Mandy and I have collaborated on this three part story of the Iraq Peace Pledge die-in. We did it because we are photographers and we want to stop this war. We want to show you what happened, to furthur the culture of peacemaking, to make the world a better place.
We have also written essays on our recent thoughts. Please do something for peace today. Thanks.

The Least I Can Do Is Freeze My Fingers Off
Mandy Corrado

It was really really really cold Monday morning. My fingers were starting to get frost bitten photographing, but I figure I have to sacrifice a little… I mean, those 22 people in the Federal Building were sacrificing their comfort and safety by putting themselves into the hands of the Chicago Police… the least I could do is freeze my fingers off for the cause.
Generally I’ve felt like all the rallies I’ve been going to have all been really inspirational, but they have not been enough. Rallying should be a spring board for direct actions, like writing letters and calling our senators. The rallies should inspire us to talk about peace with every person who will listen…. take back the media and post our stories on line… do anything and everything we can to work for peace.
The civil disobedience Monday is the first pubic action I’ve seen where people were actually DOING something instead of just talking about it. 22 people got arrested to show the world that they are against the war. I applaud them all for (literally) laying themselves on the line for what they believe in. I’m proud of all the people who came and froze outside of the building in support.
Something that keeps striking me over and over every time I go to an anti-war activity is how happy everyone seems to be. People aren’t happy that we have to be out rallying against war, but rather, they seem to be truly deeply happy people. It makes sense to me that on the road to world peace, the first thing that has to be peaceful is our own hearts, and it makes me glad to see that so many people are practicing what they preach. I am continuously meeting new people who instantly feel like old friends because their nature is so warm and inviting.
The last thing I want to write about is that I am really happy to see all the people who are coming out to events, but we need more support. I cannot believe that only 125 people could come out at 8 am on a Monday morning. Sure, it is more comfortable to stay in bed a little later and not freeze for an hour in the cold before going to work, but think of how amazing it is knowing you took part in something to stop the war. It’s a great way to start the day off. I’m getting a little tired of people thanking me for representing them at protests, when I know they could have gone themselves. I know a few people who, for health reasons can’t protest, and I AM representing them. But everyone else who can, HAS to do their own part. If we are going to show the world that America does not want Bush’s war, every person who sits at home wishing for peace but never goes out, has to change their thinking. We all have to realize that we can either be part of the problem or part of the solution, and thinking you are on the side of peace but never doing anything about it means that you’re not helping at all. If you’re not with us, you’re against us! … Just kidding. But really, I do believe that if everyone who knows the world has to change, but thinks they are powerless, gets out there and starts making their voice heard, things would change really fast because there would be countless masses in all the streets. I know it’s not always easy or comfortable, but we all have to do our part if we are going to ever see peace in our world.