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"Today I weep for my country. I have watched the
events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of
America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has
changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our
intentions are questioned." This is a speech made by Senator Byrd
several months ago, but it remains a very moving and dramatic criticism of US
Policy. Click Here to read "The Arrogance of
Power"
"Silence is Betrayal" Speech by Martin Luther King, 1967
A magnificent speech by King given during the Vietnam War resistance is
still very relevant to today's crisis. Click Here
to read part of this speech. He begins with words that speak to our
present condition: "A time comes when silence is betrayal. Even when
pressed by the demands of inner truth, men do not easily assume the task of
opposing their government's policy, especially in time of war. Nor does the
human spirit move without great difficulty against all the apathy of
conformist thought within one's own bosom and in the surrounding world."
Senator Byrd Speaks Out. A few months ago Senator
Byrd made a excellent and provocative speech on the floor of Senate about the
problems with the present course of US action - These words still ring with
truth. Click Here to read them.
If only we had more senators like him.
"Must U.S. patriots support war?"
Stephen Nathanson, one of the founders of Newton Dialogues on
Peace and War writes in a recent article: "Patriotism isn't loyalty to the
president or to any other political figure, party, or group within the
country. Patriotism, as the dictionary tells us, is love of and loyalty to our
country. A fancier elaboration of this is that patriots are people who have a
special affection for their own country, a special concern for its well-being,
a sense of personal identification with the country, and a willingness to make
sacrifices to promote its well-being." A Click
Here to read this article
Resolution by Newton Aldermen -
One of our fellow vigil participants, Brooke Lipsitt, President of the
Newton Board of Aldermen, introduced and led the promotion of adoption by the
Newton Board of Aldermen which started with words that unfortunately have
proven too true: "Whereas, the Honorable Board of Aldermen of the City of
Newton believes that restraint and due deliberation are proper and fitting
prior to committing our troops to war with Iraq, an action with potentially
wide-ranging, dangerous, and largely unpredictable consequences;"
Click Here
to read the resolution.
- - Congressman Barney Frank spoke in Newton at Brown School-
Congressman Barney Frank On November 6, spoke to an audience of
approximately 400 citizens. He gave a searching and provocative talk on the
topic "Why War? Why Iraq? Why Now?" Congressman Frank has an excellent web
site (www.house.gov/frank) which states his views on Iraq as f September 2002.
Click Here to see a statement of his views opposing a U.S. attack against
Iraq |