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Take a Stand for Peace
The two day (8 stops) around the island roving peace vigil calling for an end to the wars and redirecting military spending toward education and other human needs was a new experience in peace making on Hawaii Island. Mahalo to our Kauai peace sisters and brothers for the idea.
We started in Hilo bayfront on Sat. at 9AM which was very busy with lots of people getting ready for the Merrie Monarch parade. Our signs were against war and occupation. We also called for “Schools NOT War, Jobs not war, Healthcare not warfare, Bring the troops home, Rescue the troops from war, Cut off the war funds, etc.” The message, especially concern for school funding, was well received. We handed out a lot of leaflets about 54 cents of every federal tax dollar going to the military while less than 2 cents goes to education.
After Hilo Bayfront, a Hilo contingent of 7 traveled to Honoka’a and then on to Waimea and Waikoloa where they were joined by others in each community against the wars. It was good to give support to one another and stand for an hour in each community in solidarity for peace.
On Sunday 4 of us from east Hawaii first traveled to Volcano, where we were joined by a dozen other peace activists, including Hawaii Independence supporters. Local residents helped bring out Volcano friends to join the vigil. Next stop was Na’alehu where many people were on their way to church. Watching the churches fill we wondered – – would Jesus or Buddha bomb anyone? Shouldn’t it be a given that churches are on the side of peace and not war? At Captain Cook there was a strong showing by south Kona residents against the war. Kailua-Kona was busy with tourists but also local residents hanging out in the pier area. We were joined by several youth who brought good energy to the last stop in the vigil.
Along the roving peace vigil there were several war supporters counter demonstrating. They were part of a group called “The Gathering of Eagles.’ or what one peace vigiler called “the screaming eagles” for some of their members who screamed insults. Among the insults (not by all the eagles mind you) were “losers, dope smokers, communists, get a job.” Some of their signs were curious: “The Big islands wants/needs more military.” “We need more bombs.” Especially troubling was hearing one of the eagles scream “NUKE ‘EM”
Malu ‘Aina has a firm non-violent discipline. Do not return insult for insult. Treat all people with respect, even those who disagree with us. Take the high road. Let insults go like water off a duck’s back.
All total, over the 2 days, dozens of island residents took to the streets to stand for peace against war; to say that our priorities are upside down. Spending 54 cents out of every federal tax dollar on the military and
2 cents on education is nuts. It’s time to put our kids back in school, open the libraries, and furlough the warmakers and arms merchants, instead of teachers and students. Stand up and act for peace.
Don’t be a Warhead!
1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties. 4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, etc. 5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Contact: Malu `Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box AB Kurtistown, Hawai`i 96760. Phone (808) 966-7622.
Email ja@interpac.net http://www.malu-aina.org
Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet (April 16, 2010 – 448th week) – Friday 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office
