A Conversation I had at CSN Concert about Peace

            An interesting conversation occurred as I was working the Veterans For Peace (VFP) table at the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert. The fact that there was a VFP table at the concert of a popular musical group is an important part of the story – CSN has a long history of supporting the peace movement. They have written and regularly perform songs, which are explicitly anti-war, and improvise still more anti-war sentiments into songs – for example during “Wooden Ships” when the lyrics ask about the war “who won?” David would respond “no one!” These leanings are not news to any of us who have followed the band whether you include their political actions off stage or not, which is why the conversation is “noteworthy”.

If anyone doubts the feelings of CSN towards peace, I had a personal piece of feedback. Prior to the concert, my wife and I were in back of the venue waiting to find where we would be with the VFP table. Of course I was decked out in my VFP t-shirt and hat for the occasion. Graham Nash came out of the back door ambling leisurely towards the tour buses. He noticed my attire and actually said “nice shirt” – thereby expressing his approval of the peace message. I had brought markers just in case I would meet a band member, and was so star struck I just stood there – didn’t even say thanks. Not one of my prouder moments – no memento to prominently display for me.

            At a concert where the band has a long history of being pro-peace, and where the fans are therefore primarily pro-peace or at the very least ok with that message, you just know there is going to be a few vocal exceptions. Sure enough, when anti-war sentiments or songs came up, there would be audience members who would shout things like “rock and roll” or “play the music” but they were pretty much drowned out by supporters of the band’s message.

At the breaks, my job at the table was to engage as many people as possible who were walking past and spread the message to those unfamiliar with VFP, and network with those who are supportive but perhaps not active. We offered materials like buttons, bumper stickers, DVDs, etc., which were not “for sale” but we had a donation basket on display and the vast majority get the hint – it’s free, but we gladly accept voluntary donations.

One of the vocal opponents of the peace message was apparently dying to engage in debate, and chose to do so by bragging about his employment with a local prominent defense contractor where “I make devices that save our troops.” Typically I avoid engagement – you cant convert someone who depends on war to make their living, but with so many people around it did not feel right to just not respond. So I told him I worked for an organization that would eliminate the need to “protect our troops” as they would not be at war in the first place.

I found my verbal sparring partner’s response quite interesting “what would you do about our enemies?” This was so interesting I asked for more information – “who exactly are our enemies?” This is where his verbal assault began to fall apart – he kept repeating about “dealing with our enemies” and “we have to face our enemies” but I would simply repeat, “who are our enemies?”

I find this interesting because this is the question in war – who are our enemies and why are our enemies? Those of us know history can see that most often we create our enemies, they are whoever we have so deeply offended that they feel there is no way out but to attack us. So if that is the case – we cannot hope to win by going to war. We simply create more enemies; our future enemies are the family and friends of the enemies we kill today.

Threatening the President, Endemic Violence and the Need for the Peace Movement

            A recent post on “Addicting Info” details yet another instance of right wing sympathizers threatening the life of the President of the United States. The threat took the form of a picture depicting the lynching of President Obama, with the message that this would be “the making of an American holiday. The post was quickly removed, but not before many people following the facebook group had the opportunity to post their approval, with some suggesting that those opposed should also be lynched.

            This is not the first facebook threat made against the President, with “The Christian Militia” claiming “the authority to shoot him”. In fact, threats against the President are despairingly common, as this list from Huffington Post makes clear. In fact, the President is the most threatened man in America, regardless of political party. OK but why am I talking about this on a Veterans For Peace blog?

            The willingness to utilize violence and threats of violence to get or attempt to get what is wanted helps explain American foreign policy. Our culture is saturated in images and accounts of violence both real and imaginary. We love to imagine an answer to whatever our “problem” is that arrives and kicks the ass of anyone standing in the way of what is right. Although we see now this is especially prevalent in the right wing, the left loved the imaginary story of “Billy Jack” and many a liberal student wore t-shirts or had posters of Che Guevara. Even the now beloved Nelson Mandela was willing to use violence to oppose those who were preventing progressive change.

            As veterans, VFP has the ability to act as an example of those who have moved beyond violence. We can demonstrate to the world that change is still possible without relying on violence. History is rich with examples of successful non-violent resistance – Martin Luther King Jr. is a great American example.

            We find ourselves advocating for a cause that is sometimes (perhaps even often) out of favor with many. We ourselves face threats and occasionally active violence. If we hope we can end violence as a national policy, first we must totally repudiate and forswear violence ourselves. It is tempting to fantasize about violent solution, but they do not work. That is why there is such a need for Veterans For Peace.

Mike Davis