Vigil Report

A lovely breezy noontime saw a dozen vigilers at Shirely Square. Positive responses were more than ever, overwhelmingly so. Just a few naysayers including the Gatra guy, the same blue car that yells, "Go back it San Francisco," and a couple of head shakers. At times there were conversations going on, so the vigil was not-so-silent. Edith counted dogs and sang sweetly. The lone Honk for the Troops guy was on his corner for a while but gone by the time I passed by in my car.
Peace - Heidi

Darfur Vigil, April 30

For years, many of us have read reports of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, and wondered why world leaders have failed to step in. As many as 400,000 civilians have died1 and over 2 million have been driven from their homes,2 and yet the United States and other leading nations won't intervene and stop the killing.

This week, we may have the best chance since the genocide began to capture national media attention and give our leaders a mandate to act. On Sunday, April 30th, tens of thousands of concerned Americans, organized by the Save Darfur coalition, will gather in Washington to demand a real multi-national peacekeeping force to protect civilians in Darfur and end the genocide—now.

To support this urgent call, we're launching a "virtual march" to end the genocide in Darfur. We'll announce the total number of virtual marchers and read some of your comments at the big rally in DC (with the national media looking on) and then we'll deliver every signature to Congress and the President. We're aiming to sign up 100,000 virtual marchers in time for the rally—can you help us get there?

You can join the virtual march against genocide by pasting this link in your browser:

http://political.moveon.org/darfur?id=7381-5663936-kax4yUXWT2jf340FzBzapA&t=2

Plymouth Votes, May 13th

Fellow Activists:

In a few weeks, on May 13th, Plymouth will hold its annual election: one of the most important, I believe, in recent history.

On that occasion residents will, for the fourth time in the last ten years, be asked to consider revising abandoning town’s historic charter and electing a slate of charter commissioners.

On the face of it, the idea of the ‘evolution’ of our form of government seems a reasonable notion, and a mayoral system a plausible solution to what some are calling the town’s ‘growing pains’.

But appearances can be deceiving, and in this case the cadre of radical conservatives who are behind this effort, have anything but the town’s progress in mind. Instead, based on their own words, the leadership of the Mayor for Plymouth effort is intent on cutting taxes no matter what the effect on schools and services, on converting conservation land to industrially zoned acreage, and on riding this Mayoral Trojan Horse into the heart of Plymouth to grab the political power that they have not been able to win at the ballot box.

The leaders of the Mayor for Plymouth effort are not the friends of grassroots political action. They despise the peace movement, publicly belittle their political opponents, and seem to idealize a system of government which is feudal in its origin, and less accessible by design. One of their leaders, Mike Jones - a lobbyist by profession, played an important part in the 2000 Florida recount that gave George Bush the Presidency: one of the saddest chapters in the history of our democracy.

Please, don’t drink the Kool-Aid. Vote against revisiting the Town Charter and, to be safe, support the OPEN slate of charter commission candidates: David Buckman, Margie Burgess, Dick DiSilva, Nick Filla, Jean Loewenberg, Anthony Schenna, Richard Serkey, Mark Withington, and Janet Young.

For further information on the OPEN candidates, click HERE.

Vigil Report, April 22, 2006

Dear Friends,

A nice turnout today - about 15 people total - including some new folks and little Miss Edie & family. It was a pleasant surprise to have Sharyn Besse back with us after her accident. Thanks to you all.

Response was good, with some passers-by stopping to express appreciation and encouragement. Mr. "Honk for the Troops" was on station.

Hope to see you again next Saturday.

Peace,

Ted

Peace Petition Information

Grace and I, Sharyn Besse and Barbara Brooks represented our group in a meeting with the Cape Codders for Peace and Justice, along with members of the Duxbury Peace Vigil, to hear and discuss their plans for peace actions in our area.

The Cape Codders are asking for our participation in their planned petition drive directed to our Congressman, William Delahunt, calling on him to take steps in Congress to end the war in Iraq. In particular, their petition requests that he join Massachusetts Representatives James McGovern and Barney Frank and other representatives in Congress in signing H.R. 4232, a Resolution aimed at prohibiting funding for further deployment of U.S. troops in Iraq. The Cape Codder's Petition further calls for an immediate withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Iraq.

Grace and I indicated that we could not support the Petition as written, as it calls for "immediate withdrawal" of all U.S. troops from Iraq. While we work towards peace, we feel we cannot in conscience leave Iraq in the situation now existing. Sharyn and Barbara also had some reservations. In response, the Cape Codders indicated that we would be free to alter the wording of the Petition to suit ourselves (i.e. deleting the word "immediate").

We recommend that you call up the text of the Resolution by entering http://thomas.loc.gov and then entering the number 4232. The existing Cape Codder's Petition can be found on www.capecodpeaceandjustice.org. A study of these documents will help you to determine what action you wish to take, altering the Petition if you see fit and gathering signatures on it.

The Cape Codders want to deliver the signed Petitions simultaneously to Delahunt's Hyannis and Quincy offices on April 18. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND COMPLETED PETITIONS, PRIOR TO APRIL 18, TO:

Cape Codders for Peace and Justice
Box 514
South Yarmouth, MA 02664

Vigil Report, April 1, 2006

Dear friends,

There were 11 of us out today on a sunny, warm and windy noon hour. Again, most responses were favorable, but warm weather seemed to bring out some unthinking folks, yelling about 9/11, telling us to go back to France, etc. Mr. Honk for the Troops was at his post.

We are invited by Cape Codders for Peace and Justice to join them and others tomorrow, Sun. April 2, at Sam Diego's in downtown Plymouth, at 2:00 PM, for a planning session on possible area-wide actions for peace. Grace and I plan to be there. Hope to see some of you, too.

Ted

Vigil Report, March 25,2006

Dear Friends,

My fingers have finally thawed out, so here goes.

Eleven of us turned out to brave a cold, raw noontime. Little Miss Edie got cold and left early, taking her mother with her.

Sharyn Besse has made a marvelous new banner! It's about 9 feet long by 3 feet wide, and it bears the stylized "PEACE", made up of symbols of the world's religions, like the one that graced the front of the pulpit at the recent Peace service at First Parish. The banner is laminated and mounted on staves for carrying. Thanks, and "Well done" to Sharyn.

ALL of the responses today were positive, except for our bus driver pal. I think the lovely banner evoked the better natures of the passers by. There were no Honk for the Troops people out today.

Thanks to all who came out today to keep our statement before the public. We'll keep hoping for Spring. Please note the things I've forwarded, about getting together with other area peace groups, and going to New York for the big demonstration on April 29. Grace and I, at 80, are not up for such adventures out of town any more, but you all feel free.

Sincerely,

Ted

Peace Demonstration in NYC April 29th

When government lies, democracy dies! Support the truth. Support the troops. Rally for Peace April 29, 2006 in New York City. Let the world know that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of US want to put an end to the war in Iraq. Let the administration and the military industrial complex know that war is no longer a strategy for peace.

Bring the troops home. Show your support by promoting the NYC April Rally. Free postable stickers (the same as the image above) by contacting rally@peaceispatriotic.org.
-Help spread the word by making it stick on briefcases, refrigerators, bumpers, envelopes, file cabinets or bulletin boards. Demonstrate your support for peace by showing up at the Rally.

Shirley Square, March 18, 2006

Here's Ted's report. I think we actually had 26 vigilers.
Dear Friends,

A marvelous turnout - 25! Thanks to all who came out to observe the sad occasion of the third anniversary of the start of the war. A warm welcome to our newcomers - hope you'll continue to join us.

There is cause for hope in the many signs of encouragement, from both motorists and pedestrians passing by...and a certain sadness at the few who seemingly jeer at peace.

"Honk for the Troops" had 5 people out at about 12:30.

Some members announce a program called "OM for Peace", coordinated by the Yoga Connection on Easter Sunday at 6-7 PM. It is a nationwide joint chanting of "OM" with the intention of Peace in the world. Further information at 508 746 4446.


Peace,

Ted

March 18 Vigil

Please keep in mind that our vigil this Saturday will commemorate and emphasize the Third Anniversary of the start of the War on Iraq!

We hope that you will make every effort to join with us and make it a memorable and visible event in Plymouth center. This message goes regularly to a large list of like-minded people. While we realize that Saturday noon is not a good time for many of you, we hope that in this instance you might be able to make an extra effort to find the time.

We have a number of signs/placards, and new ones are being made to stress the anniversary and the toll of war. You are invited to make your own signs, but please remember our agreed-upon limitation to slogans promoting peace/opposing war without direct political overtones or implications. Hard to do if your passions are aroused by the situation, but try.

Please try to recruit friends and neighbors to join us in this effort, at least for this special day. If they try it, they might like it, and come again.

Hope to see more of you there at noon this Saturday, March 18, 2006, at Town Square, in front of the two churches, or at Shirley Square, Main St at top of North St.

We start from Town Square and process to Shirley Square, where we stand in vigil for an hour. Please remember, and also tell any guests you may bring, that our vigil is Silent - no conversation or chat among ourselves, and no response to hecklers. If a sincere question is asked, the nearest vigiler may step back and answer quietly. Basically, our signs speak for themselves!

Sincerely,

Ted

Troops Support Withdrawal from Iraq

By DREW BROWN
Knight Ridder Newspapers

WASHINGTON - Nearly three out of four American troops serving in Iraq think U.S. forces should withdraw within a year, and more than one in four say the United States should leave immediately, according to a new poll published Tuesday.
The poll, conducted by Zogby International and the Center for Peace and Global Studies at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., was a rare effort to determine the views of American troops serving in a ground war.
Twenty-nine percent of the troops surveyed said U.S. forces should leave Iraq immediately, another 22 percent said they should leave within the next six months and 21 percent said within six to 12 months. Twenty-three percent agreed with President Bush's call for troops to stay "as long as they are needed" and 5 percent were unsure.
David Segal, a military sociologist at the University of Maryland, said that while most service members were more conservative than society as a whole, it wasn't surprising to see them reflect attitudes similar to civilians, who increasingly oppose the war.
Those views aren't necessarily an indication that troops are losing faith in the war, Segal said.
"One could argue that troops are saying, `Hey, we've accomplished a great deal. It's time to get out,' which is what you hear a lot of people in Washington saying," he said.

Vigil Report - February 25, 2006

Hi Friends,

Eleven people turned out this cold noontime, including a new friend from Marshfield and little Edith. Despite warning flurries, the snow held off until we were finished. Congratulations and thanks to all who came out.

Responses continue to be largely very favorable, with only one young 9/11 shouter and a middle-aged man murmuring "Shame"- Peace a shame?! There was no one out for "Honk for the Troops".

Some gathered for lunch, and then posted some placards in First Parish Church for tomorrow's service, which starts at 10:00. All are welcome. Hope to see you there.

Ted

Minority Delegate Process for Dem State Convention

Please join members of the Minority Caucus for an information session about the add-on delegate process for the nominating convention to be held

June 2 and 3 2006
in
Worcester MA

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 2006

WHERE: The Senior Center-Lowell, MA
276 Broadway Street

TIME: 1:00 PM

Who is eligible to be an add-on delegate? There are three categories available: 1. Minority delegates which are Hispanic, African American, Cape Verdian, Native American, and Asian as defined by the EEOC, per the DSC charter. 2. Handicapped individuals. 3. Youth, age 18-35. All applicants must have been registered Democrats by December 3, 2005.

We will have applications available at this meeting; all applications must be received by the DSC no later than 5:00 PM, March 18th. You do not have to be committed to a candidate to participate.

Please RSVP to this meeting by Thursday March 2nd so we can ensure proper room set up. You can RSVP to Faye Morrison via email fayem01852@yahoo.com or by phone 978-772-4629. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by either method mentioned above.

Please send this information out to everyone you know, however this event is not an outreach opportunity for campaigns, and any such work will have to be done outside of the meeting room. Directions provided upon request.

Vigil Report, February 18, 2006

Dear Friends,

Eight of us turned out today in cold, brisk weather with a flurry or two of snow. Reaction seems to be growing more supportive, with many waves, peace signs and thumbs up. The bus driver, a man who slowed to make a remark about 9/11, and a car full of young men shouting foolishness were the only signs of opposition. No one was out for the Honk for the Troops group.

Mary Farrell reported on a Peace March led by monks from the Peace Pagoda, which will visit Plymouth in March. Please keep us posted, Mary.

All are reminded of the Peace service to be held at First Parish, Unitarian Universalist in Plymouth on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 10:00 AM. Some of us will be participating. All are welcome.

Best,

Ted

Vigil Report - February 11, 2006

Today eleven hearty and stout vigilers, including Edith our peace baby, braved the cold at Shirley Square.
As usual there was great support peppered by a couple of hecklers and the thumb down from that Gatra bus driver. The Support the Troops guy was at the post office, but had left by the time the clock struck 1:00.
Peace - Heidi

Vigil Report, February 5, 2006

Dear Friends,

We had a fine turnout - total count 18, including our 2 year old member, who brought her parents as usual, and three ladies from the Duxbury Vigil, who joined us after their own stand, from 11 to 12. We should try to join them occasionally, at the Post Office at Hall's Corners. This was a busy day for some, who participated in the Plymouth Democratic Caucus in the morning. Had to leave early to get back, so can't report which slate won.

Again, responses were mainly positive, just one young man growling out of his window as he passed, "Go live somewhere else". Unclear on the concept of peace, I guess. Our opposite number continued his solo stand with his "Honk for the Troops" sign. One of us went to him afterwards to tell him we admired his dedication and perseverance. He thanked her and wished her a good day.

Thanks again to all who can make it on Saturdays and persevere in our vigil. We may be at it a long time!

Ted

War, Costly... Peace, priceless

Dear Friends,

There were 12 of us gathered to vigil, including two women from the Duxbury Vigil who joined us after completing their own, which runs from 11 to 12, Saturdays, in the area of the Post Office in Hall's Corners. They invite us to join them, any time, before our vigil. Some of us are planning to attend their next First Friday Peace Potluck at the Duxbury Unitarian Church in February. More details later.

After our vigil we had some very good conversations and meetings of the mind. Some of us adjourned to the Bella Piazza, (the nice little Irish-Italian restaurant whose owner has welcomed us before) to continue the dialogue on our aims and methods. The three of our members most in favor of a "stronger" message were present and agreed to temper their signs. Sharyn Bessie participated in the Vigil today with a beautiful new sign reading "War, Costly....Peace, priceless". Would that governments could negotiate as peacefully!!

All in all. it was a nice, productive day. Our friend from "Support the Troops" was at his station.

Hope the weather is as favorable next week. See you then.

Ted

Vigil Report, January 21, 2006

Dear Friends,

We had 14 vigilers out on a mild, but blustery day. Our ranks included a mother with her two year old, who happily wore her own little peace symbol, two new members, and also three members of the Duxbury Vigil group, who came down to join us. Would those of you who have contact with them please forward our thanks and appreciation.

All went well, and reaction was overwhelmingly positive and supportive, with only three hecklers that I saw. Support the Troops group had one man at the Post Office.
He is always there and we respect his dedication to his cause.

Thanks to all of you who turned out. We hope the weather will continue to favor us. If any of you who can't make it on Saturday have managed to find another group, please let us all know about it, to spread the good news.

Hope to see you next week,

Ted

Vigil to present Sunday Service at First Parish Church

Dear Vigil Members -

It is confirmed that the Plymouth Vigil for Peace is invited to present the Sunday service on February 26, 2006 at l0 AM at First Parish Church in Plymouth. It will feature the reading by Ted Curtin of Dr. Howard Zinn's essay "After This War".

We hope that as many of our members as possible will attend the service, and invite others as well.

We will need volunteers to assist in the following ways:

l) Four women to present petitions on behalf of Women Say No to War, in
their effort to obtain 100,000 signatures by International Women's Day
on March 8, 2006, when US and Iraqi women will deliver the signatures
to leaders in Washington DC and women around the world will deliver
them to US embassies. This will be done during the fellowship period
following the service. Perhaps Heidi can provide us with pink peace pins
for these women to wear.

2) A creative person or persons to make a banner to hang on the lectern in
the church....to read, simply, "PEACE".

The church has a small but marvelous choir which will offer appropriate music and the congregation will sing "Gonna Lay Down my Sword and Shield".

We are grateful to Rev. Sarah Clark and the First Parish congregation for inviting us to present this service in their Sanctuary.

PEACE
Ted

Vigil Report, January 6, 2006

Dear Friends,

Ten of us turned out on a beautiful, clear, but cold noontime for our first vigil of 2006. Thanks to all of you, including a few new members! Hope we see more of you in the weeks to come. Saturday noon seems a very good time for us - increased visibility, more traffic, and some sun to warm our chilled bones.

We are truly sorry that Saturday is not a good day for several of you regulars. Perhaps, as some have suggested, you might band with others in the same situation to keep vigiling at another time and day. Contact like spirits via the group address.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many waves, toots, peace signs and thumbs-up signals. Only two hecklers, both young men referring to 9/11. A veteran rolled down his window to state his agreement, and a son of a recently returned Iraq veteran told us his whole family agreed with us. "Support our Troops" had one man at the post Office corner.

Comments received from members about:
1. The nature of our signs - should they be more apolitical, stressing peace, steering away from confrontational statements that might invite heckling?
2. The quiet nature of our vigil - some think we should talk and provide information.

All of you are invited to comment and discuss these questions.

Irene Caldwell attended the Peace and Justice potluck meeting at Duxbury last night, and plans to make a report to all vigilers about ideas advanced and discussed there. Sounds interesting.

Hope we see you at noon next Saturday Jan. 13.

Ted