An older woman walked by our weekly war protest and told us we were the "scum of the Earth" and we should go to Russia with our signs.

Every Friday from noon to 1 pm these protesters gather in front of the recruiting station. I join them whenever I can. Yesterday we got a lot of honks, thumbs up, and victory signs. There seems to be more and more positive reaction to the protests lately.

I was taken aback at the woman's anger and didn't think to pull my camera out until she was walking away in disgust. She didn't really want to discuss why we were there in a rational way. I may have provoked her by laughing at her Russia statement. I tried to explain that they are hawkish in Russia too so yes, we could go there and protest. She said her husband fought in Vietnam. So did Richard, the guy on the right. He is one of many disabled vets who oppose the war and is a proud member of Veterans for Peace.

I am glad that we have the freedom to express our opposition to war or anything else our government does. I feel bad that the woman feels that we should not express ourselves. I defend her right to tell us how she feels. I hope it made her day.