Islanders Brave Cold to Share Concern at Prospect of U.S. War in
Middle East

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

On one of the coldest days of the year, more than 170 people
gathered at Five Corners for a peaceful noontime rally expressing their
concern at the prospect of an American war with Iraq.

"We don't know where this war will take us," said
Tony Nevin of Vineyard Haven, taking his turn Saturday at the microphone
in front of the E&E Deli. Mr. Nevin and many others spoke about
their personal worries for the future if the war takes place. Mr. Nevin
recalled the Cuban missile crisis and how destabilizing it was to the
future of peace.

The Rev. Alden Besse, chairman of the Vineyard Peace Council, spoke
of his concerns about the dangerous route war takes once it is begun.

Many people in the quiet audience carried antiwar slogan posters.
Jean Andrews of Edgartown held a poster that read, "Wage Peace Not
War."

Another poster quoted the Bible: "Blessed are the peace
makers."

Julie Hitchings of West Tisbury spoke of her patriotic spirit
supporting the nation's military. "I support the military
when I think they are doing the right thing," she said. But she
said she was opposed to the United States initiating a war with Iraq.

Bryan Daniels of Edgartown spoke into the microphone, his breath
visible in the cold. He accused the Republican party of using the war as
part of a smokescreen to cover a domestic agenda which will hurt the
country's poor and the environment.

One after another, people from a variety of walks of life stood up
and voiced their concerns.

Chris Fried, a member of the peace council and organizer of the
rally, stood nearby and watched. Mr. Fried said he was gratified to see
the expression of concern by those in attendance. He said after the
rally: "I was very pleased by the turnout. Most of the people who
showed up came for the full two hours. It was cold. I thought people
would come for a few minutes and go, but so many stayed." Mr.
Fried, of Vineyard Haven, said he is dedicating most of his time these
days to the Vineyard Peace Council and its efforts to raise public
awareness about opposition to the war.

While this rally was going on at Five Corners, more than 30
Vineyarders were in Washington, D.C., participating in the national
rally with more than 400,000 other participants. Many had taken a bus
from Woods Hole, while others went by car.

Mr. Besse said later: "I find the response both here and
across the country and world encouraging. People are really facing the
realities of how horrible a war might be and how uncertain the
result."

Even before Saturdays' rally was over, there was talk among
the participants about new steps that might be taken in the days ahead.
Speakers offered the audience a number of web sites on the Internet
offering informatio, and invited participation in meetings of the
Vineyard Peace Council. Mr. Fried said: "People are looking for a
nonviolent solution. They are looking for ways to help.

"All of us have a right and responsibility to give direction
to our President and other members of government," Mr. Fried said.
"It is patriotic. So none of us should be embarrassed or
intimidated by speaking out."

On Sunday, almost 30 people attended a meeting of the Vineyard Peace
Council at Grace Church. The talk was about the successes of the weekend
and a look forward.

Susan Desmarais said after the Sunday meeting that Islanders fasting
for peace have a planned observance of their own. A group of men and
women plan to fast. Each day, one of a core group of individuals would
fast for the day as a gesture of opposition to the war. She said:
"We are trying to raise the awareness about the need for
nonviolent conflict resolution." She said the participants include
a social worker, a librarian and a retired innkeeper. "We have
some high school students interested."

The peace council will stage a candlelight vigil at Five Corners
this Monday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Mr. Besse said the event will coincide
with United Nations weapons inspectors giving their report on Iraq and
its weapon program.

There are already two other events under way that are intended to
raise the Island's awareness about the international climate. At
Grace Church there is a gathering to pray for peace on Sunday afternoons
from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Oak Bluffs library has organized a series of panel discussions
by "peace practitioners" from the Island community. And at
the Vineyard Haven library, Jim Norton of Vineyard Haven is leading a
discussion on a new book about religious diversity, A New Religious
America by Diana Eck. The six-week workshop began on Thursday, Jan. 16,
and continues through Feb. 20, meeting at 6 p.m. The workshop is open to
everyone. The author asks the question: Can Americans of all faiths and
beliefs engage with one another to shape a positive pluralism?

The Rev. Robert Brightman, a retired United Methodist minister from
West Tisbury, is conducting a month-long study group on Understanding
Islam at the Old Whaling Church. The first session takes place Monday,
Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The group is sponsored by the Edgartown
United Methodist Church with input from the Hebrew Center. For more
information on that series, call 508-693-7940.

The Rev. Mr. Besse said of the Island community: "I think
there are a great many people, thoughtfully concerned about the future.
I have seen a great variety of people, people deeply concerned, people
who are taking the time to be carefully informed and not be duped by
propaganda."