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

Vigil Report - Best Wishes

Many thanks and kudos to the stalwarts who braved the Solstice cold and dark!

Five of us gathered at the usual places - seems strange to be standing in the street before the huge Christmas trees that spill over the sidewalks. We did not see (or hear) any of the Troop Support group.

Got a lot of discreet toots and friendly waves, and one sporty mustang stopped while an older Purple Heart veteran lowered his window to say he was completely in support of us and what we were doing. Every little bit helps.

Let's continue to talk about alternate vigil plans for next year, such as Saturday noon for greater exposure.

For the last week of this year, let's continue in the same place and time.

See you next week, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, we wish you all a very happy Christmas and Holiday season, and all the best for a new year of PEACE!

Ted and Grace

Holiday Week Vigil

Dear friends:

We feel it's very important for us to Vigil during Christmas week and hope that as many as possible will be there tomorrow night...6:30, starting out from Town Square.
It will probably be quite cold, and a sacrifice during the busy pre-holiday time. But it won't compare with the sacrifice being made by our troops in Iraq. Please try to be there.

We also think it will be healing for us to share with one another our commitment to Peace on Earth, and the beauty of the season.

In peace and love,
Ted and Grace

PS - If you can't make the Vigil, we suggest that you view Heidi Mayo's interview on PACTV, starting at 6:00 PM.

Pillar Fight

Georgie is at it again: I suppose we should be happy that at least he's come out of his hole, even if its only so that he could tell us how hard he's been working.

And what has he been working on - why Victory in Iraq, don't you know: a detailed (as far as he will go at least), three-pronged strategy for defeating the terrorists, re-building the country, and spreading democracy. Kind of like a series of fertilizer treatments, to kill the crab grass, encourage the good grass to grow, and make the lawn nice and green so it fits in with the neighbor's lawns.

The 38 page report that they distributed today, concludes with several pages of what they call "The Strategic Pillars":

The first pillar is "Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgency", which even I think is an improvement on their previous strategy of attracting terrorists and ignoring the insurgency. Of course they just kind of ignore their past mistakes, and hope no one notices. "Heck," their spokesmen say, "this has been the plan all along. Honest!".

The second pillar is "Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance", which is a hoot: kind of like saying, 'transition the junkie to a drug-free mobile home park'. Easier said than done. And what happened to those hordes of well wishers that were going to greet our troops like Jesus on his way into Jerusalem? And you know how that turned out.

The third pillar is "Help Iraqis Form a National Compact for Democratic Government", which is awkwardly put, but I think means that we are going to lead the horse to water, and then make him drink, as soon that is, as we get the water running again, and the oil, and electricity. Once the lights stay on, Democracy is a cinch.

Pillar Five is "Help Iraq Strengthen its Economy", which is something I think we should have thought of before we bombed the crap out of every major city in Iraq. But hey, its kind of what the new owners of a sports franchise would do after paying the big bucks for the team: raise ticket prices, knock down the old stadium, and build a new one with taxpayers money, being sure to add plenty of sky boxes for rich sponsors. Right now they're negotiating with a major corporation for naming rights: not for a stadium, for the whole country. They were all set to go with Enronia, but that pillar of society had its own problems.

Pillar Six is "Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Civil Rights" and after they're sure that this pillar is up, they're going to try and do the same here in America. It's going to be difficult though, what with the way George has been dissing the Geneva Convention, arguing for the right to torture prisoners, laughing at the world court, hiding prisoners all around the world and letting the local Taliban screw with everybody.

And then on the same day that they offer up Pillar Seven -"Increase International Support for Iraq", it's revealed they've been paying millions to a contractor who pays Iraqi journalists to slip in propaganda pieces into Iraqi newspapers. Oh well, at least they're trying. And anyway, after Abu Ghraib and the discovery of the secret torture prisons run by our favorite Iraqis, I don't think they are really serious, or care, about their reputations.

And this was always, the report insists, part of their master plan all along. Even that 'Mission Accomplished" banner and George posing in San Diego harbor, were part of their brilliant plan for victory in Iraq.

"You see I was pretendin," George seems to be saying, winking and grinnin, and squinting at the teleprompter. "I was pretendin we had already won, to fool the terrorists in to thinkin they had already lost, to lull them into a false sense of security, so we could sneak up on em and hit them with this big plan here, and these pillars.."

"And lord knows in a pillar fight -at least the kind like me and Condi have down in Crawford after the misses is asleep, the guy with the biggest pillar wins every time.

Vigil Report, November 23, 2005

It was pretty cold out, but no wind.

Only 5 of us were present, but we proceeded as usual, though we decided because of the falling temperature to stop at 7:00. None of the "Troop" group were out when we began, but there were two on station when we passed by after 7.

My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those faithful stalwarts who braved the cold this evening. One of them told me afterwards, "It really isn't very cold."

I'm proposing another benchmark to determine whether we turn out or not:

- if the temperature is below freezing;
- if it is raining hard;
- if it is snowing hard.

Please chime in with your thoughts and preferences on this, using "reply to all", so all will be aware.

Our very best wishes to you all for a wonderful, happy Thanksgiving. See you next week.

Ted & Grace

Maintaining Momentum?

Dear Friends,

You should have been there! It was almost balmy in downtown Plymouth, and dry, though the wind was gusty.

Only 6 of us showed up, but we kept the routine. We missed you!

The troop support group had about 10 or 11.

We have a good and vital message for our fellow citizens, let's keep turning out to show it in numbers big enough to make them notice. Let's not get lulled by sliding poll numbers for Bush and recent positive stirrings in the Congress. This will be a long pull, and besides our internet activities of petition and praise(where merited) we all have chosen to stand up and stand out for the ideal of PEACE. LET'S DO IT!.

Those of us right in Plymouth ought to invite a friend of like mind to join us, to swell the numbers and heighten the impact. We have plenty of signs, and Grace has made a trial run of peace symbols on poster board to hang around the neck. Our witness does have an effect - a young teacher from Norwood saw the Globe article and is starting a vigil there. She called for tips and suggestions.

We're happy to report that we have heard from "our" soldier in Iraq, with his picture enclosed. Brings it a lot closer.

Hope to see you next Wednesday.

Sincerely,

Ted

Vigil Report, November 9, 2005

Dear Friends,

Despite cold and misty weather, about a dozen showed up and decided to proceed as planned. Two had parked near Shirley Square, and we met and stood with them there. Some tested the walking option, and reported good visibility and reception at Rtes. 44 and 3A. "Troops" group was also out.

Heidi is happy with the response to her "Sponsor a Soldier" program, but we decided, at her request, not to go ahead with the press release idea, since the response to such wide dissemination could overwhelm her. Word of mouth seems to work fine, so keep spreading the word as you start writing to"your" soldier. Sent my first note today.

Trying to think of options for distinctive outer garb with peace signs to go over heavy winter clothing. One suggestion - homemade tabards, cut out of felt, with peace symbols glued on. We could all agree on a uniform color. Any other ideas?

In peace,

Ted