Pure Logic
Still, the several dozen members of the liberal, anti-war organization MoveOn.org who came to Culver City last evening, at twilight, bore a striking resemblance to the last generation of protestors, against Vietnam, in the late 60s and early 70s.
At a glance, nearly all of them were on the shady side of sunny. Nobody in this crowd pays full-price to go to the movies an ymore.
They looked familiar because they were indeed the last generation of protestors.
Where the young people were, since they are the generation most directly affected, was a question that would be left dangling, at least until a representative showed up.
What Else Was Missing?
Besides disowned bras and ill-flavored bell bottoms, one other crucial ingredient was missing last night among the Iraq War demonstrators who collected around the Harry Culver Family sculpture in front of The Culver Hotel.
Anger.
Could it have been lost among the many casualties of the Iraq War?
If it wasnt Chautauqua time a century after that convivial medium of public discourse vanished, the congenial atmosphere was pretty close.
War aint funny.
And no one was laughing last night well, almost no one.
Congeniality at Twilight
Nevertheless, this was a congenial crowd of old friends. Just like the old days when the glint of the sun shone on different colored hair for all of them, they assembled for common, extremely purposeful, and absolutely ideological cause.
The demonstrators, many displaying large, impressive, well-drawn placards that delivered unmistakable signals to the drivers speedily wheeling for one of the last times through the busiest intersection in Downtown.
Within 90 days, the rounded, south-bending corner where Culver and Main feed into east-bound Washington Boulevard, is scheduled to be permanently closed off.
Do You Believe in Serendipity?
Just as the moon was rising, the sun was sitting down and the protest was gearing up, the darnedest thing happened.
Two old chums from Compton High School, class of 1955, were shocked to rediscover each other 52 summers later.
Resting comfortably on a chair, adjacent to the Harry whom Culver City is wild about, Compton alum Don Cargille (pronounced like argyle sox) had just lighted his candle, which was protected by a carved out styrofoam cup.
Arriving from the Left
Suddenly, from Mr. Cargilles left naturally, since this was a MoveOn.org event there appeared one Doris Whipperman, as she was known in their school days.
Now, and for many years, she has been Doris Davis.
First came recognition. Then shock. Then settling-in surprise. Finally, joy. A splendid, memorable reunion.
Rearranging Personal Priorities
For just a moment, displeasure over the Iraq War and palpable fear of the outcome of the September showdown in Congress slipped, unnoticed, into the backseat of a cheap 1950s used car while they relived the times that used to be and were long forgotten.
Moving through the MoveOn.org crowd, up bobbed Cynthia Hart, one of MoveOns articulate Westside volunteers.
Honing in on Purpose
We are here to raise awareness about the September report to Congress on the surge and the war in general, she told the newspaper. We want our Congressional representatives to take action to end the war.
We have an idea that the report is going to contain some kind of rosy assessment. But we want this war to end.
How soon should the U.S. halt hostilities?
As soon as we can safely get our troops out, Ms. Hart said.
No Troop Left Behind
We have heard a lot of talk this summer that some of our troops should be left in Iraq to help. But I dont think they can help. They are only inflaming the situation, making it worse.
I would greatly fear for the safety of any U.S. troops left behind to train their own killers. I would be especially afraid if this country attacks Iran.
