Articles of the Month

Where is the appropriate place to talk peace?

Where is an appropriate place, and when is an appropriate time, to raise public discussion about attacking Iraq? Probably, the Calgary Santa Claus parade is not the answer that comes to your mind. It was, however, the answer that came to the minds of a number of political activists in Calgary, Alberta. Saturday, November 16th saw a group of about fifty activists attempt to tag along on the end of the Annual Santa Claus parade. Some activists were dressed for the occasion in Santa Claus hats and costumes. Banners and posters read such things as: "Santa Wants World Peace", "No Blood for Oil", and even "Lettuce Try Whirled Peas". Protestors chanted "No war on Iraq", "Send presents not bombs", and "All we want for Christmas is world peace". Hand-outs included details about the situation of Iraq within the world.

The reaction of the parade goers to these uninvited tag-alongs was rather interesting to watch. Some parade goers were delighted. They clapped, accepted the hand-outs, and some joined in the march. However, others were not so happy. One man, holding an infant, walked directly into a banner being unrolled, wrapped himself in it, and started calling to the media that these "so-called peaceful protestors" were attacking and tying him up. Television cameras zoomed in on the incident, and all the protestors could do was pray that somehow enough people would realize that it was a set up. Others stood yelling "wrong venue, wrong venue".

Was it the wrong venue? Christmas is, after all, a time when many talk sentimentally about "peace on earth". What is wrong with asking for those common sentiments to be put to action? And though it may seem distasteful to speak of harsh realities at a children's event, children are the biggest victims in the Western world's ongoing treatment of Iraq. Most of the children probably took as little notice of the protestors signs as they did the subtle commercial advertisements underneath the socially accepted giant teddy-bear balloons and other floats.

As it was, the protestors only made it three blocks before they dispersed. An organizer, after a discussion with the police, announced to the group that they had been asked to leave. He was glad everyone had came, and thanked everyone for helping to make the important statement of peace.

If the Santa Claus parade is the wrong place to protest a war on Iraq, let me ask where the right place would be. There are few outdoor places where people gather, and most indoor locations are unwilling to permit public discussion of controversial ideas. Streets are lined with advertisements, but costs are prohibitive to many non-profit organizations. We have freedom of speech, but where can we practise it?