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Peace activists who have congregated at the corner of 362nd Avenue and Highway 26 in Sandy have seen a lot since they started their Friday vigils one year ago: supporters who drop off coffee and donuts, drivers who honk their horns – in support or in opposition – and a diverse group of citizens banding together to stand for what they believe in.
But there’s one moment that stands out more than others.
“We got mooned, and that made my week,” said Walt Trandum, a regular at the demonstrations. “I don’t think it’s legal, but it’s in the spirit of free speech. I got the message.”
The group hopes to ratchet up its visibility this weekend in a 24-hour peace vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of the Friday vigils. The event will run from 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, and organizers hope other supporters of peace will join them.
For those in the group who have taken part in a vigil during the past year, the extended experience may be a little different as the night wears on.
“That Highway 26 stretch heading up to Mount Hood is still busy at 11 p.m.,” said demonstrator Susan Gates. “I’m guessing it will be deader than a doornail starting at 12 a.m.”
Organizers also note that any participants should be prepared for cold weather, although if the weather is bad enough, they will cancel the vigil.
The group hopes to continue with the late afternoon Friday vigils reminding people of the situation abroad.
“Hopefully, we’ve raised awareness here locally, especially now when people seem to kind of want to forget about it,” Trandum said. “Politicians of both the major parties seem to want to move on, but it’s still going on.”
For more information, visit www.oregontraildemocrats.org or e-mail Walt Trandum at mtrandums@aol.com.
Ms. Alker, you couldn't have said it any better. This weekend was a disgrace to the city of Sandy and its residents.
I would only hope that those who have been personally touched by this war would agree that bringing awareness to this cause can be done in a positive manner, an educational manner, peaceful manner, and a manner in which citizens can stop and discuss the topic. The manner in which the Oregon Trail Democrats have handled it is none of the these and it is dangerous!!!!
(The group hopes to ratchet up its visibility this weekend in a 24-hour peace vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of the Friday vigils)
I looked up the words "Peace" and "Vigil" Here is what I found:
Peace:
Peace is generally the opposite of war. Peace can be a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. "Peace" is used to describe the cessation of violent conflict. Peace can mean a state of quiet or tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation. Peace can also describe a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice, and goodwill. Peace can describe calm, serenity, and silence. This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind.
Vigil:
1 a: a watch formerly kept on the night before a religious feast with prayer or other devotions b: the day before a religious feast observed as a day of spiritual preparation c: evening or nocturnal devotions or prayers —usually used in plural
2: the act of keeping awake at times when sleep is customary; also : a period of wakefulness
3: an act or period of watching or surveillance : watch
This weekend I did not witness peace nor did I witness vigil. Instead, I witnessed a guy standing in the median of the highway,dancing around taking pictures(with a video camera) of cars driving by. How intimidating is that?
Then there were the men and women walking back and forth across the sidewalks waving their signs to and fro antagonizing the drivers with their beliefs.
Then there was the almost "rear ender" caused by a lurking drivers. What next, a head on collision and someone being killed????
While I do not disagree with the message of peace, I do disagree with the way the "peace vigil" is being conducted and the location in which they are congregating. This intersection is much too busy for the behaviors witnessed by this group of people who call themselves "peace activists" .
Keep the community of Sandy safe and move to a safer place and practice what you preach "PEACE"
(email verified)
Mon, Feb 04, 2008 at 01:58 PM
ESD says "This weekend I did not witness peace nor did I witness vigil. Instead, I witnessed a guy standing in the median of the highway, dancing around taking pictures (with a video camera) of cars driving by. How intimidating is that?"
What is intimidating about a video camera? (I seriously have to wonder if you are you hiding something or saying something you don’t want "On the record"?)
The guy with a camera was an Independent Journalist documenting the peace movement.
And seeing people holding peace signs doesn’t "appear to be peaceful to you?"
Maybe your idea for "peace' is more like the US police in IRAQ ....
"Peace with firepower as we literally kill millions (yes we killed MILLIONS and all in the “name of peace") .....ESD is that your idea of peace?... we were not violent enough?... we held signs of peace and signs encouraging HONEST government and it antagonized you? ...Ha!!
And in reference to Michelle Alker saying about the Impeach Sign - is screaming for a negative response.(As well as standing at the center median with camera and signs.)
We must IMPEACH so what’s wrong with saying that …. Bush committed crimes, Lied about WMD spied on emails and phone calls “before911 happened’ and the 4th amendment says he needs a warrant. he allows Torture and Rendition off American soil so it wont be bound by our laws…He needs to be impeached .this is “serious” It is shameful to have a president like him . He broke the law.
The constitution talks about this very issues….. and yet you don’t want us to hold a sign that says Impeach? HA !
You want to allow crimes and violations of the Constitution? …how dare you sit there and “let it continue” …. See its simple “crimes have been committed” we need hearings …that’s not anything you need to complain to the paper about
(PS Michelle, there is no median that you mistakenly tell the readers that a journalist was standing on)
Please ..give me a break .... This illegal war antagonizes me .... hell the US has killed millions of Iraqis and you get antagonized if you see four peacemakers with signs saying STOP the KILLING” ?
The USA approved torturing at GITMO and that “antagonizes me!!!!”
As far as the location….. its is fine thank you very much (even though I have zero say in where this takes place”
Sure you might want to “Tell the peace activists” to move to “your approved Free Speech Zone” But I personally am not interested . You don’t tell “free speech” where they can be speaking at …heck that’s not free speech. Think about it!
The road was fine right where the vigil is (Legal and safe enough)
Heck there is a dang bus stop right there ….. I suppose that’s “not safe either?”
There is a lighted crosswalk right there complete with stop lights and marked crosswalk stripes
It has plenty of pull over area ….and get this ….. (contrary to your accusations)
“There is NO median of the highway” as you Michelle & ESD both mislead the readers in your post to paint a picture that “IS NOT ACCURATE OR TRUE”
And the so called “behavior” you make reference to;
Let me tell you about “behavior” that was directed at the vigil from belligerent passer-by’s
I seen one egg thrown and it hit a guy (it hurt him) …one snowball thrown…..
There was over a dozen middle fingers flipped at ladies and men “and children” at the vigil
Obscenities and comment yelled out the windows toward the vigil…. and numerous vehicles that “deliberately drove as close and as fast as possible by the vigil.”
Now read that last line again. If you care about safety so much, why don’t you want the aggressive threatening cars and drivers to be addressed?… Obviously you don’t want peace so you then just …..say the vigil is unsafe …you fail to prove your safety point
A point that you tried to reverse and imply the vigil activist were being unsafe.
Your safety logic carries no weight!
Now I am glad you brought up “behavior” for until I seen this all happen I have never seen so much “antagonizing and threaten behavior form any towns folks directed toward peace activists as I did when I was there seeing it first hand. I was amazed! Does that concern you any?
I myself, wouldn’t really want to make a big case about it and I shrug it off as actions done by War Mongering – Anti- Peace individuals who have no respect for others and their opinions. But since you had the odyssey to infer the peace activist were “engaging in bad behavior” let me tell you something ….”You are so wrong and misinformed”
As this group puts their energy on “stopping an illegal war that we “now know” from the recent press releases. This administration had over 935 lies and miss-information which was all sold to us (public / citizens) by this administration., so they could attack another country. Iraq did nothing to us … we attacked them.
So by citizens holding a “peace vigil” all you do is spew “hate” and more “pro-war” retroact. You don’t value the freedoms we have and you are angry that some people want this war to stop. why I don’t know …maybe you like seeing dead Iraqis …I just don’t know why you wouldn’t want peace?
I wonder if my cousin “Col Ted Westhusing” wanted this illegal war to stop? When he, as the highest ranking officers in the Iraq war to die …pulled his pistol out and “shot himself in the head” … I bet he wants me to hold up a sign and get this war stopped!
Ted was from West Point …knew 5 languages and was a professor…he was training the Iraq Police….. He shot himself in his trailer and left Petraeus a note saying “Death before dishonor I will not kill for greed and corruption, an that Petraeus only cared about his career.”
Just Google “Ted Westhusing” to see why Top Ranking Officers are “killing themselves” in fact suicides by veterans are massively raising in the last year to the point of 5 attempts per day…. (and we antagonized you ?)
This war is a tragedy 4 million refuges living in tents
No water or electricity – no doctors … I personally have spoken with refugees about what they seen going on
Millions of dead civilians …babies …..children….. women ……DEAD!!!
And you think the vigil was antagonizing you .
Cry me a river
This vigil should be going 7 days a week in every town across America
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 04:42 AM
Dear Joe anybody,
The 1st amendment refers to americans being free to express themselves without fear of having the Gustapo at their door. Groups are free to assemble peacefully to address their legislature and for the common good.
You cannot assume that because someone disagrees with the conduct of "a" group that they do not have your same concerns.
You wrote-
"This vigil should be going 7 days a week in every town across America." I agree.
No one could deny the positive impact of a peaceful protest and clearly you are passionate about the cause.
The way you responded is EXACTLY the reason that protesters need to be at a government building and NOT at random intersections.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:24 AM
"Joe" all she did was say she didn't agree with the way the "vigil" was handled.
She has a voice also.
By your reponse, maybe you were one to get out of control.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Hey Joe Anybody,
Where you there when the government setup all the explosives in the basement of the WTC too? What about the staged moon landing? Please help us from our scary out of control government that wants to bring us to a New World Order....I'm sure we'll gladly follow one with such wisdom.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:36 AM
As a member of the Oregon Trail Democrats, and regular participant in the Peace Vigils, I would like to acknowledge the right of anyone to express their counter opinions on the vigils, their location, their purpose, etc. But the number of people thanking us for being out there, and showing their support, has been overwhelmingly in favor of our stand.
As for the location and the content, I just want to clarify that the vigils were set up to maximize both safety and visibility. We try to stay off the road, ever mindful of the traffic, and will continue to do so.
Our group cannot, however, control the content of the signs. Although we constantly urge people to keep them respectful, and I think, for the most part, they are, it IS a freedom of speech issue.
Lastly, believe me when I say, that we would ALL rather be doing anything else but standing out there week after week, in sometimes awful weather.
And some of us have, or have had, family members in the military and we have only the utmost respect and concern for people serving our country. It is absolutely BECAUSE we care about them, and think this occupation is immoral and devastating to our nation, its troops, and the people in Iraq, that we cannot be silent while it continues.
The horrific damage will last for generations and it breaks our hearts.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:41 AM
"Michelle says “The way you responded is EXACTLY the reason that protesters need to be at a government building and NOT at random intersections.”
I say “ So the way I responded needs to be regulated? You are saying because of the way I responded we need to move to some other place?…
Like I say this is really not even my decision nor do I even speak for the group, I speak just for my self I say …I will practice my “free speech “ where ever I want as long as its not on “your Property” or breaking “The Law” in how or where I do it. You may or may not like my speech…. you may wish I wasn’t on the side of a street you want to use but …it is my right here in what is left of America
If you can explain what you meant by “my response” needs to be at some government office somewhere else….. I will try to understand what you are suggesting but it doesn’t sound logical nor practical nor like free speech to me?!
As you must realize, I can stand by any road that allows pedestrians for as long as I want saying just about anything I want. Now believe me I am a peacemaker so I would behave as respectful and as courteous as I can be given the situation.
But I will be damned if I am told to move my free speech somewhere “else” for “your reasons do not sound good enough for me to consider”
Sorry !!
On the issue you (Michelle) say you support peace I give you a big smile and a wave and say I am in solidarity with you as well!
And in regards to Carmen Smiths comment:
She said more than that what you Carmen just quoted
I do agree with what ‘you say”….. she said!
(In fact I am ecstatic about it)
You see, she also wants to limit, control, move, shift, my free speech to another part of town …you know with benches, and sidewalks etc……
And I wont tolerate that at all…. not even slightly. My free speech wouldn’t be free if I did would it?
(it would be regulated free speech)
On your other point Carmen, who said anything about being out of control? And why do you think “I am acting out of control” in regards to my post?
And John "gimme a break" Wayne
I think the moon landing was fake, I think there is a conspiracy cover-up on the real 911 Truth ..oh you bet …and I am right there covering that too.
911 was an inside job
I know about the explosives in the basement… the janitor who was there when it happened, is speaking about it all across the land….. in fact he was in Portland last month….
I know that Building 7 fell from a fire too ..huh???
and Silverstein sayin "just pull it" (demolition lingo)
explain that one …yah!
Even the “official FEMA Report” states it cant explain how building 7 (next to WTC 1 & 2) fell down ??
… we have been duped ….so bring on “terrorism fear and loss of our cherished civil rights!”
I agree with you Mr. Wayne
~Joe
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 08:22 AM
"And John "gimme a break" Wayne
I think the moon landing was fake, I think there is a conspiracy cover-up on the real 911 Truth ..oh you bet …and I am right there covering that too.
911 was an inside job
I know about the explosives in the basement… the janitor who was there when it happened, is speaking about it all across the land….. in fact he was in Portland last month….
I know that Building 7 fell from a fire too ..huh???
and Silverstein sayin "just pull it" (demolition lingo)
explain that one …yah!
Even the “official FEMA Report” states it cant explain how building 7 (next to WTC 1 & 2) fell down ??
… we have been duped ….so bring on “terrorism fear and loss of our cherished civil rights!”
I agree with you Mr. Wayne"
~Joe
Dear Joe,
Not that you had much in the first place, but you pretty much lost all credibility with that last statement. You're narratives are actually quite entertaining...and that is what any sane individual will consider your comments as.... entertainment.
After all, "Conspiracism is a particular narrative form of scapegoating that frames demonized enemies as part of a vast insidious plot against the common good, while it valorizes the scapegoater as a hero for sounding the alarm"
- That's right this time it appears the left wing is sounding "the alarm". How the tables have turned.
Please what else do you have in your repertoire to keep us interested?
with interest,
John Foster "Chip" Berlet
- Yeah you might want to wiki or google me too.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Hello John,
Sorry but this thread isn't about entertaining "you" nor is it about the moon or 911 Truth
(Good try John!)
Me explaining about military suicides wasn't for "your entertainment"!! My goodness how crass!
You are also as entertaining as the next spin doctor that trolls along
Throw up some big words or a snappy phrase and then sit back n-chuckle
I am gonna skip any feedback from me that you appear to "hunger for"...
But out of "courtesy" I must reply at least 'once' to the "trolls" out here
PS I didn't 'google you' cause I'm trying to stop a war and don't "have time for that right now"
Sorry!
Peace (but only if you want it)
~Joe
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Joe Anybody,
The constitution was set up for organization and order so that everyone could have a voice. You seem bent on what YOU want without regard to others. Study the meaning of the 1st amendment. It doesn't mean anywhere, anytime, anything you want. It just never did and over the years its true meaning and purpose has been lost.
Thank you to those who responded. Its been interesting.
I'm out.
(email verified)
Tue, Feb 05, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Michelle said:
"You seem bent on what YOU want without regard to others. Study the meaning of the 1st amendment."
I say:
I am very familiar of the First Amendment.
I do study it and exercise it!
And as I had previously stated earlier that I know that free speech cant be on your (private) property or in certain other places. I agree to that and the use of my free speech. (which is under constant attack these days) (free speech ZONES that being used around the country which ....are chain-link fenced in areas, etc)
I don't expect to be or have to ram-rod my free Speech. But I do have the right to "my own" free speech and I am free to exercise it as I choose.
Not trying to be "bent on what I want" ..but I am defending my position and will be bold and firm and unwavering.
This thread had misinformation and accusations that are/were not true.
I was addressing those concerns and I was very adamant in my position. That doesn't mean I am bent on only my opinion with no regards to others
I am truly interested in all other opinions as long as they are relevant and truthful. I don't want to be "poked fun or marginalized"
This is serious topic not a word game on the Internet.
I said I hear you say that you (Michelle do support Peace) I said I am in Solidarity with you.
I would love to see you join the peace vigil ... we need to all be united for peace and justice.
I am willing to listen and take turns...
I feel you are (again) mis-portraying my position and my opinion. I say that as I also pause to let the next person speak or to hear your counter opinion.
who's turn is next?
Peace in o8
~Joe
(email verified)
Wed, Feb 06, 2008 at 04:02 AM
I am willing to listen and take turns...
I feel you are (again) mis-portraying my position and my opinion. I say that as I also pause to let the next person speak or to hear your counter opinion.
who's turn is next?
Must be mine. Reading this thread, Joe, You remind me a lot of George W. Bush.
He's always telling his opponents that we all need to put aside our petty bickering and strive for unity for the good of the nation. Funny thing though, is that he never actually entertains the idea that any view other than his own has any merit whatsoever.
As a Democrat, and a member of the local dem organization, you do not speak for me, or really, anyone other than yourself. The sad part is that I agree with most, if not all of your positions, (specifically excepting any of the several floated that require the use of aluminum foil headgear) but your delivery, tone, and your inability to entertain POVs other than your own, rob you of credibility.
(email verified)
Sat, Feb 09, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Pat says to me:
""you do not speak for me, or really, anyone other than yourself. The sad part is that I agree with most, if not all of your positions,""
But wait!.....yet you agree with me?
hmmmmm?
maybe you think I need to be more tolerant to the war idea?
or just more tolerant when others make false accusations about peace vigils?
maybe I should not be so damn upset that 4ooo troops are now dead along with 1 million Iraqi's dead too?
I need to be more "entertaining" and then my points would be credible?!
My points are (sic)(sad)totally credible!!!!!
You just want me to sugar coat it I guess?
So you think you need to wear foil to research the 911 farce? Ha!
Try reading up on all the inconsistencies and unanswered facts ...there is tons of em
But the best part Pat was when you said "you agreed with most of what I said"
But the sad part was that you say its "sad"?
Anybody care to speak up next .... I am trying to be fair here?
(email verified)
Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
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Re: Locals to stage 24-hour peace demonstration
I'd like to preface my comments by saying I mean no disrespect to any one person, group or organization.
My response is to Mr. Trandum's comment,
“Hopefully, we’ve raised awareness here locally, especially now when people seem to kind of want to forget about it,”.
I do not believe that anyone could forget about our troops(family members), all over the world. And I do not believe that supporting our troops with prayer and praise says "We want war". It is our patriotic duty to respect the democratic process and the office of our officials. (True, not all of them are respect worthy. When their term is up party hearty.)
The protest at Sandy's west end intersection has not been peaceful. For me it has gone against most everything I was raised that a peaceful protest should be.
I have no doubt that the protesters have the best intentions, however a sign that reads "impeach now"
is screaming for a negative response.(As well as standing at the center median with camera and signs.)
The protesters should be out side City Hall (a government office with an arena for people to gather) I have read the constition and it does not give protesters free reign to take up their signs any where they choose.
If one does not agree with the opinion of the protesters and lives near the intersection and cannot leave or enter town with out having encountered them, do they have a right to ask the protesters to move?
Yes, they do.
The intersection at 362nd and hwy 26 does not lend itself to any discussion. Only dangerous distraction.
Last fall I contacted the Sandy Police department as well as City Hall regarding this, citing crash data since 2001. Every year the number of crashes increases. Still, the Police chief felt that the traffic was just as heavy at the east end of Sandy where City Hall is located. (even though there are sidewalks,benches, tables and an arena for people to gather and discuss).
This is my comment. I do not mean any disrespect. If you want to bring awareness to Sandy, do it in a way that says "Let's talk".
I would like to see the Oregon Trail Democrats move themselves to Sandy City Hall.
"Michelle Alker, Sandy Resident"
(email verified)
Mon, Feb 04, 2008 at 12:19 PM