| Real FacesAt protests, people usually see each other shoulder-to-shoulder;photoessayist Kristianna Baird helps us look face-to-faceWhile some pro-war supporters display their newly purchased patrioticpossessions and wave their new flags, others continually shoutpointless obscenities at anti-war and peace demonstrators. Despitethe aggressive opponents, the same faces return, time after time, allaround the country to stand up for their beliefs. They rally atintersections near main thoroughfares, distribute educationalliterature and spread knowledge, and line the city sidewalks wheneverthey can spare the time. Large groups, representing diversecommunities, march in solidarity throughout the regions. Togetherthey chant, meditate, sing, hope, and pray for a peaceful andecologically stable planet. There are as many faces as there aregenders, nationalities, religions, and reasons for their values. Someof these faces cheered as Rep. Jim McDermott called the war"unconstitutional", and spoke of health and the environmental impactof depleted Uranium. Many faces cried, and some poured into thestreets, as this war erupted in a pre-emptive strike into Baghdad onMarch 19th. Some faces spent time in jail after being forciblyplucked from the streets of Seattle. Others sent cards and support tothose who were unjustifiably arrested. These same persistent facesreturned, upon release from jail, to continue their rally. Aftermonths of pro-war ignorance and rhetoric, these faces show an array ofexpressions that are passionate. These individual faces tell storiesof endless emotions of unity, determination, frustration, anger,peace, and hope. Young and old of every gender, no matter the ethnicbackground, or religious belief, these are the faces that are making adifference. These faces are shaping the world for our children andmaking sure there will be something left for future generations. Peace will not come out of a clash of arms but out of justice livedand done by unarmed nations in the face of odds. -- Mohandas Gandhi
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