Have any thoughts about the March For Truth you care to share? Or maybe you've written a letter to the editor concerning the events of March 20th here in Maine? If so, feel free to post it here or better yet, provide a link (complete with http:// preface) to where it appears on the newspaper's website.

:
It amazes me how little thought is put into the causes we support. Rarely are things that are beyond our own concern considered before we decide where to lay our support.I love sunny days, but if it were sunny all the time, the world would die from lack of nourishment.I hate to work, but if I fail to do so, then I have no means of survival.Things that are valuable in life are not free.This may sound obvious, but the way people behave it must not be.Peace is not free. Freedom is not free. We can't have things the way we would like all the time because there are consequences to be paid for a one sided view of the world such as that.Think if we went back in time and decided for peace instead of war.African Americans would not be free.Genocide of several peoples would have occurred.Vast tyranny would rule major parts of the world.Choice of religous beliefs would not be enjoyed by anyone. Freedom would not be enjoyed by the very people who use that freedom to protest.THINK PEOPLE!Think about the consequences of your actions beyond your personal concern.

PPH Editorial: Where do you have to ante up to use your rights? In Augusta :
http://www.pressherald.com/viewpoints/editorials/040324marchfree.shtml

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:
http://www.mainecampus.com/news/638155.html?mkey=18501
Maine students protest Iraq warNationwide movement marks conflict's one-year anniversary

Peaceful Protest :
http://www.bangornews.com/editorialnews/articles/419291_032204peacefulprotest_lrobicheau.cfm
Acall to end the fighting in Iraq and to return American troops home were clear messages Saturday as approximately 1,000 peace activists rallied outside the Capitol building for "The Global Day of Protest" on the one-year anniversary of the war in Iraq.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Protest carries message of peace Marchers in Augusta call for return of troops :
http://www.kjonline.com/news/local/516735.shtml
AUGUSTA -- Anti-war protesters took their message to the streets peacefully Saturday afternoon with calls to end the American occupation of Iraq and to bring the troops home.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Capital rallies mark war's anniversary :
http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2004/03/20/cap-ital_rallies_mark_wars_anniversary/
AUGUSTA, Maine -- An anti-war rally and march in Maine's capital Saturday drew 1,000 or more participants registering their opposition to U.S. military involvement in Iraq, according to event organizers and capitol police.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Over 300 Events in the U.S., Protests in More Than 60 Countries :
http://unitedforpeace.org/
March 20, 2004 — the one-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq — witnessed a massive Global Day of Action against War and Occupation. In more than 575 cities around the world, people took to the streets to say YES to peace and NO to pre-emptive war and occupation. Together, we called for an end to the occupation of Iraq and Bush's militaristic foreign policies, in one of the largest-ever outpourings of grassroots action for peace.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Capital rallies mark war's anniversary :
http://www.sunjournal.com/story.asp?slg=032104rallies
An anti-war rally and march in Maine’s capital Saturday drew 1,000 or more participants registering their opposition to U.S. military involvement in Iraq, according to event organizers and capitol police.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

From Midtown to Madrid, Tens of Thousands Peacefully Protest War :
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/21/national/21protest.html?th
Marking the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, crowds of sign-waving, slogan-chanting demonstrators marched through Midtown Manhattan and scores of cities from Alaska to Australia yesterday in a largely peaceful global rebuke to the war.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Kelly Bellis :
How many more anniversaries will come and go before our loved ones in the military are allowed to come home? Our military men and women were not called to defend America. This country was never under attack nor was such an attack eminent or even possible. Our troops were not called to die for America. They were called to kill for the neo-cons’ agenda. How unpatriotic are we; we who sit in silence allowing this to continue? They are our sons and daughters and have no choice but to carry out the orders of the President. Don’t we care enough to raise our voice above the din of political opportunists? Let’s not “bring ‘em on”, let’s bring them home - now.

Our children were not sent to Iraq to protect our freedom. Iraq has never threatened our liberty. The greatest threat to our liberty exists here, in America. Our sons and daughters are needed to fight for our freedom here. Will we join them in this fight; a fight against those who peddle fear, a fight against economic injustices here and abroad; the same injustices that drove many of them to enlist? Can we support them by joining the struggle to motivate a lethargic and unconcerned electorate? Can we begin to speak out and let it be known that Maine says no to war? Yes, I think we can and by all means we should.

Peter Curtis :
On another note...the Iraq body counter on your website does not reflect the over one million brutally slaughtered by Sadam Hussein and his twisted sons...do they not count?

Peter Curtis :
This entire site and you people involved in this are doing nothing more than lending aid and comfort to the enemy.I am all for free speech, but have the decency to save it for after, or when you took your opportunities before we went to war. I cant even fathom how this must must make those brave individuals feel who are making the ultimate sacrifice to stand up for thier country and protect you at home from terrrorists and evil. As they fight on and try to maintain hope, they can read their hometown newspapers and watch US news to find so many against them. It must be doing wonders for their moral, as well as their families here at home. As quoted in the morning sentinel on March 19, "this is a protest against president Bush". Democrats accuse the president of using the war and soldiers for political gain. Maybe you should all look in the mirror, and realize that is what YOU are doing...using them to prove your liberal twisted agendas. Wake up people, there is an element in the world that has somewho interpreted thier religion as telling them they will be rewarded for killing westerners. Remember 9-11? Sites like this make me sick.But even more, are people who will undermine soldiers at war. I challenge any of you to tell me of any middle eastern nation that you would comfortable living in. You have it too good, and take too much for granted....enough said...liberalism is a mental disease that thus far is untreatable, unless of course you have had family or loved ones killed by our enemies....even then I wonder...

Craigen Healy :
This Saturday is Global Day of Action against War and Occupation. People around the world will rally on the anniversary of the United States bombing and occupation of Iraq.
In Augusta we have the opportunity to participate in the March for Truth sponsored by the Maine Council of Churches, Maine Coalition for Peace and Justice and numerous other organizations.
The idea is to "speak truth to power" concerning the Bush Administration's failed, flawed and dishonest militaristic policies with consequences that impact all of us.
By our massive show of collective will we will stand witness to our dismay at spending tens of billions of tax dollars on war and corporate adventures in weaker countries instead of on vital programs here in Maine and throughout the U.S.
Our sixteenth president, known as "Honest Abe," said this: "I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country...corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."
The New York Times calls people united for change "the other superpower."
If you would like to join your voice to this "superpower" you can carpool to Augusta this Saturday with others who will meet at the Farmington Park and Ride between 10 and 10:30 a.m. Destination State Capitol -- and an America returning to our forefathers' ideals.
You can look it up at www.marchfortruth.org or www.unitedforpeace.org.
Craigen Healy

Activists awaiting decision on march Large turnout expected for Augusta antiwar rally :
http://www.kjonline.com/news/local/509619.shtml
AUGUSTA -- Organizers of Saturday's antiwar rally and march in Augusta are expecting a larger turnout in response to publicity generated by a lawsuit against the city about a fee for the parade permit. - READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Janice Campbell :
Does anyone have a wheelchair I could borrow for someone in my group with a disability just for the march. You can call me at 625-3689 if you do. Thanks

David Whitman :
i am not a man of formalitys so i shall make this as short as posible. i do not beleive in war. it is said and i have always beleived it "that the greatest nation is the one that strives for peace and has no want for war." i feel that the United States has follen from a nation of greatness to one of distane. i have seen this country change dramaticly over the past four years. and it sickens me to see the derection in witch it has taken. this president seems to know nothing of diplomacy or reasrain. he lacks the wisdom of a man that should be in his office. the most famous presidents found them selfs in war but always moved for the hope of peace. and never strived to continue a war if not needed to. but this president has created a war witch has no cause other than the lineing of his own pocket from the spoils of that war. he has sent my friends to die for nothing. my nabore is in that country as i write this along with a man i hold as close as a brother. they are risking their necks while are president shoves more propaganda down are throats. i have had enough of this Bull Shit, "and i apologise for this crood statement." so i am writting to inform you that i will be joining you and the others in the protest this saturday and will have my friends join us as well. i thank you for your time, and hope that you do not think less of me for my por spelling. sign David Whitman

We Must Do More to Create Peace :
Listening to the news or reading reports in various newspapers and news magazines about Iraq, I feel furiously angry and often downright disgusted with the Bush administrations handling of the situation. Most of all though, I am deeply saddened and unbelievably scared for all the young men and women in the military, who are in constant danger while stationed throughout Iraq. On the day I am writing this letter, the morning news reported about another deadly attack on military personnel. Two more lives ended, bringing the total to 560.I urge everyone to work for peace. Join the peace march in Augusta on March 20, and support our soldiers by working to bring them home now -- alive and well.Rita ClementGardiner

Frank Keough :
Never in all my days have I seen such a herd of misguided losers. We'd all be a lot better off if you would perhaps move to Canada or Mexico.

Standing For Truth :
All of "Maine" does not say no to war, you are offending those in Maine who agree with the current administration, and hurting your own efforts.

March 20 day of action :
http://www.bangornews.com/editorialnews/arti-cles/419017_031604letterstotheedito_.cfm
There are many ways to support our troops, but some argue only their form of support is acceptable and question the patriotism of those who disagree. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL LISTED ABOVE

Tony :
http://www.bangornews.com/livehelp/case_new.cfm?item=50
The Bangor Daily News (www.bangornews.com) wants to know how the Iraq war has affected your life. The greatest impact is certainly laid upon the men and women directly involved in the military and their families. But like shock waves from a deadly blast, the impact is felt everywhere. This war or the next one is not the cause of the misery and devastation, the family feuds, the political wrangling, the increasing polarization of our society. The obsessive addiction to power our current government suffers from creates hardships beyond measure among millions of people here and abroad. The corporate press in this nation has so far shielded the greater public from the truth about the effects of the Bush administration’s decisions on individuals, nations, and the environment. Now the Bangor Daily News is asking for your message. I urge you to tell them your story and how you feel about Bush’s “endless wars for endless peace.” FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS WEBSITE: How has the Iraq War affected your life?Are you keeping the family together while your spouse is overseas or at another military posting? Maybe a son or daughter or multiple children have been deployed? Or you’ve had work-related issues or special support because you’ve been on alert? Or perhaps you are deployed and want to share some of your experiences with us? Please include a way for us to contact you. Keep in mind your experiences may be published on line or in print. http://www.bangornews.com/livehelp/case_new.cfm?item=50

Anti-war protesters fight fees :
http://www.kjonline.com/news/local/501194.shtml
BANGOR -- Anti-war protesters who want to rally in Augusta on Saturday haveasked a federal judge to allow them to march without paying the city anestimated $2,000 for a parade permit. - READ THE ENTIRE KENNEBEC JOURNAL ARTICLE ONLINE AT THE URL ABOVE

Michael Pushard :
As I sit here thinking about what to say, my mind recalls so many times in my life that I have voiced or written my beliefs of ONE WORLD, ONE RACE, ONE PLANET. I have had a website for several years expressing my vision of a United Land. www.geocities.com/Nashville/8403 . I believe in Peace and equality for all. I have always been an anti-war pacifist. I believe the real power I have is in my VOTE and getting others to use that power to change our World. I also believe that with the power of a vote, people can get together and use the power as a tool for change. So, the key is to get people to realize their power, use it for good, and, change the direction we are going. I think it is good for public displays of support for something if it is done properly, however, today we have e-mail and organized web support sites for many different issues. I find a lot of people in my travels that dont even vote or do anything other than complain. They have given up their power. We need to get people back to using their power. We need to get people to the polls! Exercise the power! Peace, Mike

Amjad Doumani :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwopc
The Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition and all peace loving people in Northwest Ohio stand in solidarity with you for peace & justice and for demanding the end of military occupations from Iraq to Palestine and everywhere else. On March 20 we will be marching here in Toledo, Ohio but next to you in spirit. Keep up the pressure and keep on with the struggle.

Scott Kohlhaas :
www.draftresistance.org
I currently live in Alaska and I am unable to attend your event on March 20. Would someone be willing to make a sign with our website on it or download the flyer from our website and put a few on a table or make the following announcement:The Selective Service System has just announced they are planning to draft computer experts and linguists. This is called draft-creep: get people used to the idea of a draft by picking on a few experts and use that draft as a wedge to obtain full-blown conscription. If anyone is interested in stopping the draft before it starts please go to www.draftresistance.org"Thanks to anyone who takes on this task.

Steve Dunn :
http://www.bangornews.com/editorialnews/arti-cles/418714_031004letterstotheedito_.cfm
I also had the following letter published in the Maine Sunday Telegram (I can't find the link)To the Editor,On March 3, President Bush launched campaign ads featuring graphic images of the crumbled World Trade Center and firefighters at the scene of that horrible tragedy.On 1/23/03, President Bush stated; "I have no ambition whatsoever to use this as a political issue." I believe these ads are doing precisely that. He and others in his administration still refuse to meet with the whole 9/11 commission, which was set up to determine what went wrong in the lead-up to the attacks. He has continued to under fund the commission, yet he exhibits no shame in exploiting this profoundly significant event that left thousands dead and continues to affect us all. Also, in order to give tax cuts to the wealthy, he has cut programs that have hurt firefighters and communities. Bush’s actions have resulted in numerous fire stations closing in communities across the country, as well as many others being under staffed.Please vote sensibly this fall.

Scott Kohlhaas :
www.draftresistance.org
Please check out www.draftresistance.org.When it comes to the draft, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Maine Books to Prisoners :
Maine Books to Prisoners will be accepting book donations at the March for Truth rally on March 20. We will have a table set up at the state library after the event. We accept paperbacks in new or newish condition. No romance novels please. If you have a large donation, please contact us ahead of time by email or by calling Dan at 761-0114.

Parade Fees Unconstitutional - Maine Things Considered :
http://www.mainepublicradio.org/ondemand/mainethings.html
Listen to it again or for the first time at the website address given above. Start listening to the three-minute piece around 14 minutes 55 seconds into the program recorded on 3.15.04.

:
http://magic-city-news.com/article_1137.shtml
March for Truth

Tony :
Dear Anonymous, Not only Christ, but Allah, God, Buddha, Jehova, they all require us to act for peace. But churches are political entities and subject to the struggles of power and rivalry that any organization faces. Fortunately, The Maine Council of Churches, representing many thousands of parishiners, does endorse the March for Truth. I encourage you to work with the church of your choice and get them to send people to Augusta on March 20. I am sure there would be more churches if they were asked by their own worshipers. Now that you have raised the question, take the initiative and become part of the answer.Yours in peace, Tony Aman

anonymous :
Why aren't there more churches on the list of endorsements? Doesn't Christ call us all to act for peace?

Kelly Bellis :
http://www.centralmaine.com/news/local/485893.shtml
Read Betty Adams article in the Kennebec Journal entitled "Anti-war group challenges city parade fees"