I’ve been there a few times myself, and I enjoy talking to the folks there (usually at least a dozen or so, and sometimes as many as thirty) about the war, politics, local restaurants, etc.
The first time I joined them, I spoke to Trish (quoted in the article) about her son, who’s getting ready to go back for his second Iraq tour (it put a human face on the term “surge” for me). We were discussing that tired baloney from Joe Lieberman et al about dissent at home undermining troop morale and/or encouraging the enemy, and she told me what her son said about that: “Mom, we don’t have a lot of time to listen to NPR over there.”
Last week, I was surprised to find my neighbor from across the street had come down to the rotary. I didn’t even really know her political affiliation, and she hadn’t struck me as much of an activist, although her late husband and I used to stand in his yard on a nice day and rant together about the — uh, shortcomings — of the current administration. Another one of my neighbors (there aren’t that many; I live on a one-block, dead-end street) drove by and signaled her support. The demographics of the folks standing out and honking as they drive by are all over the place.
Two years ago, I joined a similar, one-time event in the same location, and what’s really interesting is how public opinion has turned against the war since then, as demonstrated in the frequency of waves and honking horns from the drivers that pass now. Back then, the supporters were few and far between, and the opponents were bolder and more vocal. Now, the best that holdouts can do is a stony stare, or the old standby, “Get a job!”
If you see the print edition, there’s a photo of the group taken last Thursday (that I was cropped out of — sniff!).
for the narrative and for your participation. it’s good to have your longer perspective on how you’re being received now vs. a few years ago. i agree that public sentiment is definately moving away from war support, lieberman notwithstanding.