MFSO makes its mark at the Davis Whole Earth Festival

The quintessential Davis event arrived at UC Davis, May 12th through May 14th: the 37th annual Whole Earth Festival. While the event is no longer marked by wild, nude, frolicking hippies, it retains its free spirit and independence. Over the long weekend, 40,000 adults, kids and pets roamed and checked out crafts vendors, vegetarian food booths, and “education” booths while surrounded by music, dance and speeches from four separate stages.

MFSO made two marks that weekend. First, MFSO staffed an “education “ booth where they gather several hundred signatures in support of HR 4232, the End the War in Iraq Act of 2005 (Rep. Jim McGovern) and HR 952, the Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act (Rep. Edward Markey). HR 4232 The bill allows Defense Dept. funds to be used only to provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of all troops, consultations with other governments, NATO and the UN regarding international forces, and financial assistance and equipment to either Iraqi security forces and/or international forces. The bill will not prohibit or restrict non-defense funding to carry out reconstruction in Iraq. HR 952 would outlaw the transportation of any detainees to any country that permits torture.

Second, MFSO, Iraq Veterans against the War, and Veterans for Peace spoke on the main quad stage before an audience of thousands. For MFSO, Laurie Loving described her recent experience in Washington, D.C. during the “Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living” event. In particular, she described her dedication of a pair of shoes in memory of the death of Saadi Al-Tahl, the uncle of Iraq-American Fadhil Al-Kazily. Lt. Col Richard Beach spoke for Iraq Veterans against the War. He recounted his experience when his commander refused to permit troops to call home on Mother’s Day. Contradicting to those orders, Lt. Col. Beach allowed several troops to call their mothers. Lastly, Will Lotter of Veterans for Peace led the audience in a simple chant: “What do we want? PEACE! When do we want it? NOW!”

Special thanks goes to Zohreh Whittaker, Cheryl Bryne, Karahan Mete, Leanne Friedman, John Chendo, Sequoia Harless, Linda Hirst and Nancy Patterson for volunteering their time to staff our booth.