Rallying for peace

posted by kathy

I didn't see any other Quakers at yesterday's anti-war demonstration. I travelled on my own, by train, and by the time I arrived in Trafalgar Square the main space was full. I saw a number of peaceful protestors - some enthusiastic, some tired - and a few police.

Police said there were 10,000 people there. The organisers said there were 40,000. I don't know if I was included in their figures. All I know is that Trafalgar Square was full and that some groups were assempling in the adjoining streets. There was room to move on the edges of the square, but not much. I couldn't get a good photo showing everyone there.

I stayed for part of the rally but was tired and my foot hurt (I'm supposed to be resting it). I didn't march to Parliament Square though I'd have liked to get there. I hope the sight of protestors cheered Brian Haw.

I took a few photos at the edge of the crowd and watched the march set off. The persistence of marchers, when government seems entirely unconcerned with both public opinion and the suffering in the Middle East, was encouraging.

I also heard a speaker mention the choice Iraqi asylum seekers are being given between deportation and destitution. The government says that Iraq is safe. But then, the Ministry of Defence seems to be rewriting the history of the past five years and circulating it as lesson plans to schools.

The Quaker testimony to Truth is still needed.

Trying to stop war

posted by Kathy

PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE ADDED AN UPDATE WITH DETAILS OF THE CND COACH.

We've just passed the fifth anniversary of the big anti-war march in London. I've been thinking about it quite a lot. Even my worst fears didn't foresee the devastation that followed the invasion of Iraq. I find it hard to see any good that has been achieved by our soldiers' presence there or in Afghanistan - and I hoped that some good would come, despite the cruelty of war.

The Stop the War campaign has been in touch. They are organising coaches to another demonstration in London on Saturday 15th March. The march will call for troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan, will oppose any attack on Iran and will also call for an end to the seige of Gaza. The local group is running a stall in Beeston in the Square on Saurday, 23rd February between 11.00 and 1.00 and would appreciate help with leafletting. If you would like to help, please turn up. There's no need to commit yourself to the whole two hours.

If you can't come to the square but would like to book a place on the bus to the London demonstration, click HERE for details of how to contact Nottingham Stop the war.

The 15th March demonstration is also backed by CND (currently celebrating its 50th birthday) and the British Muslim Initiative. CND is calling for people to surround the Atomic Weapons Base at Aldermaston on Easter Monday (24th March). I don't yet know if anyone is going there from Nottingham. But it might be a good way to spend a holiday weekend.

The Quaker Peace Testimony is more complex than mere opposition to war. But when our country is at war, it seems necessary to speak out as best we can.


UPDATE: There IS a bus from Nottingham to Aldermaston for the Easter Monday demo. Details are HERE on the Nottingham CND website. I don't know how easy it will be to get to central Nottingham on Easter Monday so anyone who knows about public transport then might like to post a comment or share the information by e-mail or at Meeting.