Most of you know that the Pacifism Conference was held this last weekend, with international peace activists, scientists, journalists, academics and politicians speaking in acknowledgement of International Human Rights Day (Sunday). Tübingen Progressive Americans were gratified to be in on the international public discourse. Our infostand was well (wo)manned, well visited and well received. The attendees really liked our name!

We had the extraordinary opportunity to contribute a presentation. Janice Hill had suggested at our last meeting that a soldier's voice would be our best contribution, and it worked out that we could include
Gulf War- Kosovo -Iraq veteran Bob Evers on the program, with Michael Sharp, co-ordinator of the Military Counseling Network. They both communicated movingly the dilemma of conscience; they put a human face on the military experience; and they made a plea for asylum in Germany for soldiers that refuse to follow illegal orders to fight an illegal war. The audience response was extraordinarily supportive. After our stage presentation, as we listened to an Iranian guitar and flute duo whose music was transcendant, I was overcome with how fruitful the evening had been for us. Bob and Michael were also able to talk personally with German politicians present and with some of the international peace leaders.

I am convinced we have not only shown that Americans want to participate in the international public discourse, but we have also succeeded in giving Bob Evers a chance to express his very articulate views. One of our goals has been to support him, soldiers like him, and their message. This evening went a long way toward accomplishing this. Not only that, we all had a great time working on it together, brainstorming and co-ordinating what we would all say on the podium.

HEARTFELT thanks to Charles and Tim for setting up the table and helping to (wo)man it with Janice and Gus.
Your commitment and your being there the whole time legitimized our participation in a very visible way.
We can't thank Bob Evers, his wife Carolin, Michael and Tim for coming again all the way and taking the courage to speak in front of a high-powered crowd. We won't forget this event.

Tübingen is a center of peace activism not only in the area, but in all of Germany. We are now part of that momentum, which gives us an opportunity to keep realizing our hope to co-operate with our German partners.

Penny P.