A message
from an ally in England
This is the text of an email sent out February 16, 2003
from London, England
Hi Kate,
I've just come back from the newsagents, having read the front page
stories about yesterday's peace march in London. I felt so moved by it all
that I just had to write to you - and maybe some of your fellow Americans
should you decide to forward this on. Not one newspaper ran a story in
favour of Tony Blair. Not one. Not even the right wing papers dared raise
a voice of dissent against this overwhelming show of solidarity by the
British people.
It was the largest public demonstration in British history. Estimates of
numbers range from 750,000 and rising (UK police, who are notorious for
underestimating) to 2,000,000. The truth is that there were probably
around 1,500,000. The numbers were swelled by people coming straight to
the rally in the park, by-passing the march itself, and also by those
streaming in from the many side streets. We left Hyde Park at 5:45pm, long
after all the speeches had been made and the rally officially ended. And
still we could not get out of the gate we had entered by because of the
sea of people still pouring into the park.
There was the usual crowd of left-wing militants but the mass of us were
made of ordinary folks who don't normally do this kind of thing. Young,
old, middle aged, workers, managers, people in wheelchairs, people who
could barely walk because of their disabilities. Most, like ourselves, had
never been on a demonstration before. We were not anarchists. We were not
communists. We were one people united by a common heart. No-one was
demonstrating in favour of Saddam or Osama bin Laden. We feel for our
American cousins who have suffered so much after Sept. 11th. No-one I have
talked with in this country agrees with terrorism or with a dictator who
cruelly mistreats his own people and we want to see them brought to
justice. The only issue is how. We marched for peace and a peaceful
solution to the issues facing humanity.
And in this flowing mass of humanity one thing stood out to me. Everyone,
yes, everyone, was friendly and considerate of others. Inevitably feet
trod on other feet, hands and arms bumped into other bodies. But each time
there was a good natured smile, an apology and a warmth that united us. I
didn't see, or hear of, one single incident of anger or violence, even
against the police. Official reports from the police have confirmed this.
In a situation in which tempers could have flared so easily this was
remarkable. This small thing, individual people treating other individuals
- no matter what colour, political persuasion or religious viewpoint -
with respect, understanding and goodwill was the most powerful memory I
take away from Feb. 15th.
Perhaps our leaders could learn something from the people they were
elected to serve? There is a name for this small thing that I witnessed in
my fellow countrymen and women yesterday. It was love.
Best wishes to you and all Americans,
Leo
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