I have to admit that I have lost much faith in Peace Alliance Winnipeg. I was at the Gaza Vigil shortly after Christmas. I wanted to show my support to the people of Palestine, who are routinely being subject to Israeli aggression, and Human Rights abuses.

I distributed some flyers(about 15) I had printed asking for help from organizers in my quest to include the Palestinians in the new CMHR, considering the occupied territories account for 1/3 of all UNHRC mandates.

I wanted assistance in my quest to force the CMHR to answer to whether they have any intention of mentioning the Israel-Palestine situation in the new museum, which is mainly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the city of Winnipeg.

I felt ignored, as I was hoping to speak to at least one organizer of the rally or Peace Alliance. I have yet to receive any response in my quest. However, I cannot say I am surprised.

In March 2003, I briefly attended a meeting relating in regards to the situation in Iraq, as the US was just days away from invading the country. All I heard was bickering and arguments. It seemed as if people were there for their own personal agendas, rather than band together for the good of the cause.

Needless to say, I politely announced that I was leaving to put up 50 flyers, all over the Downtown/Wolseley/Osborne Village areas. To my pleasant surprise, two people followed, and gave assistance in posting the flyers.

In conclusion, all I have to say is we should be placing our principles before our personalities. There is a saying “united we stand, divided we fall.” Unfortunately, I was left with the impression that the Peace Alliance (and related groups) is more interested in the own personal agenda, rather than banding together with others, who are willing to help, for the greater cause of the attempt to raise awareness of the suffering of the people in the Occupied Territories, and the Human Rights abuses committed against them.

Thank you for your time,

C Wright