Brian
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Post by Brian on Dec 5, 2009 1:18:53 GMT -8
Traffic was brisk for Friday night's vigil, like the weather. Portable toilets on the sidewalk for today's Montrose Christmas parade leaned against the frozen yogurt shop. When a big rig parked next to them, blocking our view of the southbound vehicles on Ocean View, I moved across the corner where the eastbound traffic on Honolulu seems much heavier to me the past few weeks. Bruce's beautiful wind-shielded candle might have brought extra attention -- we certainly had more sweet exchanges from motorists waiting for the stoplight to change. And maybe this week more people want a halt to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Joined briefly by three teenagers, we had 14 participants, which sure beats the average of 9.25 in November. Thanks to Roberta, we will have a presence at the Christmas Parade this year -- and we will be in it next year. She posted a few hours ago -- scroll down these pages for the latest news: montrosepeacevigil.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=107&page=2montrosepeacevigil.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=65&page=5Look for the Montrose Peace Vigil banner on the corner Monday evenings as well. It's also becoming a community institution.
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anni
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Post by anni on Dec 5, 2009 18:43:36 GMT -8
At the corner last night, two middle-aged guys drove by slowly and one of them looked at us and said, "Comrades! Comrades"
I wanted to say "Da! Da!" But he might have thought I was serious!!!
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Post by Jeanne on Dec 7, 2009 17:35:09 GMT -8
I started a conversation with a substitute teacher at work today and learned that she lives in La Crescenta. We got to talking about the community and politics and she commented on the lack of activism in town. She said, "There's nothing going on here except the protesters on the corners in Montrose." I said, "That's me!" She said that she honks for us.
Her name is Judy Tejeda and is on the CV Water Board, so we talked a little bit about rain barrels and plastic lawns.
I thought it might cheer us up a bit to hear some encouragement from one of our honkers.
BTW I won't be on the corner this Friday due to the ceramics sale at the community center in La Canada.
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anni
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Post by anni on Dec 7, 2009 18:16:06 GMT -8
Ms. Tejeda was Brian's Jr. High Typing teacher...maybe Ms. Nancy remembers her, too??? And you betcha...it's great to have in person validation. Will totally miss you, though, Jeanne!
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Roberta
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Post by Roberta on Dec 11, 2009 8:24:00 GMT -8
It is going to be wet tonight, but maybe we will luck out and the first wave will have passed on, with the second not arriving til after 7:00. Many folks stopping to talk at the corner particularly those who like to argue, invoke Hitler as a reason wars are necessary. I don't want to sound flip so I don't blurt out my gut reaction, which is to live in the now man. Hearing our smart prez trot this out doesn't make me any more convinced. And I'm sure being called "evil" isn't going to move any Afghans or Pakistanis or Iraqis etc. to foreswear violence. Nor will it stop the mini-trend of young men with U.S. passports who are bent on fighting the U.S. occupation of foreign countries they haven't even been to, yet identify with. And speaking of evil, will drone attacks in say, Virginia, be next? There has got to be a better way. Would that everyone sporting a peace symbol, nice to see but I wonder if it is just a fashion fad, joins in efforts such as Peace Action West's and their coalition partners: modernizingforeignassistance.net/white-house-petition/
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Post by Sharon W on Dec 11, 2009 20:26:07 GMT -8
We got cold at Broadway & Brand and came home early - hence the drive by at your vigil. Thanks for coming out in this weather - there were 4 faithful still holding signs when we left a little after 6. You guys had a great turnout.
Happy Solstice.
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Brian
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Post by Brian on Dec 12, 2009 0:06:09 GMT -8
Sharon, Anni told me she saw you and Bill driving by and waving to us. I was surprised by the turnout -- grateful to see nine regulars on the corner immediately after another rain shower. Additionally, four little kids participated in the vigil along with the three adults with them for a total of 16. They even came back after having frozen yogurt inside and jumped around with their signs for another few minutes. There was plenty of traffic to catch that beautiful sight.
Conversely, no counterprotesters showed up. Not the first time in their two years, but I can't remember another Friday seeing fewer than three men across the street unless it was extremely cold or actually raining. So I joined Mike on their patch of grass opposite the happy commies and bouncing children for about half a hour. We got lots of honks and waves meant for the counterprotesters despite Mike's bright white sign with huge words like BUSH, LIES and DIES. I held Roberta's sign, "Peace Supports Our Troops." Only a few motorists who paid attention withdrew their greetings. I'll admit I enjoyed the change of venue way too much, feeling giddy like a teenager pulling a great prank and getting away with it. It was bitchin'.
Next week, we can sit down together for cocktails and food after the vigil at a nearby bar/restaurant thanks to Louisa, who made the suggestion and got several of us enlisted right away. All are welcome, although you may have to be older than 21.
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Brian
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Post by Brian on Dec 15, 2009 0:01:19 GMT -8
When Mike and I were facing the vigil from the opposite corner last Friday, I could only read Jim's big white sign with its tall black letters. I need new glasses, yet Mike agreed. Of course, the motorists stopped at the light on Honolulu going east and the pedestrians can see them well. Still, I haven't adapted to the end of Daylight Savings Time. I'm still hanging onto "War Is Over If You Want It" with its deep blue background.
Anni says that's why she favors her huge peace symbol. Even better, she and Bruce have been bringing candles, a very effective and highly visible statement. With no sunshine until February, at least, I'm going to quit cursing the darkness and join them next Friday. I can also hold that flag balloon.
One idea: How about a black ribbon banner with large white letters, at least a foot wide and six feet long, made for two people to hold yet easy to roll up and carry? Messages abound.
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Roberta
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Post by Roberta on Dec 16, 2009 10:10:11 GMT -8
Hi Montrose Peace Vigil friends,
If you haven't been to the corner lately, or even if you have, the updated plan as far as I know for this Friday is to gather post-vigil at my house in Montrose. Potluck offerings welcome but not required, as I seem to have amassed quite a collection of finger food, like cheese/crackers etc., and a big veggie lasagna is promised. Same with drinks, bring 'em if you got 'em and/or are inspired. I'll have beer, and plan to make a hot cider punch -- you can bring your favorite booze for spiking!
Mainly we are looking forward to seeing old friends and celebrating ourselves for standing for peace since 2005!
Roberta
p.s. I think my location is well-know but I'll give directions at the corner Friday.
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Brian
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Post by Brian on Dec 19, 2009 0:00:10 GMT -8
Anni was Friday's vigil champion, arriving by 5:30 and standing alone for 20 minutes because the usual early birds were on their way back from Congressman Schiff's holiday event. Then four enthusiastic teenagers came by and asked her if it was all right if they held signs. They stayed until 7. Two older girls also joined in toward the end. Kids big and small have boosted our numbers on the corner this month: - Dec. 4 - 14
- Dec. 11 - 16
- Dec. 18 - 17
Last week was cold and dark. This week the weather was warm and the Montrose Christmas lights were back -- little white bulbs covering all of the tree trunks and white plastic reindeer, one of whom bore a dogtag with the name Gandhi and shared a patch of grass with us. Thanks to Roberta for inviting us to her cozy home again after the vigil and for hosting and being such great company during these holidays of the solstice.
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