We had 45 folks join us Saturday in Brunswick. They came from as far north as Ellsworth, south from Biddeford and west to South Paris in Maine. It was a good representation from across the state.
Lisa and Mark brought their new mega-banner that they learned how to construct from our friends in North Carolina. It captured huge attention as you can imagine.
Everyone is commenting that the honks and waves are growing by leaps and bounds these days as the corporate media has finally begun to report on the immoral genocide now underway in Palestine. It's become impossible for the mainstream news to ignore. But still the political mis-leaders in the US, UK, EU and many Arab states continue to support Israel with more money and weapons to do their dirty deeds. Global public opinion is beyond outraged.
We stood on the busiest intersection in Brunswick which was jammed with summer traffic heading north and south on Highway 1. Right across the street from our 4-corner peace protest is the Brunswick police station that must have gone nuts from two-hours of incessant honking.
Now is the time, as the people of Gaza are at their gravest moment of peril, for all of us to step up our actions in support of Palestine.
We closed with our usual circle to have folks introduce themselves and say what is on their mind. The one person that stood out most for me said she's been 'stuck on the coach' and needed to force herself to move. She is from up around Ellsworth (3 hour away). That was real talk and inspiring to all of us I am sure.
We are facing an onslaught of issues these days as the corporate oligarchs take control of virtually every lever of our nation and many other so-called 'democracies' around the world. How many fronts can we fight on at once? Are we surprised that so many are frozen in depression and despair? What is the solution?
The heartless capitalist system of maximum profit over nature and the people is showing its brutal side and losing the support of thinking and feeling people worldwide. More and more (especially younger) people are increasingly rejecting this rotten system.
For me being on the street with others buoys me - gives me hope as I witness the mass of honks and waves coming from many of the thousands of vehicles that passed us yesterday. We are not alone. When we stand on the corner in good numbers it helps those driving by not feel so alone as well.
Our next statewide monthly vigil will be held in Unity, Maine during the mass of traffic heading to the Common Ground Country Fair. On Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 am we will stand at the very busy intersection on Main Street next to the House of Pizza.
We hope many of you can join us.
Keep paddling friends. It's all about solidarity - forever.
Bruce
~ Photos by Mary Beth Sullivan
2 comments:
Very inspiring. We are getting more honks in front of UN here in NYC but not nearly enough.
Great post, Bruce. And I enjoyed the pictures that Mary Beth took.
Post a Comment