Walking in the rain down to the autoteller to get some cash, I saw
Sebastopol’s regular demonstrators, one group against the latest war, the other
supporting our troops, standing on the corner where the cash machine
stood.  Not in the mood for
politics, when I noticed the bank was nearly empty I walked inside before I got
to them, preferring to cash my check there.  But as I walked back out to the corner, I looked at the
signs behind me.  The ones I
usually agreed with said “War is another form of terrorism” which seems pretty
accurate given the number of wedding parties and groups of civilians our drones
have shot up, while the other simply said “Support Our Troops.”

I mentioned I agreed with all the signs, which precipitated
a friendly conversation with the “Support Our Troops” sign carrier.  Turns out her son is serving over
there.  She was an open warm woman
who felt if we didn’t support them they should come home.  I told her I strongly supported their
well being, had friends with children over there, and wanted them to come home.  All true.  I gradually got them all talking, and with a cheer for all
the signs, continued on my way.

As I left I thought about how the militaristic politicians
that infest this country, who almost to a man never served their country in
uniform, have done such a thorough job of turning Americans against one another
even when at root they do not always disagree that profoundly.  Demonize the other side and it all
falls apart.  Just like with rank
and file conservative Christians and their ruthless leaders.  It’s very sad, a dreary thought on a wet and dreary day.