PLEA FOR PEACE IN PARLIAMENT  SQUARE

PLEA FOR PEACE IN PARLIAMENT  SQUARE

We urgently NEED to make peace in Parliament Square, for the sake of the people on who's behalf  we are supposed to be campaigning.

There are deep rooted grievances at the Square, that should be put aside if we are to have any real chance of working effectively for peace.

Any allegations made against individuals in the Peacestrike Campaign can be dealt with, and we are willing to do so. We can defend our actions if required.

Peacestrike is working to promote peace for all people. We do not promote any acts of confrontation or abuse, aimed at anyone. We do not encourage any abuse of ANY individual, regardless who they are. We may have made mistakes. If we have faulted, then we have apologised. We are open to discussion and indeed we would like open dialogue with everyone in the Square. If there is a problem......

WE NEED TO TALK!

With the impending threat of the new POLICE REFORM AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BILL going through Parliament right now, this would be a good time to unite in the common cause of defending the right to protest in Parliament Square for the RIGHT reasons.  Surly we can do that?

BOTTOM LINE......IF WE ARE UNABLE, AS A  PEACE MOVEMENT, TO SORT OUT OUR OWN HOUSE, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO RECONCILE THE TRAGIC ISSUES OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE, AFGHANISTAN ETC?

We are not asking people to come down to the Square and take sides or get involved in all the "negative" issues. We send out a plea for people to come down to promote peace and spread some love, in order to lift the very heavy atmosphere that hangs over the place at present. There is also quite a large group of homeless people. They are disenfranchised and distressed at times. However, they are trying to survive, and are generally in good humour, despite obvious struggles and issues. We all need support and encouragement...... It is not our place to say whether they should be at the Square or not. The point is, until they are moved on, for whatever reason, they are entitled to be there. At present, it is their home.

The peace movement is not Parliament Square, it is made up of all the campaigns, groups and individuals who speak out against oppression and injustice. We are all a part of the on-going struggle, and we are all linked in the work we collectively do. We are not separate, and we all need each others support. No one does it on their own!

We may not be able to heal the individual relationship breakdowns that has taken hold at the square, but we must not allow it to become a "NO GO ZONE"  Come along and bring some peace, positive thoughts and views. Above all, don't go away disenchanted!  Without effort and goodwill there is no hope for change.

WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL DUTY TO VICTIMS OF WAR AND OPPRESSION, TO SET OUR PERSONAL DIFFERENCES ASIDE. 
  
This message goes out in good faith.

Yours sincerely

Maria Gallastegui
Peacestrike.org
Parliament Square