A Peace Supporter -- And Proud of It

Mares Hirchert (I know her real first name but won't tell) supports peace. And is proud of it.

The Livingston Press and Argus spotlighted Mares in a story in editions for Monday (January 5, 2009).

Mares has been waging her Pinwheels for Peace effort in support of a Palestinian kindergarten for months, taking many pictures in Livingston County Democratic Party offices with visiting dignitaries to build support for preventing the destruction of the school.

In recent days, Mares has been emailing the media and public officials urging them to try to halt Israel's offensive in Gaza. Israel's aerial bombardment, followed by its ground assault, has so-far killed more than 400 Palestinians, far more than the four people killed in Israel by Hamas rockets.

American media have for the most part ignored the context of the situation -- neglecting to mention Israel's blockade of the Gaza strip which has left the residents -- including innocent women and children -- there starving and without power for months.

The comments to the Press and Argus article are interesting. While most praise Mares for her dedication to peace, some are attacking her. We consider ourselves a peace-loving nation, but if anybody stands up for peace, they are attacked.