There Are No Sides to Peace   Anniversary (Rachel Corrie 1979-2003)   Mary La Rosa • 7 March 2006 The years pass. The poems continue. Words string together homage to Rachel songs for Rachel theatre about Rachel not only anniversary and memoriam but constant shining and reminder. We do not forget who are the peacemakers. We do not forget the actions they take in the name of non violent peaceful struggle. We do not forget the injustice and the harsh penalties towards those who stand unarmed but righteous against the machines of war and occupation. So many innocent broken bones and smashed lives! between those who act and speak out against the violence and those who perpetuate the violence. But, through the dark prevailing doom wrought by bombs and Caterpillars and weapons of any destruction hate does not diminish the life and spirit of one who acted upon good and peaceful intentions. Rachel who put her life's conviction into daily practice Rachel who moved bravely beyond a more comfortable life in order to sustain oppressed lives. Rachel did not only pray She became the prayer the hope of the world: There are no sides to peace. Three years ago I stood with a small international group including the Corries , Rachel's family, friends and pagan activist Starhawk in a UN office . Edward Said was to have been there but his health was failing. After inquiring why there was no investigation into Rachel's death, a German National told us the grim news that there is only ONE super power that consistently vetoes, even investigation into human rights violations. I knew this, yet it was stunning to hear it from a UN official. After all, I grew up in the late fifties during a time when the US was always lauded for being the shinging beacon of free speech and human rights all around the world. Presently I am confronted and affronted by the latest development about a play about Rachel Corrie called "My Name Is Rachel Corrie" and it's removal from the New York Theatre Workshop. Why is it that the folk with the biggest weapons and guns are always in fear and suppression of the folk with the words? I believe the answer to be that words are ever so more powerful...so powerful that they survive what guns do. Words live on in the heart and mind and continue to inspire. Words also can throw open a limited perspective and provide greater understanding about human rights issues. The following year I heard Cindy Corrie speak at a NGO UN conference on behalf of the Palestinian people. Silence = Complicity   Previous poems for Rachel: Road Kill Remembrance: Rachel Corrie (1979-2003)   Mary La Rosa is a librarian and artist living close to NYC, who wonders why Caterpillar D9's aren't used exclusively in positive ways, such as removing the debris caused by natural disasters.         Index: Current Articles + Latest News and Views + Book Reviews + Letters + Archives

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