side of the street. I position myself on the North end of the avenue. I stand alone. On this afternoon, two young men dressed in Army fatigues, soldiers, situated themselves on the median, yards from where I position myself. They carried plastic bins; patriotic banners were pasted onto these containers. American flags and pamphlets graced their station. The military men collected money from passers-by. They distributed literature. They did their work from the same side of the street I favor.

Veterans Day; A Time to Remember Wars End

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

As many do on Veterans Day, I pondered the profound effect war has on the world. Indeed, today, the battles aboard met me at my door. I never imagined that brutal combat might enter my home. I am an active peace person.

Achieving Peace In A World Built On Defense

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Again, I stood alone on the corner, as I had for months. My intent was as it has been for years; I seek to achieve world peace. However, after a short while I realized, today was like no other. I received the usual smiles and signals of serenity; nonetheless, the number of shuns, shrieks, and screams were as they had never been before. I held the same sign that I embrace each Saturday. The words "Love Not War!" are displayed for all to see.

Cindy Sheehan. The Plea, Promote Harmony Peacefully

Cindy Sheehan Quits

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Dearest Cindy . . .

I meant to write this letter days ago after reading your farewell "Good Riddance Attention Whore." I watched as the number of electronic communiqués in response to your essay mounted. I thought my message might be lost and perhaps was not important. I decided to forego a seemingly fruitless endeavor.

Million Man and Woman March Against Iraq War

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

In order to attend the January 27, 2007 rally, a family from Florida, not mine, though I wish it were, drove up to Washington District of Columbia. They wanted to be part of the newer "Half Million Man and Woman March." This protest did not focus solely on civil rights at home. It addressed sacrifices and privileges of the people worldwide. Foreign and domestic policy was in question. The American public was requesting a return of the troops. People, individuals, and groups were saying, "Give Peace a Chance!"

The World Can’t Wait, Activists Publishing in USA Today ©

We never know what might help in our campaign to regain America. None of us can predict what might assist and what might hinder our efforts. We can only choose to act on what we believe in. Vocal activist may choose one path; the more quiet voices may state their support in other manners. I offer an alert, a way in which you might contribute to the cause.

This method may not be your chosen means for expression; that is fine. However, I think we agree, the World Cannot Wait! Thus, I present a communiqué I received. The organization, the World Can’t Wait is asking for your assistance. You might donate to sponsor a USA Today information advertisement. You might join a mass protest. You might hold a fund-raising party. The Bush Crimes Commission is about to release their findings; people may be motivated by this case.

There are many ways available to you. Please choose your own. This is just one possibility for re-claiming America. You may have other ideas. I only offer this for those that might find it interesting.

May Peace Prevail. Peace Day September 21, 2006 ©

Life is busy. Still, we make time to talk about peace. We create a space in which we can chat online about the prospect. However, rarely to we have the occasion or energy to make a more concerted effort towards bringing about world calm. I wish to offer an opportunity.

Formal etiquette and common courtesy recommend that if we want attendees to turn out, we must invite them at least a month in advance, six weeks is preferable. Therefore, it is time. I wish to extend this invitation to you and yours. All guests are welcome. Please join the worldwide movement, attend a Peace Day summit on September 21, 2006.

Activist Unite. Veterans For Peace 2006 National Convention

Photograph and Composition By Betsy L. Angert © Recently, the political blogosphere has been buzzing with talk of action, activism, and conventions. Some are seeking a connection to “real” American heroes. Bloggers wish to show their support for the people that truly serve this nation. Still, they want to promote peace. This announcement might offer the opportunity some crave. Veterans For Peace is hosting a National Convention. The conference will begin August 10 and close on the 13th. Speakers such as author John Perkins, peace loving Mom, Cindy Sheehan, and anti-war activist, Dahr Jamail will welcome attendees. I will share the schedule and specifics below.

Years ago, I discovered Veterans For Peace accidentally. I was an active member of the Orange County Peace Coalition. A person I not yet met, placed a request into the Coalition’s cyberspace. James Ameen, veteran and co-organizer of Arlington West, Huntington Beach project, was looking for assistance. Mr. Ameen was planning a performance piece, an installation, and a work of art. He was documenting the deaths from this country’s most recent aggression, and memorializing these.

Mr. Ameen and co-coordinator, Tom Lash, another Veteran for Peace, were focused. They were seeking persons willing and able to contribute time and energy to their effort. The hope was that they, along with others, would enlighten a seemingly apathetic public. They would tell their personal tales of war and discuss the occurrences in Iraq.

Immigration. Why Wail For A Wall or Agitate About Amnesty? ©

Al Podgorski, Photographer. Sun-Times On Monday, May 01, 2006, another May Day will come and go. However, for those in the United States this international holiday that honors laborers will be different. This one will live in the memories of Americans forever. In this country, citizens, and non, will speak out on the issue of immigration. For, it is the newest immigrants that makeup a large portion of our labor force. These persons are planning not to go to work today; nor will their supporters. They and their allies will stand up for themselves, their beliefs, and their desire for freedom.

Other will also venture out. They will take to the streets, the blogs, the bars, and airwaves. They will wail for walls. Some will agitate over the issue of amnesty. Whether they themselves are residing in this country legally or not, people will demonstrate. They will express their opinions loudly and openly.

The undocumented workers here in the USA are not loved; they are loathed by a vast majority of the populace. Numerous liberals, those that usually support the downtrodden have turned their backs on this population. They see them as law-breakers, union busters, and less than those born in this country.

Civil Disobedience, Thoreau, Anti-Iraq War Tax Resisters, Mary McCarthy ©

On income tax day, I was wandering about and discovered a post that brought me joy. Steven Josselson, of Troubled Times: An Online Journal of Policy and Politics, offered a commentary that I found invigorating. It stimulated my mind.

The topic was, “Refusing to Pay Taxes: Civil Disobedience and the Iraq war.” I read. Then I began pondering the actions of these “defiant” peace protesters. Many of the persons discussed in this essay were not willing to contribute their tax obligation to a country engaged in war; yet, they were willing to give their funds to charities. These individuals consciously choose to donate their tax duties to organizations that embody a civic-minded philosophy. However, society labels them civilly disobedient. I wonder.

Since that day, my mind has been absorbed in the idea of Civil Disobedience. Today, I think of the dismissed Central Intelligence agent, Mary McCarthy. I read the papers, listen to the news, and I ponder. Is the phrase a misnomer? When we peacefully act in accordance with the founding principles of our forefathers, are we civilly disobedient or caring and concerned citizens? I believe we are the latter.

Currently Mary McCarthy, a senior intelligence officer once assigned to the White House, is in the battle of a lifetime.