Open letter to Direct Action to Stop the War...from a disillusioned community

I write this with a heavy heart, after looking at every photo and posting from the past days' actions and events.

The Thursday city shutdown was powerful, successful, and I was there with you holding down, locking down.

However, as the days pass and things get more uncontrolled and less peaceful, I find myself feeling uncomfortable in this movement.

Direct Action to Stop the War has spurned too much violence from the protesters, has opened the door to too many black bloc tactics.

I realize that Direct Action to Stop the War is, in its mission, non-violent.

However, the continuing actions are drawing more and more violence.

I realize that the police, too, are being out of control, beating people harshly, arresting without cause or warning.

I do not support the police, nor the mayor, nor the "establishment" in this town.

However, I do not support property destruction, rage-filled screaming, carrying toold or other implements that could be used as weapons by protestors, trapping innocent bystanders and motorists among the protestors/by the protestors, marches that wind around the city after dark and terrorize people,.

I am devistated that the war has begun but I am sad that these things are happening in the name of ending war.

I am a loss as to what course to take, whether to continue supporting "non violent" direct actions that are coupled with violence.

PLEASE, let us all renounce violence and uncontrolled storming of our city, physically and verbally.
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Please- Direct Action to Stop the War- make a PUBLICment AGAINST the violence, make it clear that you stand for PEACEFUL actions. Actively STOP violence, created by both rage-filled and errant protesters as well as uncontrolled and vengeful police.

At Saturday's rally, Ilyse Hogue said "Silence is agreement." If you believe this, please DO NOT REMAIN SILENT about the increasing violence, rage, destruction, revenge, ands hatred expressed by protestors.

I am witholding my name not out of cowardice, but because I represent many who have expressed these sentiments, many who are confused about the real direction of the peace movement, disillusioned that what was and is described as "nonviolent direct action" is breeding just the opposite, and diminishing the support for this movement in San Francisco.

We welcome your response. Thank you

Hoping for REAL peace, in our thoughts, words, and actions....