There is a man called Brian who is camped out on the central island in Parliament Square (London), on the side facing the Commons. He has been demonstrating there 24 hours a day for 18 months now, through some of the coldest, wettest, windiest weather that we have seen in 50 years. It's nothing short of heroic.

Lesser men would have fled long ago, but Brian is tough. He's an ex marine and has seen his fair share of war, and because of this he has chosen to campaign for peace, and says he will remain there "for as long as it takes" to get Blair & co. to listen.

He endures regular abuse from America tourists; there in abundance to see the Houses of Parliament, who just perceive his display as anti-Bush and therefore pro-terrorist! He is not allowed to block the pavement to any degree, or to camp on the grass behind him, so his home is the little wall that separates the two. He occasionally get visits from others who will come
and sit there in solidarity but most people are too busy to even stop to read the display, let alone support his effort. Recently when I visited there were a group of Buddhist monks who were there chanting each day and
fasting too, in bitterly cold weather, to protest against the war plans.

I'm not asking for that, but if you have any of the true spirit of Christmas in you; compassion, love, generosity, appreciation, brother/sisterhood,
goodwill etc, then could you please send him a card?

It's a small gesture, but it would mean a lot to him to know that there are those of us out here who appreciate his effort even if we don't have his courage and commitment. Westminster council recently took him to court to try and evict him, but failed. It is reassuring to know that we still have the right to peaceful protest and the freedom of speech, but it takes people like Brian to test that we still do. He deserves our support for myriad
reasons.

Take a moment off from the commercial hamster wheel, and do something that really means something. Send just one card to one man who cares more about
humanity than probably anyone we'll ever meet.

Brian Hoar
Central Island
Parliament Square
London SW1A OAA

I've heard this morning that someone went down to see him yesterday and he's very depressed. If anyone is in the area can they please take him some good wishes, candles, milk, anything to cheer him up, or maybe even join him for a while? If you're not in London, perhaps you could send a seasonal parcel. Even though it's a mild winter, it's still very cold out there night after night and he's not been permitted to use a tent so he's out in the open.

many thanks

xxx