Those funny looking guys with beards but no mustache
were originally Brethren, Mennonites and Quakers - 19th
century members of the Christian peace congregations.
They noticed that US military uniform protocols allowed
officers to sport no visible facial hair except a
mustache. Thus, in opposition to armed conflicts, as an
obvious visible protest to military engagements, male
members of those peace churches chose to grow beards
without hair over the upper lip.
So, during the Desert Storm conflict, some folks
chose to sport mustache-less beards during the conflicts
duration. As the United States assumes a "war
footing," some activists will again do the same
thing until the fighting ends. We believe that peaceful
options are available and should be used instead of
committing armed forces to strike or invade another
country.
Rest assured that we oppose terrorism and are deeply
angered by what fate was met by innocent victims on
September 11th. But violence in retaliation to violence
will not render any solutions, but only create more
victims and in turn, more hatred and resentment,
possibly inciting a greater risk of terrorist reprisals.
The circle of violence needs to stop. If we aren't part
of that process, then we are part of the problem. We,
along with you paid for those bombs and missiles, and we
do not want them used.
If you want to be part of our visual
"statement" of opposition, grow a beard
without a mustache, or shave your mustache. I took mine
off last night in preparation for our demonstration
today (9/20/2001). I am mailing the hairs to Mr. Bush at
the White House, along with a letter that includes this
background.
Here is the photo of my letter to Mr.
Bush.
Click on it to make it large.
