I Am Not A Traitor!!

For many months now a group of local folk have stood on the same street corner every Friday night in protest of the war in Iraq. We stand vigil in memory of those who have died and in support for those who remain in the war. We want all our children to come home alive. The usual group includes two and sometimes three of us Vietnam veterans, an Austrian woman who survived the Nazi occupation in WWII, and an assortment of other folk. We stand vigil for an hour during which the response from passersby is generally very positive indeed. Black Friday was a different event in some ways. Follow across the fold, around the bend, and come stand on the bridge for the possum’s tale of the Friday night vigil.

The group standing vigil this week was somewhat larger than usual and included one couple who brought their children along with a granddaughter. We were spread along a city block standing on an interstate overpass just where we have stood for nearly two years. Earlier on, just after the invasion of Iraq, the vigil was held at another corner, but we moved for more traffic exposure. On any given Friday night the response is generally a positive one with a majority of drivers honking their horn in support. Sometimes people yell in support and some simply wave their hands. We in turn wave in response to all who acknowledge our group.

On Black Friday traffic was notably light. We presume many people were traveling and others had a vacation from work. The response to our presence was not our usual. Of course we had a majority of positive responses from drivers, but an unusual number were yelling negatives. We were called "traitors" and "ungrateful Americans." At least one man called George Bush "a great man." Multiple uplifted middle fingers were pointed our way along with at least one closed and upraised fist gestured in an angry way. These suggestions were in addition to the usual recommendations that we "get a job" or "go back home."

For months now the number of negative responses has been small (usually less than five in an hour). This night there were about double the usual number and the invective seemed unusually strong. We were struck as a group both by the unusual numbers of negative responses in addition to the group of individuals offering such retorts. Nearly every negative rejoinder came from young men (under 30 or so and all were caucasian). Many of the rejoinders came from cars filled with such young folk. I presume most were college students from their age and manner of dress. How such a group could feel such a strong negativism none of us could understand.

What have we done wrong in this country to have our young feel and act so strongly in the face of a simple protest group? Have we failed to teach them the rights our first amendment guarantees? Do they not know that men and women of their same age are dying on a daily basis in Iraq? Were they not taught basic civility by their parents? Or do they feel somehow released from civil behavior by virtue of being in a car with their friends?

We as a group of peace activists will continue to stand in quiet protest until all current and future war involvement is ended for our country. Until that time we will continue to act in what we consider to be the best interest of our country. We are every one very conscious of our rights and privileges as Americans and for that we are very grateful. We consider ourselves to be patriots of the highest form. Than anyone would honestly consider us traitors remains very painful to consider.

Crossposted at DailyKos and NION.