Bart,
Yesterday I attended the International Answer Coalition March Against War and Racism in Washington.
It was a peaceful and well organized day.  There was a beautiful spirit of unity with young and old,
Palestinians and Jewish groups for peace, black, white, Asian and Arab.  Even a contingent of Hassidic
Jews who came from New York on their Sabbath to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and against
Israel's state sponsored terrorism.  I was very proud to be an American on this day.

The Freepers were across the street, a mostly hostile white male group with speakers like Bob Dornan
who ranted about us "crazy hippies" and spewed vile testaments to his own frightening brand of xenophobia.
Fortunately there were only about 50 of them.   I had to laugh at a news account of one Freeper's
characterization of the debate as, America haters vs America lovers.  I always love arguments with this sort
of intellectual depth.  At one point I went head to head with a Freeper, which eventually drew a crowd.
It wasn't a terribly daunting task, as these people have such an intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt
point of view, that a basic knowledge of the simple facts of an issue usually leaves them sputtering.

There were about 60,000 in our group alone, and there were another three rallys, so organizers put the
crowd size at about 100,000.  All I know was that there was a sea of humanity that went on for miles.
Whatever the number, the spirit and passion of the group was magical.  The speeches were brilliant and
anyone who was unable to attend should try to get a tape.  Mumia Abu Jamal gave a taped address from
death row which was amazing.  Tariq Ali and Helen Caldicott were wonderful and inspiring and Cynthia
McKinney gave a fiery speech that raised all the right questions.  She received a rousing ovation and
brought people to their feet.

I've never seen this much good will towards others. I pray that this is just the beginning, and this momentum
will build, and the bloodlust that has been consuming this country since 9/11 will subside.  One day we will
learn that bombs don't bring people to peace, and that violence only begets more violence.

It was an inspiring day.

Peace,
Patricia R