[Pacg] Article on PACG/Pax Christi Peace Week in Progressive Journal

[Carolina 1961]

*Front page article in the eminent progressive journal of eastern Iowa, The
Prairie Progressive,  available only by subscription and paid for solely by
subscriptions.*

*Framing the Message, Crossing the Bridge*
by Cathy Bolkcom

As a grassroots organizer seeking to both end the war and broaden the base
of people who are willing to stand up for peace and economic justice, I am
constantly mindful of how to frame the message of the work that we do in the
Quad Cities to build a progressive movement.  Over the past three years, the
efforts we have made through Progressive Action for the Common Good have
included deep and vigorous discussions about how to be both courageous and
effective.  Often that comes down to questions of tone and wording and more
critically to the energy which we bring to the work—whether we are simply
against something or for a vision of what we want to create to replace that
which we deplore.
This was much on my mind as we planned to participate in the annual March
15th Quad Cities St. Pat's Parade.  This is a hugely popular celebration of
20+ years standing.  I have a personal connection to the parade in that it
was literally the highlight of my Irish Catholic mother's life to march in
the parade every year in celebration of her Irish heritage.  I did not think
that participating in the parade as an anti-war contingent would advance our
goal:  to broaden our base and to educate people about the costs of the
war.  So our group met and discussed and argued and came to agreement to
keep our presence a positive pro-peace unit: signs expressing messages of
peace and passing out literature as well as the requisite candy and beads.
Our marching unit --40 - 50 strong, people of all ages ---carried signs
reading Irish Mom for Peace , Pray for Peace, Peace Works for Ireland, Be
the Peace, amongst others. One member had constructed a frame for an eight
foot tall American Friends Services banner which highlights the costs of the
war..."$720 Million a Day:  How Would You Spend It?" that stood up above our
group.  Candy and necklaces were thrown and 4000 pieces of literature were
passed out on the economic consequences of the war.
The most amazing thing happened as our marching unit –part of a miles-long
parade --- came off the Centennial Bridge across the Mississippi River and
headed up 3rd St into Davenport where huge crowds gather to watch the
parade.
The crowds began to cheer, to call out 'peace' to us marchers, to give us
the peace sign, to show their support through clapping and shouting and
smiling.  For us war-weary activists, it was a most heartening reception, at
a time when we feel great despair about the lack of attention being given
the war, at the mounting death toll, at the inaction of our leaders.  We
appreciated this affirmation from regular people that the majority of
American people want peace.  We are utterly confused by why our elected
leaders in Congress are not in step with the wishes of the American people.

On the 5th Anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Pax Christi and Progressive
Action for the Common Good sponsored two events.  The first was a press
conference held interestingly enough at the new Davenport Police Department
Community Room.  Peace activists talked about how a fraction of the monies
being spent in Iraq could be used locally to pay for basic human needs in
the Quad Cities and in the state of Iowa.  Mayor Bill Gluba and 10 community
leaders talked about how such things as affordable housing, mental health
funding shortages in Scott County, and infrastructure needs for the city
have been adversely affected by the $500,000 per minute we are spending in
Iraq.  It was notable that every local news media outlet was present.  The
news coverage was very good.
The evening of the anniversary brought an historic gathering of Catholics,
Muslims and Christians of various denominations, Unitarians, Jews, Hindus
and Buddhists and peace lovers of all beliefs at the Islamic Community's
Mosque in Moline.  250 Quad Citians came together----one of the larger
gatherings anywhere according to national new coverage of such events across
the country---- on the 5th Anniversary of this pointless war.  Prayers and
verses were given in several languages, including Muslim and Hebrew prayers,
chanting in Sanskrit and prayers and verses from the Catholic and Christian
communities.  Seeds of hope were planted in flower pots to sprout through
the spring just as our connections amongst people of different faiths and
beliefs grows and flourishes in the Quad Cities.  Again, our local media
provided very thorough coverage of this event.
All said, it was sad and solemn and at the same time a very good week for
the peace movement in the Quad Cities.  One woman with tears in her eyes
left the Peace Service saying, "I feel like there is a star shining brighter
in the darkness tonight."
Cathy Bolkcom
Co-founder of Progressive Action for the Common Good
www.qcprogressiveaction.org

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A Quarterly Journal of Progressivism in Eastern Iowa
Edited by David Leshtz and Jeff Cox of Iowa City
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Box 1945
Iowa City, IA   52244
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-- 
Caroline Vernon
Organizer
Progressive Action for the Common Good
carolina1961 at gmail.com
563-676-7580
www.qcprogressiveaction.org

"Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved through
understanding." - Albert Einstein
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