I keep remembering a young man I met at a peace rally

[senseandsensibility]

Om the first anniversary of the Iraq invasion, the hubby and I attended our local demonstration. It was the usual fare, and we felt better for attending. Looking back, though, it is depressing to realize that as cynical and outraged as we were then, EVERYTHING HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE.

Yet the part that stands out in my mind now is this very earnest young man who approached us as we sat under a shade tree. He said that he had been thinking about how he could help save the earth, and had come up with some things that he, personally, could do. He had some kind of poster or graphics with him. Then he said he was going to approach everyone he met from then on and ask them what they could do. He asked us to reflect on it. He was very polite. He did not demand that we tell him what we were going to do. He went on the next group of people with his query.

I think of that young man often, and wonder if he is continuing his mission to save the earth. Sometimes, when I think of him, I tear up a little.

[Fridays Child]

1. It sounds like you met...

...a future leader. Would you remember him, if you saw him, again, years from now?

[senseandsensibility]

3. Yes, I think so.

How great if he turned out to be a leader, being so much the antithesis of the "leaders" we have now.

[NJCher]

2. Johnny Appleseed, reincarnated

Sweet story. Thanks for sharing it.

It's amazing what nonconfrontational communication tactics can accomplish.

FWIW, repukes are almost solely into confrontational tactics. Their day has come and gone and thank God.




Cher

[senseandsensibility]

4. Yes it was very sweet

The idealism of youth is not quite extinguished from this earth, in spite of the best efforts of many.:)