Blogging live from the peace rally here in New Bedford, organized by the Coalition for Social Justice, held in the sanctuary of First Unitarian in New Bedford (yes, the sanctuary here at First Unitarian is a wifi hotspot — bring your laptop to church and get free wifi!).

Quick summary so far: Rev. Ann Fox, the minister at the Unitarian Universalist church in Fairhaven, and I gave the invocation. Poet Everett Hoagland, a member here at First Unitarian, read a powerful poem that linked the war in Iraq and Afghanistan to other forms of injustice such as racism. John Oliveira, a local Iraq veteran, told about the personal price he has paid for the war due to post-traumatic stress disorder. Drae Perkins, who comes from a military family and served inn the Army from 1976-1979, spoke eloquently about how he cannot support this war. Kyle Viera, a young spoken word artist from 3rd Eye, performed one of his pieces, an imaginary letter home from a soldier stationed in Iraq. Nina Pitts, a student from Bristol Community College, pointed out that the current cost of the war in over $400 billion, with another $800 billion projected to replace hardware and equipment damaged in the war, and long-term costs of perhaps $500 billion to take care of wounded veterans.

It’s a multi-racial crowd. It’s a multi-generational crowd, with two year olds and elders and every age in between. But — I did a quick head count, and there are only about 130 people came out tonight. Not exactly the way to send a strong message to our elected officials. If you’re against the war, and you’re not here right now, please take a moment right now to send email to your senators and your representative expressing your displeasure with our continuing presence in Iraq and Afghanistan.