OntheWilderSide

The video below is of a poster created a year before Winter Soldier. I believe it resonates with the stories that the soldiers and veterans have been describing this week at the National Labor College in Maryland. And, I thought it might provide some artistic catharsis for other people who have been experiencing the Winter Soldier hearings. My brief thoughts on the hearings and the poster are below. ~KW

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-1XMjNqiec]

I am a wimp about violence. I cannot even watch a violent movie. I get nightmares.

I like to believe that since I do not believe in war, and I am a peace activist, I don’t have to re-experience the violence of someone trying to tell me about the war so I will know to be against it.

Though, in the brief snippets of Winter Soldier that I was able to attend to on WBAI radio, I admit that there is a sense that these soldiers need someone to hear the story. And, I suppose that if I could listen, it would add depth to my purpose against the war, and my arguments to others against war. It is still very difficult for me.

I want to commend the bravery of people who are able to sit with these veterans–either in person, or on their radios, and listen to their stories and their pain.

And, I want to reflect on the bravery and insight that young people often have, being able to resonate and reflect in art the depth of what goes on. At the beginning of this war, I heard stories of soldiers discussing how they were forced to “light up cars”, which was the euphemism given to brace them to the fact that they were shooting into cars with live people in them, killing all inside. It is difficult to comprehend. I was very moved and surprised when a car fire appeared in the poster of a young person who entered our Suffolk Green Party poster contest. I feel fortunate to have this piece to share. For me, the poster is an illustration of the Winter Soldier testimonials.

Filed under: Anti-War, Art, Green Party Websites, Peace, Political Websites, progressive politics, US Politics, war Tagged: | light up cars, veterans, WBAI, Winter soldier