on this postBack to Democracy devoted their regular meeting last Friday to a discussion on the NYS Marches for Peace walk to Watertown and Fort Drum, Alexis Alexander introduced the panel which included Nevin Sabet , John Hamilton and Lynn McMannus. She gave a summary personality and flavor of the march day to day and people’s positive reception and involvement of IVAW and those who have loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ever evolving community of people coming in and out of community of walkers.
Lyn gave a summary of his Vietnam experience and how it informs his peace work today. If he can reach just one recruit or one soldier it will be more than worth it. He wishes someone might have reached him before he went off to Vietnam.
John spoke about the rule of law and international agreements,
Nevin spoke about how she was planning on a support role, but then decided to walk for a day. She made a deal with her daughter that they could go to the Disney Store in the Carousel Mall on the way back, but her daughter quickly became engaged with all the activity and decided to stay longer with the march.
Travis from Brewerton, and Kelli from Cayuga County had been invited to the meeting.
Kelli Large spoke about her brother in Afghanustan, a medic who has to deal with issues faced by many soldiers he attends, but who finds no support for himself.
Travis talked about how he and his friend anita saw and joined the march Syracuse Brewerton. He was having a somewhat loud political conversation with friends in a public square in Brewerton when he heard that the march was approaching. He took the opportunity to act rather than just talk.
IVAW members sent their regrets. They have so many demands upon them, including college work.
Much of the talking circle that followed focused on education. It was a good meeting.
I am going to stop here and let other articulate some of the ideas we all shared in the forum (link above).
