Dear Peace People

Dear Peace People,

For the first time since I have been sending out the Tidewater Peace Alliance updates, I am going to use this list to promote someone I am bringing to Tidewater, Peace Activist Kathy Kelly.

I am not just bringing Kathy Kelly here so she can speak at the Naro on Monday, December 17 at 7:15 p.m. (reception at 5:30 p.m. at Azars). I asked Kathy to come here for the Peace Festival because I want to introduce you to someone I consider to be a hero.

In these times, we often hear people decry the lack of heroes, the lack of leaders who are willing to stand up, to show the way. Believe me, the leaders are here. Some people may not be looking in the right places.

I would love for all of you to come out and welcome a hero, honor a hero. Why is Kathy Kelly a hero to me? In a time when I was willing to turn away from the misery being created in my name by the US government, she and others were crossing the blockade to Iraq, carrying medicines to those who were hurt the most by our action: women and children, even before the war.

How many times have I heard people say, "I just can't go there!" meaning they cannot even think about what is happening in Iraq?

Kathy Kelly has gone there, many times. And has a most important message for us all, about what we can do if we are willing to be heroes too. If you would like to learn a little more about Kathy Kelly, I put together a web page on Kathy and her connection with the World Dreams Peace Bridge work with the children of Iraq at www.worlddreamspeacebridge.org/kelly I hope you'll come out and welcome her.

Have you noticed that Kathy Kelly is not the only woman of conviction and courage appearing on this year's Peace Festival program? Those Catholic Worker folks (like Kathy Kelly and Steve Baggarly and Kim Williams) have such a tendency to live by their own convictions!

Tomorrow, that's Wednesday, December 12, at 7:15p.m. at the Studio for the Healing Arts, $8, the Norfolk Catholic Worker will present Sister Carol Gilbert and Sister Ardeth Platte to discuss the film Conviction, about three Dominican Sisters, affiliated with Plowshares and Johah House in Baltimore,MD, who risk all in living their lives true to their convictions of equality, peace and social justice.

Other events coming up at the Peace Festival this week, include:

Thursday, Dec 13(with discussion) at 7:30pm and Sat & Sun, Dec 15 &16

MILAREPA In the 11th century, in the Year of the Water Dragon, on a high barren plain in the shadow of Mount Tisi, a child is born. Destined to become one of the most revered figures in Tibetan history, Milarepa's epic life story ultimately moves into the realm of the mythic and legendary, inspiring millions. Nine hundred years after his death, the visionary wizard, saint, and poet (played by Jamyang Lodro as an adult) remains Tibet's greatest mystic. Yet his youthful rage and black magic brought death and destruction upon his own family. This is his story: a tale of revenge, demons, murder, and redemption. In Tibetan with subtitles. (PG, 90 mins)

The executive producer of the film, Greg Kruglak, will be in attendance on Thursday to introduce and then speak after the screening.

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Friday, Dec 14 at 5:15 and Sat & Sun, Dec 15 & 16 at 3:15

DARFUR NOW A story of hope in the midst of one of humanity's darkest hours, writer/director Ted Braun's documentary is a call to action. The struggles and achievements of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how one person can make a difference to millions. The conflict is explored through the first-hand experiences of Don Cheadle, Hejewa Adam, Pablo Recalde, Ahmed Mohammed Abakar, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, and Adam Sterling. (PG, 99 mins)

For a look at the full Peace Festival schedule, go to http://imageproject.org/home.htm

Jean Campbell
(Posted with Permission)