Since the Iraq war began, there has been a faithful group of peace advocates holding signs opposite the Federal Building in downtown Bangor. The message is simple – war is not the answer. Let’s not spend our money on bigger guns and fiercer threats but on diplomatic meetings and negotiations abroad and on health care, education, transit systems, clean air and jobs with living wages here at home.

There are some people who have faithfully held a sign for peace every Tuesday for the past 4-plus years. I have not been able to be there every Tuesday, but recently while standing there, a woman passing by me asked, “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

I said nothing, but in my head thought, “Yes, we have jobs. Some of us left them early to do this. Some of us are very tired but still do this before we head home.”

As I thought further, I realized: No, I have nothing better to do than to stand here holding a sign to encourage residents of Bangor to speak out to our government. The way of military force only leads to despair, destruction of human life, property, clean air and water.

We must demand that our government think beyond the moment and into the future. If we do not take measures now to find peaceful solutions to problems, be willing to give up some of what we have to build up other nations, cut down on the use of natural resources in exchange for cleaner air, our legacy will not be a positive one.

There is nothing I can do on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 5:30 that is more important than to stand across from the Federal Building, holding a sign, asking the government to reconsider the use of military force. Please join us. The line should be long and loud so the message can be heard.

Marty Kelley

Orono