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Real Faces
At protests, people usually see each other shoulder-to-shoulder;photoessayist Kristianna Baird helps us look face-to-face
While some pro-war supporters display their newly purchased patriotic
possessions and wave their new flags, others continually shout
pointless obscenities at anti-war and peace demonstrators. Despite
the aggressive opponents, the same faces return, time after time, all
around the country to stand up for their beliefs. They rally at
intersections near main thoroughfares, distribute educational
literature and spread knowledge, and line the city sidewalks whenever
they can spare the time. Large groups, representing diverse
communities, march in solidarity throughout the regions. Together
they chant, meditate, sing, hope, and pray for a peaceful and
ecologically stable planet. There are as many faces as there are
genders, nationalities, religions, and reasons for their values. Some
of these faces cheered as Rep. Jim McDermott called the war
"unconstitutional", and spoke of health and the environmental impact
of depleted Uranium. Many faces cried, and some poured into the
streets, as this war erupted in a pre-emptive strike into Baghdad on
March 19th. Some faces spent time in jail after being forcibly
plucked from the streets of Seattle. Others sent cards and support to
those who were unjustifiably arrested. These same persistent faces
returned, upon release from jail, to continue their rally. After
months of pro-war ignorance and rhetoric, these faces show an array of
expressions that are passionate. These individual faces tell stories
of endless emotions of unity, determination, frustration, anger,
peace, and hope. Young and old of every gender, no matter the ethnic
background, or religious belief, these are the faces that are making a
difference. These faces are shaping the world for our children and
making sure there will be something left for future generations.
Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice lived
and done by unarmed nations in the face of odds. -- Mohandas Gandhi
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