on the road with brave-footed warriors

DC Update

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 02:09:32 GMT

For those of you who had hoped for an earlier update on the March for Peace arrival to DC I apologize. It has been a long, busy week for all of us, and I have not had much time on the computer. Here is a brief update on the activities of the week. I will be back in New York within the next couple of days, and will hopefully have the time and energy to put together a more comprehensive update.

On Monday the 10^th we woke up at our usual 6am time at Ashley’s relatives place in Burke, VA. We made our way to the Arlington Cemetery Metro stop by car and train. By the time we arrived, it was a bit after 10, and supporters were still on the way. We were greeted by folks who had come from Iowa, California and North Carolina to march in to DC with us. The Park Police was restless; as usual, we were a bit behind schedule, and they demanded we get started. Although some of our friends were still on their way, we set off at about 10:30am.

The walk into DC passed by quickly. Before we knew it, we had crossed the river, and soon we were in front of the White House. Our group exchanged hugs, and waited until the 1pm rally. As a group, we decided that the rally should be a low-key, subdued affair. We had a permit for amplified sound, but the occasion seemed to call for a quiet, reflective celebration. The media who were on hand were puzzled, expecting a louder event complete with made for tv sound bites, but in the end, as always, we did things our own way.

The eight of us took turns expressing our thoughts and reflections on the weeks or months we had been crossing the country. The main points that stand out to me were the deep gratitude we have for all of the amazing folks that gave us support, and the fact that although we had reached our goal, our work was only beginning. We shared a quiet moment with our supporters, and one last time put all of our hands together for a wish of peace. I know I cried a bit, and am sure everyone else did too.

After the rally, we had lunch as a group, and discussed the remainder of the week. We all planned to participate in a variety of actions (please visit www.marchforpeace.info for reports on Tuesday and Wednesday’s events) and some of us had friends to visit and things to see. As it turned out, this was the last time we would be together as a group.

In the next few days, I will update the rest of the week, and will have some final thoughts on the last few months. It has been an experience I will never forget. To all of those who I met along the way I would like to say that I can’t begin to express what it meant to meet and spend time with you. I hope to see all of you again as we work together on the long struggle to build a better world.

Type your cut contents here.

Join Us In DC

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 02:08:22 GMT

Join the March 4 Peace as they enter Washington, DC!

10 am Gather at Arlington Cemetery metro

March across the ArlingtonMemorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial to 23rd N, then to Constitution Ave, then East to 17^th N, to the WHITE HOUSE!

DESTINATION: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

1pm - Rally and Protest in front of White House
3pm - Nonviolent Civil Disobedience Training
Campout at Dark

march@marchforpeace.info

800-95-NOWARx715

This is a March 4 Peace Event

Endorsers include Not In Our Name, Code Pink DC

www.marchforpeace.info

www.notinourname.net

www.codepink.org

Getting Close

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:47:09 GMT

This morning, the March for Peace walked into Virginia, the 12^th and final state we will cross before entering Washington D.C. In the past month and a half, I have been in 8 of them. Although I started while the March was in Iowa, I did drive Tom back to his car in Nebraska when he had to leave, so I’ll count that as my second of eight.

Personally, I expect that reaching Washington is going to be anticlimactic. I have been to D.C. more times than I can recall in the last few years. It is a place where many of us go to protest, engage in direct actions, and otherwise try to persuade the ruling elite to stop ruining everything for the rest of us. What most of us don’t do is spend their summer walking 25 miles a day through rural America, talking to the people who don’t go to DC to protest.

What I’ve found is that rural America wants the same things as those of us who regularly travel to D.C. Both groups want the war and occupation to end. Neither group wants to see anyone tortured in our names; and none of us have much faith that either the Democrats or Republicans really want to get us out of this mess.

Which of course leaves us with the question of what to do about it. The answer is to do something, each and every day, to show that this can’t go on. Wear orange for impeachment. Buy and wear an “Arrest Bush” shirt. The next time you drive past the folks holding an anti-war vigil on the side of the road, don’t just honk as you drive by, stop and join them. Chances are, you’ll meet some great people, and come back the next week. Find a local group and go to a meeting. Help them organize the next event. Write a letter to your “representative”. If they ignore you, organize or participate in a sit-in at their office.

What is all of this going to do? If it’s only those of us who have been doing these things for the past five (or ten, or forty) years, probably not all that much. But a vast majority of us want this madness to end. If all of us did a bit more, every day, we couldn’t be ignored.

Thanks to all of you who have supported us as we have crossed the country. We know that most of you will not be able to join us in Washington, but we would like nothing more that to walk up to the White House with thousands of others. Please tell any of your friends who live near DC to consider marching with us on Monday. If you can’t, do something, anything, on Monday wherever you are to help create a better world.

In the Mountains

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 15:22:47 GMT

The March for Peace is walking through the mountains in West Virginia. This is a difficult stretch; the hills take their toll, and we don’t have places to stay for the next several nights. We camped last night in the Fellowsville City Park. It was a nice place, but a bit chilly. All of us are tired and sore, are missing family and friends, but are determined to continue on to DC. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of my comrades on this remarkable journey.

Mike Sr. continues to walk on every day despite a variety of foot problems. He hasn’t missed a day since he joined several weeks ago in Indiana.

Antonio always adds humor to tense situations. He has an endless repertoire of stories to keep us entertained.

Art maintains his soft-spoken peaceful ways even when others would probably be yelling. He deploys his “peace steps” stickers along the way, decorating recruiting centers and other worthwhile targets.

Isabelle is kind, considerate, intelligent and open-minded. She helped rescue a kitten by the side of the highway, and is largely responsible for helping keep the support person sane and positive, which is no easy task.

The younger of the Mikes would probably keep walking through a blizzard, and not complain once. He has remarkable insight on a huge variety of topics for someone his age.

Ashley amazes me everyday with her dedication to the ideals of the march. She does her best to live what she advocates, and does her best to make sure all of the rest of us do as well.

There is nowhere near enough time to describe how much I appreciate this group. Those of you who have met us will understand why. To those of you who have not, please come to DC on the 10^th, we’d love to get to know you.

More About Civil Disobedience

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:04:35 GMT

Several readers of this blog have sent comments that have suggested that the March for Peace should not participate in Civil Disobedience when we reach DC. I want to take the time to respond to these comments, and explain why I personally, and some of the others feel so strongly about this.

If you take a look at the March for Peace website, civil disobedience is clearly listed as one of the ideals of the group. Although none of us will claim to speak for the others on specific viewpoints, political stances and motivations, we are all here because we embrace the ideals of the March. We all feel that times like these demand extraordinary actions. Dropping everything to walk across the country is one example of an action all of us have decided to do. Engaging in civil disobedience that may result in arrest is another that many group members will also undertake.

Some of you have suggested that this will somehow undermine the goodwill and positive press that the March has thus far received. None of us are here to please the mainstream, corporate media. If you know your history, you will realize that those involved in all of the mass movements that resulted in real change were also warned to “behave”. Abolitionists, Suffragettes, Labor Leaders, Civil Rights Activists, LGBTQ activists and others have been constantly urged to avoid arrest for fear that it would label them as “troublemakers” and alienate potential supporters.

It is true that we have generated a tremendous amount of goodwill. Thousands have marched along with us, brought food, water and money, and even opened their homes for the night. One of our biggest goals is to inspire others to take action, or to do more than they are already doing to create a better world. We feel that those who have been inspired by the march will also be inspired by the fact that some of us are willing to risk arrest for our beliefs. Just as we have never suggested that everyone needs to walk across the country, we are not suggesting that civil disobedience is the correct choice for everyone.

I personally have been arrested on several occasions. Each time, friends, family and co-workers have told me that my doing so has inspired them to do more. All of these actions have generated considerable media coverage, including outlets outside the United States. The people of the world are looking at the actions of our government and wondering why the people in this country are not doing more to stop the madness. They can’t see our t-shirts and bumper stickers, but they do see many of our acts of civil disobedience.

late posted photos - Indianapolis

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:01:13 GMT

Rally in Indianapolis

Justice for Janitors: Fight For Worthy Work!

Isabelle & Friends

Marching out of Indianapolis

Peace Pants (I Peaced My Pants!)

Send Pudding & Spoons!

Camping Out in Ohio

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:59:51 GMT

Up until Saturday, we had a long stretch where we were lucky enough to sleep inside. Most nights have been spent in the homes of supporters. The few nights when there was no available housing nearby, folks donated hotel rooms. In Reynoldsburg, supporters found a hotel that was willing to donate rooms for the night. As the group walked out of Lancaster, OH on Saturday morning, we anticipated a few nights of camping.

It was Art’s birthday, and he has been having some foot problems, so he decided to take the day off walking. He stayed in the hotel room, and I went to a café to take advantage of the last bit of internet access. In the afternoon, we drove ahead to scout out potential campsites. In the mid-afternoon, we got a call, and another marcher had an injury. The car won’t accommodate more than two people and all of the gear, so Mike (the older one) took over as driver, and I walked the rest of the day.

Soon, we realized that we had no cell phone reception. Ashley’s battery operated “crank-power” radio started issuing tornado warnings. A postal worker stopped and warned us of severe weather. Mike and Art pulled up and said they’d found an actual campsite near where we would be ending the day. There were “horse stalls” that would provide shelter if it rained. There wasn’t really another option.

We kept walking, and it started to rain. Luckily, it didn’t come down too hard. We’ve finally left the flatlands; the terrain was gorgeous. Hills, trees, deer and rainbows, fields and forests, and the occasional oil derrick were the scenery. We passed a few folks who were in front of their house. They offered us water and Gatorade, and gave us cheese, grapes and apples for the walk.

We continued on until past dark, and made our way to the campsite. Some of us did sleep in the horse stall, others risked the rain and slept on a picnic table or in a tent. It didn’t rain, but everything was still wet.

Sunday was a good day. The rain stopped, and we made over 25 miles, which is important. The recent heat wave has put us behind schedule. Near the end of the night, we were in Trimble, wondering where we would sleep. Art went into a restaurant, and they agreed to let us camp in the lawn outside. It was a bit chilly and damp, but we were happy to have a place. As a bonus, coffee and breakfast were only a few steps away in the morning.

We have places to stay for the next several nights, but I (and most of the others) also enjoy sleeping wherever we can find a place. It’s not really the thing that most of us would think people still do, yet it has happened again and again on the March for Peace. Still, we’re all looking forward to a shower and clean clothes.

Things Found on the Side of the Road

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:20:43 GMT

Despite the fact that my Honda Civic is packed with the gear of seven people, we continue to fill it further with interesting things found on the side of the road. Tom, who marched from Lincoln, NE to just East of Des Moines, started this game. He actually gathered an almost complete set of crescent wrenches, which he took with him when he had to leave. The other marchers continue to find a wide variety of items.

Along with the wrenches, some of the finds are, at least in theory, useful. We have a collection of bungee cords, and several cell phones. One is the exact same phone as mine, so I could salvage parts if I continue to drop the one I’ve been using. Antonio has been accumulating pennies for a rainy day.

There is also a variety of stuffed animals, a complete Winnie the Pooh Mobile set, a few license plates, partial license plate brackets, an American Idol toy microphone, a magnet that says “Pray for Our Troops”, a beach ball, other water toys, and random signs, letters and other collectibles.

When we get to DC, we will be converting all our found treasures into a sculpture. In September 2005, other Not in Our Name folks and I tried to chain an eviction notice on the White House fence. One of the Secret Service thugs took offense, and smashed the hand of the woman who was trying to hang it up. Along with 370 or so others, we were arrested that day. Unfortunately, two years later it looks like it will be necessary to get arrested in DC again. Stay tuned to www.marchforpeace.info for our September actions in DC.

Ending the War

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:57:58 GMT

It took me two days to drive from Brooklyn, NY to Des Moines Iowa, where I met up with the March for Peace. The trip back to the east coast has been at an entirely different pace. I have been with the March for over a month, and am now in my fourth state, Ohio. Ashley and Mike have crossed nine states. Antonio and Isabelle have also traveled through all or part of four. The “other” Mike is now in his second state. Art began crossing the country in March.

We are now several weeks from reaching Washington DC. Although we are all looking forward to getting there, I expect that it will take a while to get used to being in one place for several days in a row. We will be in DC from the 10^th through the 15^th, participating in a variety of actions, including several that involve civil disobedience and risk of arrest.

Along the way, I have had many conversations about what it will take to end the war. It is clear that sitting back and waiting for the Republicans and Democrats is not going to do it. Although writing letters and making phone calls to your representatives is a step, it is clear that they are not listening.

Personally, I think it is clear that the war will not end until all of us are willing to do more than we have ever done to end it. Those of us who are on the March for Peace have left behind friends and family, jobs, and regular lives. We don’t get enough sleep; those who are marching every day deal with brutal heat and humidity, blisters, and other aches and pains. After all of this, when we reach DC many of us are going to risk arrest.

Obviously, everyone can’t drop everything to walk across the country. I also understand that many of you are not in the position to participate in civil disobedience.

I would ask all of you, whether you can make it to DC or not, to take some action that you have not yet on September 10^th in solidarity with the March for Peace. Feel free to use the comment section on this blog to let us know what you have planned, make suggestions, or figure out how to connect with other March supporters and do something together.

Another Interesting Place to Sleep

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:25:51 GMT

Last night it was getting dark, and we didn’t have a place to sleep. After a run of luck that landed us in the homes of supporters for over a week, it was looking like a night of camping out, and it was supposed to rain. We were in western Ohio, most of the towns didn’t even have a store, and there were no campgrounds on the map. Art’s foot was hurting, so we drove ahead to try to find a good place for the night.

We drove past a large cemetery, which looked promising. It was close to other houses, but had roads leading into a patch of trees. We could probably keep ourselves and the car hidden. Graveyards have been good campgrounds so far. We’re usually in after dark, and out early in the morning, and no one bothers us. There was also a hiking/bike path with a parking lot. The sign said that the trails were closed from 11pm-5am, but didn’t explicitly say that we couldn’t sleep there. Another possibility.

There was also a large farm down the street with six windmills and a sign that said “Future Energy and Conservation Center-Visitors Welcome”. We decided to ask if we could camp out, and maybe duck into a barn if it rained. There were some children playing outside. Art found an adult, and asked about camping. We were taken to the conservation center, and told that we could sleep inside.

It turns out that the family that runs the farm are activists too. Christine and Ralph Dull have (among other things) helped start the Dayton Peace Museum and spent six months in the former Soviet Union doing “citizen diplomacy” and helping with farming knowledge.

We were in heaven. Our “campsite” was filled with displays on sustainable energy, a station with a film on how Cuba switched to sustainable farming, books on nonviolence, and many other interesting things. Ralph and Christine stopped by to visit, and we had a great conversation, as well as learning some things about farming and alternative energy. Although most of the attention the March for Peace has received has focused on our opposition to war, another one of the ideals of the march is sustainability. We often drive around for days with recyclables piling up in the car instead of throwing them away, and do our best to reduce our impact as we travel across the country.

As we have walked, we have found so many kind folks who have helped us along our way. They always have fascinating stories, and we thank all of you who have given us your support.

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:26:04 GMT

On a regular basis, the March for Peace gets calls and e-mails asking what we need. For the most part, our day to day needs are met by supporters who offer us housing, buy us meals, and bring us food, water and other supplies. We deeply appreciate all of the help we have received along the way, and here are a few more things our supporters can consider…

1. Come to Washington D.C. in September and march in with us. We are planning on arriving on September 10^th, and will be participating in a variety of actions from the 10^th through the 15^th. Although we realize this isn’t possible for everyone, please consider it. We would like nothing more than to march into D.C. with thousands of you. If you can’t make it, please participate in or organize a local event where you live.

2. If you live along the march route, come walk with us for all or part of a day. The best part of the March for Peace has been meeting folks from around the country, sharing stories, and discussing what we can all do to make the changes we all want. If you don’t live along the way, but have friends or family who do, please get in touch with them and encourage them to come meet us.

3. Take some action every day to promote peace, end the illegal occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Wear a t-shirt, put up a poster, organize a protest or sit-in at your representative’s office, get involved with a local anti-war or social justice organization.

4. And although we have been fortunate enough to be invited into the homes of wonderful people most nights, there are nights that we sleep outside. If anyone along the march route has one or two two-person tents (we don’t really have any room for larger ones) that are just gathering dust, we could use them. Sleeping outside is great, but the mosquito and spider bites get a bit old.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:13:11 GMT

The March for Peace is heading out of Indianapolis today. Although it was probably the most hostile city we’ve visited so far, support outweighed angry comments, yells and gestures by about three to one. We met another great group of people, were lucky enough to stay in the home of amazing supporters, and are marching out of town with four local residents brave enough to face the heat, humidity and discomfort.

While checking e-mail in a café yesterday, a man came up and said “this is probably the state most likely to throw things at peace marchers”. During the rally yesterday afternoon in front of the statehouse, a few handfuls of people yelled angry comments along the lines of “export democracy”, “traitors”, and our favorite “hippies”.

Another comment that I have run into repeatedly, and gets a lot of play in the right-wing media, is that we need to “complete the mission”. When pressed, neither the guy on the side of the road or the Fox News talking head can come up with any coherent definition of what exactly the “mission” is. It has changed dozens of times, and continues to change. If you go by the rule of law, the mission is authorized by Congress. As I remember, this was confined to finding and destroying the nonexistent weapons of mass destruction, and getting rid of Saddam Hussein.

Many of us knew that this was nonsense from the start. Almost everyone has come to that realization by now. Whenever the mainstream media bothers to ask the Iraqi people what they think, and overwhelming majority think that we should have been out of their country long ago. A majority of the Iraqi legislators are on the record saying that they want us out.

No matter what you might think, it is clear that there is no legitimate “mission” to accomplish, unless lining the pockets of Halliburton, Blackwater and Exxon-Mobile is your idea of the mission. Or perhaps setting up a network of gigantic, permanent military bases. In any case, this has to end.

Thanks to all of our supporters in the Indianapolis area. Despite the few angry remarks, and the warnings to the contrary, we received far more support than anger, and made some new friends.

To all of our supporters-if you have any contacts between Indianapolis and Richmond, IN, please let them know we’re coming.

The Marchers

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:17:51 GMT

I have been asked frequently by reporters and march supporters whether all of us get along. The truth is, any time six people are thrown together for weeks on end through difficult circumstances, there is bound to be some conflict. Still, for the most part, we get along well. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have wonderful networks of family, friends and others who have supported me and helped me get through challenging times. The five people I’ve spent the past few weeks with are truly an amazing group. Here’s a bit about each of them…

Ashley is the driving force behind the March for Peace, and has been a constant inspiration. She stays up later than the rest of us every night talking on the phone to supporters, family and friends, giving interviews, and planning ahead. She is always willing to take time to talk to anyone who stops by the side of the road to offer support, and wants to thank everyone who has helped us personally. Despite giving dozens of interviews a week, she is always polite to the press, even when they ask ridiculous or irrelevant questions. Although reporters often try to make the story about her and Mike, she always points out that the March is not about them, it is about the ideals behind the walking, and there are others marching too.

Mike is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. His sense of humor has helped keep me going during trying times. I get the feeling that he could probably walk twenty hours a day if needed, and wouldn’t waste a second complaining. He doesn’t always say much, but his insight has regularly impressed me when I hear him giving interviews, or having conversations with our supporters. Along with Ashley, he insists on walking every step of the country. When we drive ahead to a campsite or the home of a supporter, they return to the exact location we stopped the night before, and begin marching from there.

Antonio can, and does, get along with everyone. Often, when the rest of us are tired at the end of the day, he will have long conversations with our hosts. He has traveled extensively, and always has a story to tell. When he showed up in Iowa City to join the March, he had only a plastic bag full of things, and has managed to survive for several weeks with half the gear of anyone else, which is valuable, since almost every inch of my car is taken up. He is easily the best artist in the group.

Isabelle has continued on despite ankle and foot problems. She doesn’t complain about her injuries even when she is visibly uncomfortable. Although she often walks alone, she always has something insightful and compelling to say. She has great tattoos and taste in music. When I’ve had a difficult day, she has always managed to say or do something to help me keep going and put a smile back on my face.

Art has been on his own peace walk since the end of March. The only one of us who has done something like this before, he walks faster than anyone else, and is probably the most prepared. He is usually the first one to wake up in the morning, which is especially valuable because everyone else would probably sleep until noon. Art is resourceful, smart and a great guy to have around.

My words don’t do justice to any of them. Hopefully, if you haven’t been able to meet up with us yet, you’ll get the chance to come out and spend time with Ashley, Mike, Antonio, Isabelle and Art. I can’t imagine a better group of friends to cross the country with.

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:28:48 GMT

The March for Peace will arrive in Washington, D.C. sometime in early/mid September. We are shooting for September 10^th, although it is difficult to predict where we will be at the end of any given day, let alone a month from now. September is the month that General Petraeus will present the (lack of) progress report on the “surge” that began months ago. It is also the month that Congress will take up the reauthorization of funds to continue the illegal and immoral occupation of Iraq. We hope to see many of our supporters in D.C. next month.

All of us hope to march into Washington with hundreds, even thousands of supporters. We will be in D.C. at least through the 15^th, for the march organized by the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition. While in the Nation’s Capitol, we will be participating in a variety of protests, acts of civil disobedience, and other actions. Here is a brief list of a few:

September 11: IVAW “guard tower” action (daytime)

Septemer 11: Activist Response Team Press Conference/Impeachment

September 11-18: Codepink Actions

September 12: A.R.T. Day of Action Inside Congress

September 15: A.N.S.W.E.R. Rally and March

September 22-29: Troops out Now Encampment

We realize that many of you will not be able to make it to D.C. for a variety of reasons. Along the way, we have talked to many others who are planning on coming. For those of you who can’t, please organize or participate in an action in your local community.

Ashley, Mike, Antonio, Art and Isabelle have dropped everything to participate in the March for Peace. It is this spirit of resistance that led me to do the same. If we want to end the war, if we want to create a world where non-violence, cooperation and understanding replace war, hatred and greed, all of us are going to have to do more. Please join us in D.C. in September. Together, we will be the change.

Another World is Possible

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:28:04 GMT

Another World is Possible, and over the last few weeks I have been living in it. We have been traveling through Iowa and Illinois, marching past corn and soy fields, feed lots and through small towns, far from the big cities and coastal areas that supposedly contain the progressive, anti-war folks who would support a cross country march for peace. Nothing could be further from the truth.

On a daily basis, we have been joined by folks who march for hours through the heat. Others bring food and water, buy us lunch or dinner, and stop to give us words of encouragement. Some drive hours out of their way to meet us. Most nights, we are welcomed into the homes of people, given dinner, and treated like members of their family. Although some of these folks are activists themselves, many are not. They are just “ordinary” people who have heard our story, and are compelled to lend a helping hand. In truth, they have all been anything but “ordinary”, they all have stories that inspire us, and give us the strength and motivation to make it through the next days, weeks and months on the way to Washington D.C.

They are as much a part of the March for Peace as those who are marching. I have come to see that this is not a story of a small group of people walking across the country. This is a story of what is now well over a thousand people joining together for a common purpose: working together to create a better world.

For all of you who have lent us support, whether in person, on the phone, or over the internet, thank you. And we look forward to meeting many more of you on the way to DC.

The Hardest Part of the March

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:42:47 GMT

One of the questions that reporters have repeatedly asked the marchers is “What has been the hardest part of the March?” Last night, in a hotel room generously provided by our supporters, Isabelle had the perfect answer. To paraphrase, she said that the hardest part is not what the marchers have to endure, but rather the ongoing suffering of the Iraqi people.

The physical toll of walking 25 miles a day in the 90 degree heat certainly takes its toll on the marchers. In Iraq, it is regularly above 120, with perhaps a few hours per day of electricity to power fans and air conditioners for those lucky enough to still have a home and wealthy enough to be able to afford such luxuries.

Water is another of our main priorities. Each of the marchers goes through a tremendous amount in a day. In Baghdad, there has been no water for the last few weeks. The few drops that do trickle through the faucets are contaminated, and cause disease. My friend Dahlia visited her family in Basra a few years back, and was sick for days when she rinsed her mouth with tap water after brushing her teeth. According to the Geneva Conventions, an occupying power has the obligation to provide the basic necessities of life. This is one of many war crimes the Bush regime has committed.

Although we are often fortunate enough to stay in the homes of supporters, we regularly camp by the side of the road when it gets dark. This is nothing compared to the lives of over a million Iraqi refugees.

During these nights, I have been bit by spiders, mosquitos, and who knows what else. We all have bumps and bites, and have grown accustomed to the itching, scratching and the buzzing in our ears as we try to fall asleep. Thirteen year old Abeer Hamza had it far worse. Her family was killed by American Soldiers while she was repeatedly raped, and then shot, and finally her body was burned to destroy the evidence.

For the last week, I have been getting 4-5 hours of sleep per night. Ashley sleeps even less. We are not, however, waken up in the middle of the night and handcuffed. Our homes are not ransacked, torn apart, and even destroyed because our neighbors told the occupying forces that we were terrorists.

Mike is 18, Ashley 19, and Isabelle 23. That they have sacrificed their summers to walk across the country is remarkable. Murat Kurnaz, a German Citizen, was detained from the time he was 19-24. He spent this time in a series of detention facilities, including Guantanamo. He was hung from his wrists in shackles, beaten, and humiliated. He was recently released when United States courts found there was absolutely no evidence that justified holding him. Although exonerated, he was flown home to Germany in shackles, wearing a muzzle, opaque goggles, and sound blocking ear-muffs. He was denied food and water during the 17 hour flight.

Ashley, Mike, Antonio, Isabelle and Art have undertaken a courageous act of resistance. They are facing hardships on a daily basis, but nothing compared to those faced by the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, and those held in Abu-Ghraib, Guantanamo, and the secret network of prisons across the globe. In solidarity with them, we march.

Democrats and the War

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:26:32 GMT

As the March for Peace was nearing Muscatine, Iowa, someone suggested that we should make a stop in the Obama office in downtown Muscatine. Especially in Iowa, many March supporters seemed to assume that we were somehow aligned with the Democrats, or at least whichever Democratic Candidate(s) they happened to support. Although I don’t claim to speak as the official March spokesperson in this blog, I can say that the March for Peace does not and will not align with any candidate or political party.

Obama, in particular, is no anti-war or peace candidate. He has stated that “no option” should be taken off the table regarding Iran, echoing President Bush’s comments that using Nuclear Weapons on a country who has not invaded anyone in hundreds of years might somehow be acceptable. Now Obama throws out the idea of bombing another sovereign country,

Pakistan

The other candidates, at least those that the ruling class and media have deemed “plausible” (read, they can raise boatloads of money, and not disturb the status quo) have without exception raised similar red flags. The war is a bi-partisan atrocity, and those of us who know that it needs to end should end the practice of supporting anyone who will not commit to pulling out all troops immediately. The only significant difference since the Democrats took control of the House and Senate in January is the current “surge”.

Meanwhile, Bush and Cheney’s transformation of our country into a dictatorship continues without opposition. Last month, Bush issued an executive order enabling him to assume the functions of the Legislative and Judiciary Branches of the Government if HE decides it is necessary. Last week, another executive order enables the Government to seize the property of those who obstruct progress in Iraq. Numerous law experts have pointed out that the language certainly allows him to include those of us who exercise our right to protest.

But all is not hopeless. Here in Eastern Illinois, the Marchers have been joined on a daily basis by folks who take the time to walk miles in the oppressive heat with them. Others stop and give us water, food, words of support and even money to continue our journey. A pastor lets us camp on her church grounds, and keeps the church unlocked overnight so that we have access to a bathroom. A small town city council buys us lunch. The people are ready for a different world, but it will not happen if we continue putting our faith in the politicians who have created the mess we’re in now.

photos!

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:54:09 GMT

Art gets ready for his first day of marching...

Our campsite

Marching into Joy (Illinois)

March for Peace Growing

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:31:04 GMT

Over the past few days, the March for peace has grown from two to five, all who plan on walking all the way to Washington D.C. During the time I’ve been along with the March, I have seen Ashley and Mike do dozens of interviews with local and national media. It is inevitable that sooner or later, the “are you disappointed that others haven’t joined you” question pops up. Of course, there have been dozens of folks who have marched; some for a few hours, others for up to a few weeks, but now I hope that the media will let that question rest, and start asking some more significant questions.

The new marchers started joining us on Saturday. First was Antonio, a 31 year old from Nebraska. He is a free-lance writer who hitchhiked from Omaha to join the March. For almost a week, he was a day or two behind us. Antonio caught up with us after the rally and pot luck in Iowa City, and despite a few blisters, is going strong.

Isabelle, age 23, flew in from Nebraska on Monday. She recently graduated from college in Seattle, and was spending time with family in Nebraska. She attended the mid-point rally in early July, and marched for a day with Ashley and Mike, before deciding to join us. She had thought of marching across the country by herself before joining the March for Peace.

Art met up with us today. He has been on his own cross-country march since March 31, and seems to be glad to have company. A veteran of peace and environmental marches, we found out that he and Janet (who hosted us in Iowa City) were both on the Global Walk for a Liveable World in 1990.

We’re happy to welcome Antonio, Isabelle and Art, and hope that many more of you will join us on the way to D.C., or start your own march to coincide with our arrival in mid September. Take a moment to imagine hundreds, even thousands of folks converging on the White House from the South, West and North. September is the month that Gen. Petraeus will issue his “progress” report on the state of the War Crimes in Iraq. Congress will also be going through the motions of a debate on renewing funding for the occupation. It is up to us to be there with a clear message. This must end, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Hope to see you in D.C. in September.

Marching 'Cross the Mississippi

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:55:11 GMT

Isabelle Joins the March

Walking into Muscatine, Iowa

Ready to March in Muscatine

Welcome to Illinois

Sunday July, 29-Maharishi School of Management

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:09:08 GMT

Yesterday morning, Ashley got a call from the Maharishi School of Management, located outside of Fairfield, Iowa. The caller said that they were all about peace, and would love for us to come and visit. It was about an hour away from the march route, so we were undecided. After marching out of Iowa City with a group of new friends, we decided to go visit the “peace college”.

We were greeted by Jennine, a middle-aged woman who told us that we “had found what we had been looking for”, offered us cherries and milk balls, and walked us around for a while until we found some shade to have a conversation. She was soon joined by another Maharishi devotee, a man who claimed to be an activist.

For almost an hour, they talked non-stop (aside from a few brief questions from Ashley, which they really didn’t answer) about why their way was the way to peace. Their position seemed to be that Ashley, Mike and Antonio’s efforts of walking across the country for peace were all well and good, but not as good as their way. Their way is apparently using transcendental meditation to “osmose” peace into the general population, and they had examples (often quite puzzling) of how this works.

One thing that struck me was that they repeatedly looked at stock market gains as a positive result of their collective meditation efforts. Stock Market gains are great, assuming you’re in the upper income brackets. Reality shows that most of us suffer when the stock market goes up. The line of limos we saw on the way out cleared that one up.

They also had the idea that student boycotts, both during the Vietnam War and in the Phillipines during the reign of the repressive Marcos regime, are bad things. Supposedly, their meditation caused the students to return to class, stop protesting, and get back to the important things in life, presumably learning how to make money.

Another interesting idea was that the leader of a given country is the manifestation of the collective unconscious of the people of the nation. By this logic, we have apparently willed a gang of criminals into office; the ruling class who is pulling the strings, selecting candidates, and controlling the media and voting machines has nothing to do with it.

All in all, it was an interesting field trip. The representatives of the Maharishi School unfortunately had little interest in entering into a dialogue with us, they wanted to convert us. I have no doubt that they are sincere in wanting to create peace, but I want nothing to do with their methods. In the course of walking across the country, the March for Peace has touched thousands of lives directly, and inspired tens of thousands of others. In the real world, this is how peace is created.

Iowa City

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:20:46 GMT

July 27-29, Iowa City

After several days in rural Eastern Iowa, we were welcomed to Iowa City in style. About 30 supporters marched into town with us on Friday afternoon (photos available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/peacephotos/ ), and at least 80 folks participated in the Friday evening peace vigil on the corner of Clinton and Jefferson. Although we have received tremendous support throughout Iowa, it was especially heartening to be greeted by such a large crowd of friendly faces. Throughout the march into town, and during the vigil, horns honked, people waved and flashed peace signs, and thanked Ashley and Mike for their tremendous efforts.

On Saturday, we enjoyed an afternoon long rally and pot-luck. Local musicians and poets performed throughout the day, and supporters provided a delicious array of foods. We were also able to spend time talking to some of the amazing Iowa City activists who made the weekend possible.

We were also joined Saturday by Antonio, who will be marching with us to D.C. Another marcher will be meeting up with us on Monday, and Tom, who marched from Lincoln to Des Moines is planning on re-joining us in the near future. The car is getting full, but if you are thinking of joining us, please do. After my first year of college, I hitchhiked from West Virginia to California with nothing but a backpack and about $80. Since then, I’ve had a series of “real jobs”, and my travel has become a bit more planned out. In my recent trips around the country, I’ve stayed in hotels or parks.

Being on the road with Ashley and Mike has reminded me that you can set out without knowing where you’re going to sleep, and things will work out. The people we have met, in places like Iowa City and even in small towns across rural Iowa have been amazing and supportive. There is nothing wrong with the people of this Country; it’s our Government we need to change.

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:19:51 GMT

The Military and "Our Freedoms"

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:41:58 GMT

Saturday, July 28

A few days ago, the Associated Press ran a story on the March for Peace. It was widely reprinted, and was for a while the top story on Aol.com, which ran several polls, which in turn prompted over a thousand comments. The March for Peace e-mail account received a flood of e-mails, mainly from supporters. We also got a few messages from members of the Military, who strongly disagreed with Ashley and Mike’s ideals, yet encouraged them to keep marching. They both pointed out that we had the military to “thank for our freedoms”.

The military has little, if anything, to do with “my freedoms”. In particular, the current illegal and immoral war and occupation of Iraq has absolutely nothing to do with my rights. We have invaded and occupied a country on the pretext of finding “Weapons of Mass Destruction”. In turn, our Weapons of Mass Destruction have caused the indiscriminate death of well over 650,000 Iraqis. The occupation has left them without basic services such as electricity, drinking water and sewage, has created conditions where women no longer feel safe leaving their homes, and has created over a million refugees. And let’s not forget about the “freedom” of the detainees at Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and the secret network of prisons we have set up around the world. Recently, a 24 year old German Citizen was released after 5 years of detention and torture when a U.S. court found that there was absolutely no evidence against him.

At home, the military has been no friend to freedom either. During the Vietnam War, the National Guard shot and killed peaceful protestors and Jackson State and Kent State Universities. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the military (and their mercenary adjuncts from Blackwater and other contractors) enforced a brutal martial law, shooting at residents as they tried to obtain food, water and supplies essential for their survival.

None of this is meant to disparage those serving in the U.S. military. Most of them are decent, well-meaning Americans who have been tricked into this war by an evil, corrupt regime. Indeed, a February 2006 Zogby poll found that 74% of the troops in Iraq felt that we should be out completely within a year. That year has come and gone, and I’m sure the number would be even higher now.

I thank an entirely different group of Americans for the freedoms that are important to my family, friends and loved ones. Our freedoms were won by suffragettes and labor organizers in the early 20^th Century, by civil rights marchers in the South, by the gay rights movement that started at Stonewall, and by a courageous and dedicated assortment of Communists, Anarchists, Socialists and anti-war activists who have struggled constantly against tremendous odds. We have been tormented, beaten, jailed and even killed to preserve the right to dissent, and in the hopes of creating a better world.

Spending the last week with Ashley and Mike has reinforced my belief that this spirit of dissent is alive and well. They persevere through heat, thunderstorms, mosquitos, ticks, and whatever else comes their way in hopes of creating a better world. The March for Peace will reach D.C. in September, and along the way will have inspired thousands of Americans to fight for the freedom that the Bush Regime seems determined to eliminate.

"woke up this morning....

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:52:32 GMT

...smiled at the rising sun" -Bob Marley

getting ready to march

mike taking a photo

ashley, mike and the marchamobile