Women March for Peace

A spirited and strong gathering of 250-350 people assembled today in front of the Federal Building in downtown Santa Rosa to take stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan in opposition to the proposed war/ reaction of the Bush administration to events of Sept.11. Several speakers at today's rally gave voice to voiceless/oppressed people of central Asia who happen to be mostly women and children. Elder women peace activists were present to give encouragement that 'we can stop a war -we've done it before!' A younger woman stood up to share her heart's song, one of determination to be heard despite holding a seemingly unpopular viewpoint. This idea was expanded later as marchers chanted "Don't believe the media!" Other songs and chants echoed through the blocks-long crowd, resounding from one end to another "No War, No Way!" and reaching a moment of poignient intensity as we paused in front of the Army recruiting station on 7th street chanting "Justice not vengeance!" We proceeded through the downtown area as the march gathered supporters along the route. Response was generally very positive with many motorists and pedestrians honking and/or waving peace signs a few odd male passersby jeered or yelled back that they'd 'never' be ready for peace. Or "how would (we) all like to be hit by a jet?" We were not detered by the few that didn't honor the intent of the march. We carried on singing and chanting John Lennons' "All we are saying is give peace a chance" as gentle mall security guards held the double doors open for us so that we could enter the mall en masse. The Santa Rosa mall's acoustics lifted our voices to reach shoppers and shopkeepers alike who undoubtedly knew the anthem.