Say What's On Your Mind; It Might Help Right the System

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.adn.com/opinion/compass/story/9139646p-9056169c.html

COMPASS: Points of view from the community

By CHERYL HILMES

Published: July 17, 2007
Last Modified: July 17, 2007 at 02:53 AM

"Not feeling very celebratory this Independence Day, I decided to try and turn my energy around into something good. Being an Air Force veteran, having served just over four years from 1980-84, I still possessed a certain sense of patriotism for my country. Lately I have been feeling that our country and leaders haven't been something I can be proud of.

"So I ventured downtown to the Park Strip. I brought a sign that read "Troops Home Now." I decided this was a message I could get behind. This would be my way of showing my patriotism and honoring the men and women currently serving our country. I also couldn't help but think that if our troops came home, there would be fewer Iraqi citizens dead as well.

"The stories to follow are remembrances of this day. Each one led to another and changed me and deepened my convictions that by acting on my beliefs, I could reach people. I set out to share my message, to do my part in creating change, and instead, I was the one changed.

"Before me, a young family passed. Dad, Mom and toddler in stroller. The woman read my sign first. Her response was, "Thank you for being here today and for the message on your sign. That's how we feel. My husband is about to get out of the service and we can't wait. We don't believe in this war and what our country is doing. My husband wants to help people, not kill them. Keep doing what you're doing." Then, we all hugged and they moved along.

"Next, a young woman walked directly toward me -- like someone on a mission. My first thought was "Uh, oh, she feels angered by my sign."

"Instead, I was surprised when she asked, "May I have my picture taken with you? I'm in the service and next week I'm going to Iraq, and I don't want to go. I don't believe in why we're there. I'm a medic, and I know I'll be facing people that I can barely help. While I'm there I want to remember that there are people back home who are continuing to work to end this war. That will make me feel better." I said I would remember her, and I thanked her for stopping and we embraced. I continued along the parade route.

"As I crossed near the Performing Arts Center, a woman approached. She had lovely dark eyes, dark hair and an intensity of spirit. She said: "My son is over there in Iraq right now. I miss him. I want him to come home safely. Thank you for caring enough to be out here with your sign." I hugged her and told her I would also hope for her son's continued well-being and safe return.

"Next, I stopped at the soldier statue at the Park Strip. My friend, Lynn, promptly knelt before it and expressed her grief and love for a brother lost at 19 while serving in the military. I know she was also grieving for all who have lost their lives.

"A beautiful Native women approached, pushing her sister in a wheelchair. They stopped to read our signs. Then she started with her story: "My husband is in the Guard. We're from up north. Wales. It's been really hard with him gone. I can't stop thinking about him. He's coming home next week. I hope he's safe. It's been very, very hard without him. I'm glad you're here. I'm glad I got to talk with you." I thanked her for her husband's service and extended a hug.

"I walked away from this day moved. I left with tears, inspiration and a feeling that there are enormous opportunities ahead. I see a land with more energized citizens, more voters, more people who speak their minds and who take risks to change what's diseased about our system. This is the democracy I envision.



I had the pleasure, too, of talking with this Ms. Hilmes. She is on the right.

[babylonsister]

1. Thanks, Blue; that was inspirational! nt

[Peace Patriot]

2. Thanks so much! What a wonderful story!

Signs should say, "Troops Home Now! Count every vote!"

Or "Troops Home Now! Paper ballots!"

If we would only add that coda to anti-war signs, we would help other Americans identify what the problem is--why our government is deaf to 70% of us!--and create an effective strategy for restoring democratic control over government policy.

Witnessing, and connecting with other Americans, are vitally important actions. But too often the result is just dismay, sadness, mystification at our powerlessness, and no strategic thinking--thinking about POWER, for instance, rightwing Bushite corporate control over the counting of our votes with 'trade secret' programming code, a power they only recently acquired (during the 2002 to 2004 period). That will be a great and joyful Fourth of July some day, after we have restored transparent vote counting!

Kudos and laurel wreaths to Chery Hilmes, who acted for me and for all of us this Fourth of July! This public action touched me deeply, even though I don't know her--just by reading this and seeing the photo. It reminds me ever again that democracy is a state of mine, more than anything else, that sends real psychic ripples throughout a country. When that ripple of freedom is started by somebody--even just one person--it triggers an unstoppable roaring tide that eventually touches everyone, because the human mind and the human heart want to be free!

But we do have to deal with practical, strategic matters as well. Add "count every vote" to anti-war signs and you will help trigger the strategic tide that will lead to re-empowerment of the people.

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Count every vote! Hand-counted paper ballots! Throw Diebold, ES&S and all election theft machines into 'Boston Harbor' NOW!