Beyond Red vs. Blue: A March for Peace in the Heart of Georgia
an article by Charlie

As the dust from the presidential election settles, many are focused on the deluge of maps dividing the nation into red, blue, and purple. But even in the reddest of red states, a culture of peace is being built in small ways.

The exit polls from Georgia, available online, show President Bush winning the state over John Kerry by 17 points. A ballot initiative in Georgia amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, called Amendment 1, passed easily by a margin of 3 to 1. Yet on Saturday, October 30th, mere days before the convincing victory of conservatism and intolerance, citizens from Gainesville and the surrounding area congregated for the fifth annual March For Peace.

Started by a group of young people concerned about gang violence in schools, the march has evolved into a celebration of diversity, solidarity, and democracy with a prominent quote on the march's web page now reading "your voice counts and wants to be heard." During the last five years, the march has covered issues relating to five of the eight keys for a culture of peace as it has been used to protest racial profiling, advocate government for more parks and recreational spaces, and rebuke a planned march of the KKK.

The march also draws from religious faith, although distinct from the brand of faith that drove voters to support Amendment 1 only days later. A major supporter is St. Michael's Catholic Church and the millenial theme was "Many Faces in the City of God." The event is not free of corporate sponsorship however. Local businesses have helped to keep the event afloat as well as Target, Inc. and even a company with a questionable human rights record: Coca-Cola. Despite this backing, the event has stayed true to it's grassroots, You can learn more about the event at www.marchforpeace.com.

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This report was posted on November 11, 2004. The moderator is Joe.

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