[Air-l] peace

[DJ Smith]

I was in Italy recently and was approached by several people during my 
time there--a Filipino seminarian, two Dutch couples over dinner, some 
of the Italians--regarding my feelings as an American on the prospect of 
war.

It was clear this is seen as George W. picking a fight, not something 
the Europeans (nor I ) can readily comprehend. I never experienced 
anti-American sentiment, although I was always prepared for it. Seems 
that's not the case--it is the American government, not the American 
people, who are perceived as the problem.After all, it wasn't elected 
officials who died in the Trade Center either.

Ubiquitous to Italy were the "bandiera della pace", the Peace flags. 
Large rainbow-striped flags that proclaim "Peace" in Italian over the 
stripes. I brought several home with me and they are now gracing the 
walls of colleges, schools and parishes in my town.

Pace,
--djs