[Peace-discuss] Re: [Peace] P4P parking

[Randall Cotton]

I think this is an important way to effect positive change while one is out
in public, at work and so on, and I would like to add my encouragement to
those even remotely inclined.

However, I would discourage making connections with counter-protestors at
P4P. Passing by them in order to get to P4P is one thing (sounds like Clint
didn't have a choice), but I can tell you from abundant personal experience
(being at the border for the three weeks they've been present) that crossing
over to try this absolutely guarantees heated conflict and is also against
the express request of the organizers on the other side. I'm pretty sure
Clint wasn't suggesting this, but in case there is any misinterpretation, I
think it's important to emphasize that the organizers on both sides are
quite unified on the premise that P4P itself is not the place for attempting
to make such connections. The combination of diametric opposition and mob
psychology preclude this being anything but counterproductive.

I would also like to reiterate that the primary reason the
counter-protestors even started showing up was because they felt so strongly
opposed to P4P itself (their primary organizer said as much). I believe the
more we "rile them up", the longer they're going to stick around. The more
we avoid inflaming them the sooner they'll lose interest.

R

On Fri, Apr 04, 2003 at 12:48:39PM -0600, Randall Cotton wrote:
> If you come up from the south side (say, by taking the grey line to
> bloomington and prospect), you'll have to pass through any
> counter-protestors, which might be particularly unpleasant if you're
> carrying an "Impeach Bush" sign =8-)

This can be a _really_ interesting experiment though.  When I biked
out there two weeks ago pulling my kids in a bike trailer, I was
_very_ up close and personal with them (about two feet from their
faces.)  As I approached, I got a lot of warm smiles and hellos, the
kind of friendliness one exchanges with any human being, or at least
hopes to.  As I passed, and they read the "Attack Iraq: NO!" sticker
on the back of the trailer, a wave of insults, jibes, and shouts,
followed.  It revealed to me how easily one can dehumanize others, and
how quickly it can happen.

<soapbox>

I encourage people not to isolate themselves from pro-war people.
Wear your No War pins into Ron's Campus Locksmith (a very pro-war
establishments) and SMILE.  Talk to people in line next to you at
stores, when they look askance at your button.  These people are all
human, and they all have love, fear, insecurity, and hope.  They are
just at different points in their lives, with different backgrounds,
and different exposures to diverse views.  If we don't try to make
connections with the people who don't share our views, we are a living
example of the kind of group-think and isolationism that led us to yet
another war.

</soapbox>

-Clint

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