[Peace] VIGIL RULE (not a "request") - TIME FOR REALISTIC WORDS -
MUST READ
Ccpeacemovement at aol.com
Ccpeacemovement at aol.com
Sun Oct 14 07:35:07 EDT 2007
One of you wrote me last week and suggested we "shun" the
counter-protestors. I wasn't quite ready to go to that extreme, but - after yesterday's
spectacle on the corner - we must shun them:
"Shunning"(Wikipedia):
"Shunning is the act of deliberately avoiding association with, and
habitually keeping away from an individual or group. It is a sanction against
association often associated with _religious_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious) groups and other tightly-knit organisations and communities. Targets of
shunning can include, but are not limited to _apostates_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostates) , _whistleblowers_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblowers) , _dissidents_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissidents) , people
classified as "sinners" or "traitors" and other people who defy or who fail to
comply with the standards established by the shunning group(s). Shunning has a
long history as a means of organisational influence and control."
SOUND EXTREME? You bet it is. But we are faced with an extreme situation.
Some of you have tried, in your peaceful, loving ways (that's who we are)- to
"dialog" with these people. But that's not who THEY are. There is no dialog.
Make no mistake. If there were dialog, they would be doing something
entirely different. I have notified the police and other authorities (and am
pursuing all possibilities) about just who these people are.
Here's what the people on that street corner are NOT:
* NOT for the troops
* NOT for the war
* NOT for anything even arguably "good"
Instant replay:
* Picture the Civil Rights Movement - picture dogs on chains and
waterhoses on African Americans.
* Picture jack-booted guards in Nazi concentration camps.
* Picture jack-booted guards in the Soviet Gulag.
The word, "jack-booted" has been in my mind ever since these people first
appeared. It means this:
Cruelly and violently oppressive: "a revival of the aggressive, jack-booted
militarism of the Thirties and Forties".
These people were trained by someone in vicious taunting, in vile language,
in cruel tactics. They are dogs on chains. My guess is that at least a
couple of them - if, in fact they were ever in the military, and we cannot even
believe that - have been trained in the military or elsewhere (Blackwater-type
organizations?) in the most vile interrogation tactics. They have been
trained, folks, to do what they are doing - which is to break us down. If you try
to have a "friendly" and "peaceful" conversation with them, they have been
trained to figure out a way to turn it on you. I have sensed this from the
beginning - and have been trying to warn you. But some of you, in your sweet
and loving ways, keep trying to talk with them. I'm not asking you now, but
I'm telling you: DON'T TALK WITH THEM. I'VE MADE THAT MISTAKE - BEEN THERE,
DONE THAT, AND NOW THEY USE EVERY WORD I SAY AGAINST ME. They will follow
you around, they will curse you, they will call you names - they will not let
go. Don't let them do that to you.
When you are on that corner, from now on, these people don't exist. We can
smile and talk with each other - but put on your old childhood "let's
pretend" - and "let's pretend" they aren't even there, they don't even exist for one
hour every week. If you don't follow this rule, YOU CAN CAUSE TROUBLE FOR
ALL OF US. PLEASE DON'T DO THIS out of regard for all of us.
AND, if they touch you, if they follow you, if they do anything you consider
harassment: I have requested police protection on the corner from now on.
Go to them (or come to me if I'm closer, and I'll walk you to an officer).
Or, if you don't see a policeman, CALL 911. This is a police matter - we
cannot handle what these people are trying to do. We are not professionals. In a
few days, I am going to peacemaker training (for crowds) for the Oct. 27
national antiwar protest in Philly - and that will be helpful. I highly
recommend that some of you attend this session, too - it can help us here at home.
BUT we are still not professionals. I also encourage what some of you are
doing: Going to the police and/or the mayor this week to voice your concerns -
they need to hear from more than just me. So does the press. Get those letters
written and in!
I have noticed a few people who came for the first time yesterday - and have
expressed shock at what they saw. I saw old friends in town yesterday who
aren't at our vigils or involved in the peace movement (maybe not even
sympathetic to it) - but are shocked at what they are seeing. YOU HAVE TO BE THERE
TO SEE THIS HAPPENING. If you are reading this e-mail and can't visualize it
- visualize the worst. What we are enduring on that corner in the name of
peace is now at a new level: It is a self-sacrifice for all of you. BUT,
despite your concerns, not one of you has expressed fear. YOU ARE THE BRAVE
ONES - not these jack-booted thugs.
So who are these people, and what is behind it? Do I think it's more than
one disgruntled person? Yes, I do. Without a private investigator or
authorities investigating (for which I hope we never have cause), I firmly believe
there's "more to this picture":
* Some key elections are coming up - use your imagination.
* The war is growing more and more unpopular.
* This country uses private mercenaries - jackbooted thugs - and has
huge bases for them here in the U.S. for whatever the government wants to do
TO us.
* The Bush regime and the far right face "losing it all" - again, use
your imagination.
* Infiltrators were the rule in the Vietnam War - infiltrators,
instigators, trouble-makers, agents provacateur - think there's any difference
today? The only difference is that technology makes it much easier for them
today.
* The stakes are high right now.
* I've received reports of this happening in at least two other
situations nationwide - and I don't doubt it will grow - we might be the "trial
run" for something bigger.
* They are TRAINED by someone.
* Are they paid? that's my guess - no proof, but I doubt they're
doing this free.
* The "Christian right" is on a campaign that is every bit as
dangerous as the "jihad" that some characterize extremist Muslims as engaging in.
Remember, people who have "God is on tgheir side" will stop at nothing and
truly believe that the ends justify the means - they can rationalize everything
they do.
All you have to do is take a look at the two groups on that corner:
* A bunch of about 20 or 30 guys in leather and metal on motorcycles
* And then there's us - about 100 (count yesterday) women, children,
old folks, babies, ministers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, truck drivers,
secretaries, nurses, homemakers, veterans (a growing group amongst us), people
from every walk of life.
Take a look at what the two groups do:
* One drowning us out with amplifiers and motorcycle engines running,
curses, names, constant harassment, jumping in front of our signs,blocking
the crosswalks.
* And look at us - praying, smiling, talking, singing (unamplified)
songs, not interfering with anyone.
Yesterday, one of you wrote me this - they will stop at nothing:
(From one of you):
Please, please, please, send this along- I think its important for everyone
in CCPM and on the mailing list to understand just what the
counter-protestors are going for and I think this issue goes to the heart of their intentions.
I couldn't believe that they would go to this low; all I could do was stand
with my 'Will Work for Peace' sign and remain as stoic as possible. At the
very least, their actions were offensive and hurtful, and I hope that West
Chester residents begin to realize that they are not about supporting the war
and the troops- they are focused on insulting us, not even based on our
politics and our cause, but who we are in general. I hope that this helps everyone
in realizing just what their goals are.
Here's the letter this person wrote, yesterday, to the Daily Local editor
yesterday:
Editor:
I am a sophomore at West Chester University who recently got involved with
the Chester County Peace Movement. Though I’m not new to the cause, I am new
to this group and have been (and will continue to be) attending the group’s
Saturday morning peace vigils. As is common knowledge, a group of
counter-protestors have begun to come out to express their disagreement with CCPM and
the peace movement in general.
However, as many people may not know, this group is as concerned with
insulting the peace protestors as they are with supporting the Iraq war. Besides
calling us communists, Karl Marx’s ‘useful idiots’, and carrying signs that
tell of how we’re supporting Al-Qaeda, they also use intimidation and
scare-tactics, attempting a rise out of the peace protestors. They also tend to be
vulgar and foul in their language, despite the presence of many children.
However, this Saturday, the group reached a new low of insulting.
After the regular protest (11-12), a Honk-In for Impeachment occurs from
1:30-3:00. While there are considerably less peace protestors there during
this, many of us did stick around in order to offset the counter-protestors.
During this protest, one of them approached me and made an offensive anti-gay
comment, to imply that I was gay. He, of course, did not know that I was, and
I proceeded to tell him just how offensive I found his comment.
This only fueled their fire, and sporadically for the rest of the protest,
this man and a few others approached me to make anti-gay comments, and make
offensive implications about my personal sexual habits and lifestyle. I found
this to be so rude and uncalled for that I almost left. I ended up staying,
though, until the final counter-protestor had left and immediately came home
to write this letter.
It is a shame that these activists have nothing useful to say, and so revert
to insulting. While they most certainly have every right, and even a
responsibility, to express their viewpoint, I find it pathetic that they have had
to revert to petty insult, especially referring to my sexuality, something
which has absolutely no impact or relation to the issue at hand. It’s time for
them to decide- do they want to actually discuss issues, or do they simply
want to insult and slander us? I will only give them my time and attention for
the former. I find their tactics to be rude and disgusting, and they do
nothing more than make themselves look ridiculous.
We can deal with this group only by constantly shining the light on them.
Our Quaker friends have a wonderful practice of "holding people in the light."
This is a new approach to "the light." We must constantly publicize what
they are doing, let any and all authorities and all folks we know realize what
is going on - we must put this out "in the light." Transparency, light, in
public view. We have nothing to hide - they do.
Light takes away darkness. Pete Seeger said in a film biography I saw
yesterday that you can't use darkness to bring light - you must use light to take
away the darkness. You each have my permission and encouragement (not that
you need it) to tell everyone you know - authorities, organizations, etc. -
what is going on. We cannot face this alone, we are not professionals, we are
not trained in dealing with these people (and they know this), they plan and
expect our reactions (if you try to "engage") - we now must trust
professionals to help us - and we must seek their help. And you have each let me know,
personally, that I am not alone in this - from a kiss on my weary cheek
yesterday, to I don't know how many tight and loving hugs, to the constant flow of
"I'm with ya" e-mails and "I'm not afraid" calls, to the constant flow of
encouraging words and tears and smiles. You are my strength.
AND we must stand our ground - silently, quietly, bravely, forthrightly,
honestly, and peacefully.
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then
you win.” Gandhi
Peace on earth & a heartfelt thanks for all you do! Refuse to be defined by
the evil that assaults you.
Karen Porter, Director
The Chester County Peace Movement, P.O. Box 1502, West Chester, PA
19380-1502; ccpeacemovement at aol.com, (610) 344-0228; check _www.ccpeace.org_
(http://www.ccpeace.org/) (calendar) for upcoming events
Someday, when my great-grandchildren ask, "Why didn't someone try to stop
the madness?" I hope my son and my grandchildren can answer, "Your
great-grandmother tried, with all her heart." CALL CONGRESS DAILY - (800) 828-0498 (ask
for both Senators/YOUR Congressional Rep.)
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep;
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening"
For inspiration, ride the "PEACE TRAIN" by watching this and making it part
of your daily inspiration: _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7iLPnDCQ1g_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7iLPnDCQ1g)
And here's more inspiration - another daily inspiration for me - Pete
Seeger's "Bring 'em Home": _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK1g69iHu1Q_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK1g69iHu1Q)
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