Bait and Switch!

I had written a positive post regarding the National Guard but after talking to the core group of individuals that had discussed the sign change I changed my post. The truth is yes we are happy that the National Guard agreed to change the sign from 100% tuition paid to something else. The fact is that the Guard informed the (about) 8 people who chose to negotiate the sign that what we would have the right to chose, by concensus of the community of people protesting the original sign, to chose what would be advertised on the future sign. I was there. After negotions were made (the entire process took several hours Monday) Leah, and the others came out and spent the next few hours asking everyones opinion of what we would like to say.

Actually what we chose was "Protect and Serve Your Country by joining the National Guard" The woman (I'll get her name in a little bit) who is the facilitator for "Counter Recruitment in our Schools" came up with this slogan and we chose this. Apparently the Guard did not like our choice ( I loved it because isn't that what Guard means... and why does the president now want to take more and use them to guard our borders... "the center will not hold" if that happens) From my conversation with Michele 10 minutes ago, " out of the two options we were given, no one liked the one that still implies WAR = Education. The negotiators who reentered the Guard building, were then taken away the right to chose, and only given two options. They then chose by concensus "Join the HOME Team" because we feel unprotected without the guard, guarding us.

WE AS A GROUP OF CONCERNED CITIZENS WERE ONCE AGAIN LIED TO. This is once again "BAIT AND SWITCH" techiques.

I was asked not to put this in an earlier post because we did not want to infuriate the Guard or the military any more than they are (and why should we be afraid of upsetting them, when they have consistently let us down?????) Honestly I'm shaking while writing this because I am afraid of retaliation or phone taps, etc. at this point. I keep telling my lamp I'm an American and I love my country. (you know it's hard to sleep when helicopters and small jets have consistently been flying overhead since 2 pm Tuesday, noise pollution) Okay, here it goes, The Officer in charge of negotiations himself said "he had once been a used car salesman and admitted the military was using the "Bait and Switch" technique" by implying that a free education is worth the price of war.

Someone has to say it out loud and apparently that is my job here. Honestly I am very nervous right now. Please, please if you are a free thinker and understand the implications of this worldwide.... we are trying to make a difference and it begins in our backyard. If you are a "sanctioned" independent reporter please share what you have learned, please come help support us. I wish the OSU and Corvallis High School students would make a larger appearance because ultimately it is your age group that is targeted. We love our community and just want peace.


Thank you Michele Darr for showing me and so many in our community that one person can make a difference to make the world a better place for all. You are my inspiration and best friend. And thank you God for your voice shining through all and keeping me strong in times of desperation. Peace is Possible and this I know know, for that is the truth.

"To adore God in Truth is to Admit that our nature is just the opposite if His, if we desire it." by Brother Lawrence

Fear and Loathing in Corvallis, Oregon

"Update Wednesday May 17th: I was just at the vigil with Michele and her two babies (twins) and wondering why there are military helicopers flying low over the National Guard every 5-10 minutes. It is very intimidating and frightening. I'm not aware of any military training excersises taking place. I ran a copy of my blog before posting it on the internet, down to the vigil to show it to a couple of people volunteering their time. The 24 hr. vigil will be in effect until Friday, when the sign is supposed to be changed.

We have also been mentioned on the national news by NPR ! Yeah. Haven't heard the soundbite yet but have a feeling they are giving a honest viewpoint. My favorite radio station : ) And they say a small group of people can't make a difference. I had no idea it would get this big!

Anyone is welcome to come join, whatever your position, as long as you are willing to have a calm discussion of the issue. We have people show up to play music occasionally and it is an opportunity to be part of something good, freedom of standing up for what we believe in"

I also had the opportunity to speak to a soldier who had been to Iraq and we had a productive peaceful conversation, I think. He's also concerned about Iraq and while we did not agree on every issue he was very easy to talk to. I honestly want to know what the soldiers have experienced, he was very informative. He had the opportunity to read my blog post before I posted it and did not take offense to anything I had written. Of course he does not speak for all soldiers. "


Wednesday morning:
I must say the last few days have been incredibly enlightening when it comes to passive resistance, and the nature of standing up for what you believe even as a "free" American. I have no idea how much of the Corvallis public is aware of what has been going on a the National Guard Armory with the Mother's Day Vigil, because I have been in the middle of it, and I have spent most of my free time down at the Armory. I'd like to share a few of my personal experiences. I hope someone from the National Guard armory reads this so they understand that we are all Americans and on the same side.

First off I became involved in the civil resistance movement that is taking place worldwide because I do not agree with the continuation of this war period. I am 100% firm in my commitment to stand up for my right as an American to peacefully resist this war in Iraq until this war is over, and ALL American soldiers are home safely. To see the evolution from average Jane citizen, two months ago, to commited peace activist, today, please take a few minutes to read my six blog posts beginning with pics and video's at peace rally . During this time I have not only educated myself as to the nature this war but have found out violence, whether it be with weapons or intimidation is the least effective response in every situation. Whether it be worldwide conflict to interpersonal with our families and loved ones.

The response from the National Guard, the general public who vocally (often disturbingly loud) support this war and the media has been eye opening, disturbing and often frightening.

Tony Lystra, the reporter for the Corvallis Gazette Times, has spent very little time getting his "facts" and is misinforming the public of the nature and intentions of the people who are involved in this peaceful resistance movement locally. It is clear to his agenda is to accentuate the "conflict" in the matter to sell papers.

First I would like to give my thanks:

Thank you Michele. You have taught me the world truly can be a kinder gentler place. When I met you at the rally two months ago I had no idea. You are a gentle, compassionate soul who has taught me change is possible and it begins with us. I am so grateful you and your family are in my life. Your children, Tala, Pheonix, Willow and Grace are beautiful souls and your compassion as a mother shines in them.

Thank you Rebecca, your commitment and involvement in both the peace movement and life makes me look forward to the day we can spend as much time building the art and craft co-op together. I'm so happy I met you. I'm looking forward to viewing your husbands photo's and video record of the events of the past few days. Your daughter is a joy.(I keep forgetting her name having met so many people and children recently, but was calling her "pink" after we sat down together yesterday and colored together at the vigil and she ended up mostly pink from the sidewalk chalk we were playing with)

Thank you Leah, for your commitment to the soldiers, and your time invested in building the memorial of names of those killed in the war. I cannot even imagine the hand cramps you must have experienced in handwriting all of them. Hearing you share of your experiences as a career vetran has taught me so much about what it's like to be on the inside and come out a come out a stronger person for it.

Thank you to my husband for putting up with my time invested, I honestly had no idea that I would end up spending most of my free time at the vigil. Sorry for not returning the movies in time. I love you.

Thank you to (here's where I start forgetting names, I'll have to ask again when I see all of you) the woman who spends much of her time working with the highschool students doing counter resistance to the military recruiters in the highschools. Now I know what to share with my children, thank you for the woman who brought the Iraqi woman to the United Methodist church to share her story as a mother and woman on the inside. I cannot even honestly imagine the fear and uncertainty they are experiencing. Thank you to Eman Ahmed for sharing your story. (I hope I'm able to see you speak again to thank you in person) Your courage in speaking out in the "occupators" against this war, is amazing and inspiring. Thank you to Wendi, my new friend and a neighbor who I met on Sunday. Your music is a gift and listening to you play your guitar under the tree and sing out for peace and compassion is creative expression at the highest. Looking forward to taking my children to the Beanery to show them my new friend sing. I'm hoping you can inspire my daughter to follow through with her plans when she endeavors to learn the guitar. Thank you to my children, you are more precious to me than gold. Thank you to my family, my two uncles who experienced Vietnam as both a Marine and Navy soldiers. Uncle Dale, now I understand why you joined as a rebel and came out a minister. Uncle Robert, I'm so glad you're now working at the hospital doing what you love instead of Trojan nuclear power plant risking radiation illness. Thank you Grandpa, your stories of being in WWII and your famous story of driving your side-saddle motorcycle to hang out and drink sake' with the Japanese in the Portland internment/worker camp put a face on the "enemy" for me at a very young age. I miss you but know you are looking down on us and smiling. Thanks to everyone else involved in attempting to make the world a better place who I have met along the way, including the almost 140 people who spent part of their mother's day supporting the movement towards peace. You are the witnesses, share your stories. Thank you to the Dixie Chicks. I've listened to your newest song at least once a day. You go girls! : ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR1l95sLroQ . The spirit of your music has supported me from the beginning of my personal struggle for freedom and independence. Freedom for the choice to express ourselves creatively in any form we choose is ultimately the goal of peace. And thank you God. Whithout who we would not be here to fight the good fight.

didn't realize I had so many to thank, now here are a few things I would like to clear up:

1.I am not "you people" and pointing your finger in my face, yelling and intimidating me does not make that so. Regardless of your job or position in the national guard. When a man over six feet tall yells at a woman under 5 foot 3 inches is not okay. Whatever your agenda and beliefs.

2. Standing on the sidewalk by Kings blvd. in front of every car passing by, and balling my eyes out after being yelled at by an intimidating, frightening man is embarrassing.

3. I love being an American. I am proud of my uncles for fighting a war they were told was just. I am hurt to see the effects Vietnam had on their lives. They are both kinder and gentler people for giving up the "party" line.

4. Someone chosing to write "peace is possible" in small pink letters on the cement in front of the memorial was never intended to infuriate or disrespect the memorial. I saw the memorial for the first time on Sunday and felt only reverence and respect for it. Being told we could not gather around it to look at it or show our respect was wrong and insensitive to our personal rights as Americans.

5. A 3 inch stick used to prop open the door of the National Guard building when people are going in and out is not a "threat to national security" no matter what someone says. It's an excuse to vent your feelings on private civialians, who individually chose to stand up for our beliefs. We have no idea who placed the stick under the door, their were both a group of negotiators, soldiers and the media going in and out of that door during the hours of negotiations.

6. We are not an unorganized "operation". We are not an operation at all. We are a group of individuals who do not neccessarily agree on the details but agree we want our troops home now. I have personally learned through the peaceful resistance class (thanks Tom for coming down from Portland to teach us, both in Eugene and Corvallis) that war is never as effective as peaceful resistance.

7. And last, I am so sorry the coffins look a little tattered and it is obvious they are not real. It was never intended to be disrespectful. The point was to wrench the gut of the general public driving, walking, or riding bikes by into the consequences of war. It obviously wrenches yours. It was never the intention to bring back painful memories.



Honestly I could go on and on, but it's very tiring and long winded to attempt to defend every misconception. The good news (yeah ! :) is that the commander of the local National Guard promised to change the wording on the sign in front of the Armory by Friday, after a few hours of negotiations. The vigil will be contunued 24hrs. a day until then.

For those parents who are concerned their children will chose the military to pay for education please check out Leave My Child Alone! which is a Family Privacy Project to Protect Students from Unwanted Military Recruiting.

I like quotes and usually find one I think pertains to my post but this time something I wrote in my post regarding my experience of my first peace rally in Corvallis two months ago seems to fit best.


"I am just thankful that Corvallis is a town that takes action and allows people to get together to express their views, whichever side of the street they may stand on."

Free non-violence training tomorrow in corvallis

Brand new video from the Dixie Chicks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR1l95sLroQ
"Not ready to make nice" A perfect example of how to express your feelings without violence.

2 quotes from YouTube "This album hasn't even come out yet, and this song has already debuted on the Billboard charts higher than any other of their singles have."

"They are awesome! I was sooo glad to see that they are standing up for what they believe in and am happy to see 3 women with brains and a backbone!"

I usually take a couple of days or weeks lately between posts but have some exciting information to share with friends and the general public. Tomorrow, Saturday May 13th, from 10am - 4:30pm there will be a free non-violence class at Westminster House. It's a potluck lunch so if you plan on attending the entire class bring a dish to share. The address is 23rd and Monroe in Corvallis. For those who are not familiar with Monroe street it is the one that runs through the OSU campus, right by the Interzone coffee shop, American Dream Pizza and the campus Beanery. Westminster House is a beautiful old building housing students and they have space they open up to the public for musicians to play and public gatherings.

My friend Michele is going to be a co-trainer and after talking to her today I learned much about the nature of non-violence training. I had the misconception that it was only for people who were at risk of being arrested at peace vigils. I am not at risk because if asked to leave a private property by the police I will chose to do so.

In fact the non-violence training, while I imagine discusses the subject of police interactions, is primarily how we can communicate non-violently but effectively in all of our relationships. Whether it be with our loved ones, our co-workers, people we do not agree with, etc. More a way of living and a changing perspective on how we communicate overall to achieve a feeling of well being and validation for our personal opinions and perspectives. I cannot imagine anyone who would not gain self assurance and a positive effect in their lives and relationships with others by attending this training. Non-violence is not about being weak and backing down in conflicts, it is about communicating our beliefs and feelings without dominating, manipulating or harming others to force them to believe the same.

For my friends who want to help during the rally, we will also be meeting Saturday at 6:30pm to discuss the last minute details. I've asked a friend in the local African drumming circle to invite them to the march and rally. Anyone else who plays drums, guitar or anything is encouraged to bring their musical instruments. Sargent Sarah, an OSU chemical engineering student who in in the National Guard will be speaking at 2:30pm at the National Guard Building. If you even just have an hour, her speech will be worth your time. Although we have a right to free assembly and speech in this country she is very courageous to share her experiences.

If people are interested in this emerging new world view of peace and compassion for all, and open to new perspectives, I highly suggest the book "The Celestine Prophecy" Kind of a corny story, but enlightening vision.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

"Animal Farm"

Chris and Jasmine

I picked up our little purple lazer light and played with the newest member of our family, Jasmine. She's about 10 weeks old, and a little fuzz ball calico kitten. She was hilarious, chasing the uncatchable light. First she did circles, over and over, at top speed. Then laps. It's like a kitty magnet. I laughed until I cried. I highly suggest a laser light if your cat needs excersize or you want a good laugh. I can't remember the last time I've laughed until crying. Animals are so easy to love.

I've had animals around my entire life, except for short time in the 90's and 4 yrs while I lived in an apartment that did not allow them (although there was an "apartment" kitty, a "stray" that would spend all her time at the complex). I had a roomate in the country in the early 90's who took care of wild animals for Chintimini wildlife rehabilitation. Part of agreeing to live there included feeding the birds, the babies needed feeding with syringes every two hours, day or night. I had to mow the huge lawn right by the skunk cage with two skunks living in it. Talk about anxiety producing! The first week I moved in we took a barn owl who had recovered from his injuries out to a field and set him free. It was a lot of work but an amazing experience.

Personally, I love animals, animal movies, animal cartoons, animal documentaries, pet stores, etc. I remember when I was in labor with my daughter in the hospital. There was a television in the room (which still seems a little odd to me, but it did help take my mind off the pain) and that old commercial with the dancing parrots came on. In the middle of a painful contraction I looked up and saw dancing parrots and started laughing. That was February 25th, 1993. Right after that the news took over on all the stations because the world trade center had been bombed with a car bomb planted in the parking garage. So the animals had made me happy and the actions of men had made me sad. Thankfully I was more invested in my daughters birth and it was a joyous event, superceding the events of the day.

My husband and I recently watched The Wild Parrots of Telegraph hill. Must see movie if your an animal lover, if your not you may end up being one by the end of the movie. Mark Bittner, the man in the man in the movie, talks about people accusing him of anthropomorphic beliefs. Big word so I looked it up in the dictionary : ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things. I had no idea people didn't realize animals could feel emotions as human do. The analogy of a dog being repeadly kicked until it cowers in fear or bites when a person wants to pet it comes to mind. Like most people I can relate to the dog. Anger, rage and fear tactics used as an excuse to hurt others in both personal or wordwide relationships contribute to most of the fear, anxiety, and violence that is so prevalent in our world. In adults and children. I'm not preaching, just stating the facts. Awareness that it is not necessary to vent our frustrations or anger on to others or play the victim in relationships is like a cloud is lifting from in the brain.

Most people and myself are wondering not only if the president will ever admit he made a mistake with continuing this war. That's the trick. Admitting and apologizing is the only chance we have to diffuse this volitile situation. If your angry at someone for hitting you, do you go punch out their sister. Your sister probably may have been hit by this person too, or they would at least know their brother has anger issues. Now you've hit the sister, then go on to hit the mother, father, and their baby brother too. How do you think that family feels about you now. This is the problem we are facing even if the president manages to wake up and stop his retaliatory violence. It is true their are terrorists in the Middle East. Our national security has to be hypervigilant because terrorists can retaliate. Don't you think at some point someone in my hypothetical family ,someone who was not violent by nature will come to say enough is enough. They will see your tactics and possibly go after your family, because they now understand how it hurts so much more to have loved ones attacked. Many people will say this is the nature of war.

I've been noticing something on the news, I can't remember them ever saying "yesterday 5 American soldiers have been killed and 30 Iraqui terrorists were killed in Baghdad" It's always American soldiers and civilians. I'm noticing a pattern here. I may be wrong, maybe they have found some terrorists, or more than likely they are finding family members who have said enough! We should of course defend and protect ourselves if we are being invaded and attacked. But standing up to individual battles does not need to involve innocent bystanders. I and many people I know have a small fear of attending a peace rally. This fear comes from seeing too many video's of police violently breaking up rallies or marches. And Kent State. Luckily this is an incredibly rare occurance now. Arrest is possible if one chooses to resist when asked to leave an area. But the police do not unilateraly attack crowds of peaceful resistors anymore. At least in America.

Sort of got off topic of the art and craft guild. I'll be making another 100 postcards in the next two days, with the help of friends. Read my last couple of posts if your attention span can take it, for information about the upcoming Mother's Day vigil and rally in Corvallis.

"Never wear anything that panics the cat." ~P.J. O'Rourke

Mother's Day March & Vigil

Recently I have been busy making postcards for the upcoming march and vigil at the National Guard building, May 14th. The march is not just for mothers by the way, I have been asked that question ;) The march will begin at Cloverland Park at the corner of 29th and Garfield at 1:00 pm and proceed to the National Guard Building on Kings Blvd. where there will be a rally and vigil beginning at 2:30pm and 5:00pm. The postcards will be mailed to Laura and Barbara bush and will be available at the rally for those who would like to send their opinions to the two mothers in the U.S. with probably the most influence. So far we have 300 postcards addressed and ready to send and I hope to make 100 more. For those who have any opinion regarding the war and would like to share it with the mothers of our leaders children this is a wonderful opportunity to let your voice be heard.

Mother's Day Proclamation - 1870
Written by Julia Ward Howe

Arise then... women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our sons (and daughters) shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons (and daughters) to be trained to injure theirs"

From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own, It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appoointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
to promote the allieance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

Postcards for Peace

Fourteen people in all got together at my place yesterday (Earth Day : ) to paint and make postcards for the upcoming peace march and vigil at the National Guard on Kings Blvd. on Mother's Day. The postcards will be addressed to state and federal politicians, and anyone can come by the rally on Mother's Day and write a short note to be sent to our government. We are only asking for a donation to cover postage. Green Valley Arts and Crafts guild and Green Valley Housekeeping are sponsoring the rally by supplying the postcards. Volunteers are spending their time making them. We managed to make almost 100 yesterday. Each postcard will have a decal added of four adults, and four children surrounding the earth. The decals can be colored at the vigil if people choose to add their own artistic flair. The march will begin at Cloverland Park (29th and Garfield) at 1:00pm May 14th and proceed to the National Guard building. Vigils will begin at 2pm and 5:30pm.

Mother's Day is the perfect day for a peace rally. In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.

There is much misinformation confusing the issues behind the war in Iraq. Primarily those who believe that those who support peace are not supporting the troops. In fact we do support the troops, and their safe return home. Many people who support peace have family and friends who have been or are currently in the military in Iraq. There never were any weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein has been in custody since December 2003. Iraqi women do not need our "help". They in fact have the most progressive female society in the middle east. They did not want or need to be saved. Our continued occupation of Iraq is an abuse of power and authority and inhibiting their growth and development.

We are starting postcards for peace with the Mother's day rally but I intend to continue until the war is over. It is the smallest thing to take an hour or two to let our politicians know how we feel. They work for us, not the other way around. If everyone who says they do not agree with the war (which is in fact the majority of our country) spent a few minutes to send a postcard or two, then the politicians would have a clearer idea of what the people want.

Anyone who would like to assist with either making postcards, donating supplies (creative crafts has the 22"x30" watercolor paper we are using for $1.59 a sheet... we can make 20 4"x6" postcards per sheet, or sets of tubes of watercolor paints which are less than $6 a set), or even donate your own postcards, homemade or not please contact either greenvalley.corvallis@gmail.com or Michele at satyagrahi@riseup.net . We will need any donated postcards for the rally by May 7th to give us time to address them. We will still accept postcards or assistance at any time in the future until the troops are brought home.

"One little person, giving all of her time to peace, makes news. Many people, giving some of their time, can make history." Peace Pilgrim

Video of Iraqi woman sharing her story in corvallis oregon

Have a link to the video's I took of Eman Ahmed Khamas, sharing stories of the truth of the war in Iraq. http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DBE6728D6A9D081B my little digital camera caught about 20 min. of her story but very informative. It's shocking to hear the truth, and realize the misinformation we are being fed by the media, and our government.



Still tatting. My latest is a small doily in the pic above. but very busy building two businesses, both the art guild and my all natural housekeeping business. Using the natural products makes a difference in my own health when I work with cleaning products on a regular basis. Plus they smell so much nicer. Have found two wonderful people to work with me as subcontractors for the cleaning business, it will actually be run more as a co-op, should be fun. The income is good, and personally I love the work. Have done it for years on and off between many other jobs (I moved a lot but found home in corvallis) and found it's the most peaceful work, and always seem work for wonderful people. Plus the added benefits of making my own schedule and taking vacations when I want :)

Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Victory is ours through him who loves us.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Pics and video's of Corvallis peace rally/march

Michelle and Ben my new friends from the rally
(Ben made the great sign Michelle is holding)

Here's a pic I took of the rally/ march. There are a few more pics on my flickr site, link on the right. This is a link to the video's I took (digital camera's are so great!) http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FFF2E54881BF3CD3 The 7 short video's total 21 min. of the rally. The first video is of a man sharing the experience of loosing his son David in the war. The last 3 video's are music performed by an acappella group. If you missed it I suggest taking a few min. to watch and become informed :) I learned a lot and totally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. People were very considerate of each other and the traffic. They had volunteer crossing guards at each intersection allowing only about 10 people to cross at time. Waiting a few moments to drive through the well advertised march, was a small price to pay compared to the family members who had lost loved ones due to this war. Since over 60% of the nation believes we should no longer be in this war I was somewhat disappointed that their were so few who showed up. If 60% of Corvallisonians had showed up to show their support and learn how to help, there would have actually been very few cars on the road in the first place :)

I personally loved the fact that it felt like more like a peace stroll, rather than a cram packed crowded march. Had the opportunity to walk with two friends. One who has been involved in the local demonstration from the beginning, as well as being actively involved in the peace effort world wide since the age of 8. He had many interesting stories, including being injured in a bomb blast in a peace march in a third world country some time ago. Was my first experience at a peace rally and learned a lot of eye opening information. Highly suggest everyone take a little time out of their life to attend a peace rally.

I am just thankful that Corvallis is a town that takes action and allows people to get together to express their views, whichever side of the street they may stand on.

"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter." Ecclesiastes 4:1