In Sebastopol, divided by a street and ideology

Two groups have for years claimed opposite corners of Sebastopol’s busiest intersection each Friday at noon. Both earn honks and waves from passing traffic.

Women in Black, part of a world wide effort to demonstrate for peace, began holding silent demonstrations at the corner of Highway 12 and Main Street 13 years ago, following the 9/11 attacks. Jude Mariah of Bodega Bay started the weekly vigil, inspired by Israeli women in Haifa who sought an end of their country’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

The other group, carrying American flags, does not have a formal name but calls for renewed patriotism and support for U.S. troops. Its demonstrations began five years ago to oppose the Women in Black.

After American troops were sent to Ukraine in September, each group was asked the same questions. Their responses revealed that the two groups have much in common in spite of differences.

Why are you here and how long have you been doing this?

Nan Waters, Women in Black: This is part of a spiritual practice, being peaceful. I want to create a better world by creating myself better. I’ve been doing it since 2001.

Susan Dra, Women in Black: I want to remind the public that we want peace. War is not an answer in my opinion. Since women all over the world are doing this, I see it as solidarity instead of feeling isolated. I’ve been doing it for 13 years.

Helen Kinchelode, Women in Black: Because I want world peace. It is my ideal, even if it is unrealistic. I have been participating since the second Iraq invasion.

Eugene Canby, veteran with a flag: I’m here to assist, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. I’ve been coming here for five years.

Nathan McMahon, veteran with a flag: Because I support liberty and the Constitution, and it is time to wake people up. I’ve been doing this for five years. Only time I missed a day it was because I was in the hospital.

Sue Coelho, veterans with a flag supporter: I’m here to support the troops. The state needs to have more patriotism and support what our founding fathers gave us. I have been doing this for a year and a half.

How do you feel about the people across the street?

Nan Waters: I think they are sincere.

Susan Dra: They stand in opposition to our vigil and seem to keep score. We aren’t keeping score.

Helen Kinchelode: They have a right to stand as much as I have. I don’t like their message because it seems to me they are mixing up patriotism with democracy.

Eugene Canby: I think they have total disrespect because they are holding a blue flag higher than the American flag. (Some of the Women in Black carry a flag with the Earth from the moon depicted on it.) That’s an insult to American troops, police and emergency responders. It’s a New World Order flag, corporate law instead of the Constitution. I think they do it unknowingly.

Nathan McMahon: Oh, I get along. I’m not against anyone. I am just for liberty. I made friends with one when I went on Art Trails and discovered she is a fine sculptor. She looked sad one day, so I waved at her and smiled, and she waved back and smiled at me. I have brought her vegetables from my garden.

Sue Coelho: I don’t think they understand the whole picture. They are naïve. They don’t want to confront evil in the world. None of us do, but evil does exist and has to be confronted.

Do you think there are any points of agreement between you and the people across the street?

Nan Waters: We both support the troops and are concerned about the future of our country.

Susan Dra: None of us want soldiers hurt. We also don’t want ordinary civilians hurt either.

Helen Kinchelode: None of us want young men and women to go to war.

Eugene Canby: We all want peace.

Nathan McMahon: We all want peace and freedom. There’s a lot of common ground, more than people think. Their philosophy is peace at any price. We want peace with liberty and the Constitution.

Sue Coelho: We all support our troops.

What are your concerns about our troops and veterans?

Nan Waters: I am worried they will end up dead. Their issues are not addressed when they come home. There is an enormous suicide rate among veterans.

Susan Dra: They are at risk and put others at risk. We need to care for our veterans, make them healthy again.

Helen Kinchelode: It is shameful the way our systems are not handling what has been done to them in battle.

Eugene Canby: That they keep our Constitution for our city, county, state and federal workers.

Nathan McMahon: There is not enough positive support. If I had my way they would all be home.

Sue Coelho: That we support our troops and when they come home not put them on a back burner. Without them we would not have our freedom.

Contact the West County correspondent at westcountytowns@gmail.com.