(see also: others arrested at Parliment square 29/10/2006)
From this place plans for the atrocious attacking and flattening of Fallujah were likely drawn up, then carried out by UK troops to their execution, this effected the loss of many Iraqi civilian lives.
Once we had arrived the Herts police wanted walkers to be penned in a particular green place by the side of the road opposite Northwood, so negotiations could continue. Some discussions followed about what ought to happen.
Meanwhile names of many people who had died were read out as a memorial and in reflection of the carnage that had occurred and continues to occur.
~One an ex serviceman called to the military to throw away their weapons.
~Another an Iraqi gentleman reflected on the fact that his being Iraqi did not make him a terrorist and that ordinary people in Iraq are similiar to ordinary people in most other countries. He went on to ask whether British and US military planning which occurs from Northwood was not actual terrormaking.
~Other reflections, memories and thoughts followed. It was a solemn and sad time.
Two Vine and Fig Planters (from the UK see: http://ickevald.net/vineandfigtreeplanters/ ) decided now was the time to put up their Iraq Tarp and share coffees/snacks. The police showed interest and asked questions, videoed and took notes like good art students, later they assisted the folding of the tarp before the vine and fig tree planters left (sadly on this occasion no trees were planted).
Tarps are what are used by refugees all over the world following war and disasters - they are basic shelter.
This tarp was specially constructed to be a reminder that Iraq needs time now to flourish not more bloodshed spilt, it needs growth for its peoples - wholeness free of occupation by unneeded troops from either the UK or US. Upon the tarp were written phrases for the wellbeing of Iraq and messages of hope. It was held up with a 'pole of compassion', and other essential contents were 'poignant radicals' (sometimes known as pegs), and guide vines (guy lines).
As the double decker bus with the peace walkers / activists left amid waves the Iraq Tarp stayed another hour before the 2 Vine and Fig Planters went on to Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment where a new camp stands vigil this time over another set of bombmakers.
Camping at either of these places Northwood and Aldermaston looks like fun and is a real possibility for 'free spirit camping' in the days ahead. Dont you think they need a few poignant radicals and many poles of compassion?
Just remember, there is no such thing as bad weather its just poor choice of clothes.
Comments
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more for
31.10.2006 21:58
gather, conspire, and spread the nonviolentlove wink like wildfire
more I say more
bblhm
poem for tarp refuge
01.11.2006 00:50
our house no longer stands
this tarpaulin will be our only roof and walls now
winds batter us, though quieter, gentler than the bombs
we are chilled by the nights wind through torn holes
and there is nowhere to hideaway from the crimson screaming images
memories that jump up like blooded targets in my daydreaming
these walls will not protect us from harms way
our children cry themselves to sleep, hungry
day by day stray bullets and poverty assault us
we hope despite all this, for our nonviolent lovers who will intervene
your hammer blows stopped more deaths
planes stopped dropping deadly cargo - for a time
your play made someone laugh, made them less angry
prayers well who knows what would have been without them
your shared food, warmth and shelter are the basics we needed
love...your giving began to make us whole, safe, survivors
fed, protected and comforted
we will deeply breathe, sigh and sadly sigh again
though my friends, its not time for you to take a break
other wars rage and we are yet weak
lhm
ibbonzogl