"1, 2, 3, 4, WE DON'T WANT NO BLOODY WAR.
5, 6, 7, 8, STOP THE BOMBING STOP THE HATE."
At midday on Sunday, 18th November an estimated 100,000 met in Hyde Park before walking to Trafalgar Square to protest about the 'bloody' war (wars are bloody as they cause bloodshed). Amongst them were many Quakers coming from the seven Bristol Quaker Meetings. About 700 people went by coach from the Bristol area alone, plus many more travelling separately.
Hyde Park seemed so crowded that the grass could hardly be seen. Speeches were clapped enthusiastically, backed up by drums drumming, whistles shrilling, and banners (many home-made) waving.
Sponsors ranged from 'The New York City Trade Unionists Against the War' to 'The Palestinian Trade Union Defence Campaign', from 'War on Want' to 'The Women's Weekly Anti-War Picket'.
It took about 1½ hours to walk very slowly to Trafalgar Square. Cars caught in the unavoidable jams hooted supportively, and bystanders grinned encouragingly. Demonstrators were still leaving Hyde Park when the first ones arrived in Trafalgar Square.
The Square was so packed with friendly crowds that it was almost impossible to see the speakers. These included Tony Benn, Bianca Jagger and the Labour MP Paul Marsden who had just returned from a visit to the area. "There's no real victory," he said, "the war lords are back and already we hear of their atrocities. Afghanistan is on the brink of anarchy and it's the innocent civilians who will die. Grieving Americans have a lot to answer for by their revenge attacks on the innocent."
Everybody wants peace. But do they all want peace with justice? It was heart lifting to see the realistic determination of everyone there to stand up for what they knew from experience to be right. Violence never wins hearts and minds, it only begets more war, more hatred, more revenge and more terrorism. The global answer could be to increase mutual understanding of problems and to remove the causes of poverty. Shouldn't America and its allies be emphasising the UN mediation and relief work rather than the unjust war?
The banners and the carnival clothing at this totally peaceful event, were amazing in their variety. "Down with the Imperialists Unjust War! Long Live the Unity Of the People of the World!" "Stop the War! Invest in Caring not Killing." "Make Love not War." The benevolent Trafalgar Square lions almost smiled as they witnessed this multi faith/no faith rainbow of different races, each showing great respect to others. Especially the Muslims who offered us free dates to eat whilst they themselves fasted for Ramadan, and who stressed in their handouts that true Muslims would never have destroyed the Trade Centre. Harming your enemy, they say, should only occur as a last resort and solely as a matter of defence.
The only jarring note came from those preaching "Love your friends and hate your enemies". But most understood that it is enlightened self interest to "Love all your neighbours (i.e. everyone you meet) as yourself".
Afterwards there was another jarring note. Why was it said on national TV that only 15,000 were present? And why was only 10 seconds shown at most of this enormous but totally peaceful demonstration? The press, on the whole, were more realistic.
Many thanks to the National Stop the Bombing Coalition for organising this crucial event.
| Candia E. Barman (member of Thornbury Quaker Meeting) | |
| Top Home | This article is modified from a version written for the national Quaker magazine The Friend |