A Platoon for Peace

Like five drops in an ocean of peaceful intentions, a small group of West Sonoma County residents joined a rising tide of opposition to the impending Bush war against Iraqi innocents.

As if to acknowledge the turning of the tide, so-called President Bush beat a hasty retreat to his Camp David hideout and was nowhere to be seen except in effigy. And as the butt of vituperative messages on the thousands of antiwar signs bobbing the length and breadth of Market Street, and on the Mall in D.C., and in cities across the U.S. and around the world.

At the foot of San Francisco's Market Street, members and friends of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship meditated amidst the hubbub of pre-march speeches, drumming, chanting, and the sounds from the nearby ferry terminal and helicopters overhead. Somehow, it all felt harmonious and in balance. Such is the power of peaceful intentions.

The breeze off the Bay was brisk, but the chill was offset by the waves of warmth radiating from all of us. Occasionally, the fragrance of incense wafted by -- a little reminder that peace can be made anywhere.

A slightly hunched-over senior sported a sign that read: ANOTHER RETIRED BUREAUCRAT AGAINST THE WAR. "I just want people to know the breadth of the opposition to this war," said the unassuming grandfatherly figure as he moved along sprightly, his step buoyed by vigorous purpose.

Everywhere we turned we saw inspired signs and costumes. Groups of cheerleaders high-kicked their enthusiasm for the passing throngs.

Singers and musicians played for Peace. Along the way, we came across an Andrews-sisters quartet of women in their 'seventies singing protest songs from the 'sixties -- so poignant.

Nearby a mother in punked-out hair pushed a baby stroller toward the rally. We saw lots of other parents too, eager to give their kids an early education in the art of peace-making.

From young to old and every generation in between, the Bush administration's headlong rush to war is mobilizing a peace movement the likes of which hasn't been seen since the Vietnam War era.

On the way back from the rally, an a cappella group entertained us with the chorus from "Ain't Gonna Study War No More."

It felt good -- and emotionally moving -- to be in our little peace platoon, clapping and singing in harmony. To be in common cause with the one-hundred-thousand-strong army in opposition to war.

Will the rally help stop an immoral war and the slaughter of thousands of innocent men, women, and children? That remains to be seen. If nothing else, it will send a clear message to millions more that it's OK to speak out for Peace. Acting for world peace and justice is the only true patriotism.

May all beings be free from the Horror of War.

Andrew Z