Letting the Flowers Bloom: Symbols of Peace and Justice
Interview with Michael McPherson, an activist with Veterans for Peace
Written by Bryesen Cooper
Photography by Mindy Welland
Modeled by Sam Starner, Seamus Flannagan, Mckinley Brown, and Bryesen Cooper
In a world of so much violence and unrest, many people forget about the ideas of peace and justice. Many don’t know that we don’t need to live in a world full of nuclear weapons, inflated military budgets, and mass displacement of communities.
Flowers have long been global symbols of peace and solidarity. Following World War I, the white poppy represented the phrase, “peace without violence,” according to the Imperial War Museum. During the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal, when anti-fascist military officers started a peaceful coup against the country's fascist dictatorship, the wider population joined in revolt and put carnations in the barrels of soldiers' guns in support for the mass democratic revolution. Within the United States, during the anti-Vietnam war protests of the 1960’s, the famous “Flower Power” photo focuses on a protester placing a carnation within a soldier’s gun barrel as a symbol of peace. But with many historical instances of the masses being against war, why does it still occur today?
What can we do to act against war profiteers who endanger our people, and our world for profit? How can we steer the U.S. government away from spending our money on bombs, planes, and tanks, and focus it instead on housing, education, and healthcare. In talking with Michael McPherson, the Executive Director of Veterans for Peace, we find out how to give the world its flowers.
What age were you and what issue brought you into the anti-war movement?
“I grew up around military bases near Fort Bragg and Fort Lee. So, I respected the military. I still do. I saw what looked like happy families, people taking care of their families. Three of my best friends’ fathers had been in the military, and I respected them. They were good people. And like I said, people are taking care of their families. My friends got out of school and made good money. New cars and things like that. So when you grow up in a military town, generally, you respect the military, and in a city like Fayetteville, NC, where I grew up, it’s one of a few job opportunities. Also, my family, including my uncles, and stepfather, were in the military. My grandfather fought in World War I. One of my uncles fought in World War II. I had an uncle who was a Sergeant Major. I mean, you know, I had all these people around me who were good examples and were in the military.
So, I never thought war was a good thing. I do believe service to the country was a good thing, and I still believe that. Now I know that you can find other ways. You don't have to go into the military to serve your country. But I thought war was a necessary evil. I've come to realize that it is more of a choice than a necessary evil, and what humanity is plagued by is our inability to get along with and respect each other. War is the highest level of that inability. You can find it everywhere. War is a different thing because you organize people who are total strangers and have done nothing to each other personally to fight and kill each other. But it's still the acceptance of killing, seeing someone as so disconnected from you that you're willing to take their life. Seeing them as not really worthy of living, be it a murder, gang violence, which is a kind of warfare, or nation states, tribes, etc. So, it's a human plague that we as human beings have to figure out how to change. Leaders use the fact that we're willing to kill each other as a tool to forward whatever their goals are.
So, with all that being said, I came to the anti-war movement through a peace lens. So, I got out of the military, which is its own story, and became more involved. I have always been aware of the issues impacting the Black community. My mother was a schoolteacher. She taught my family our heritage and to be proud of it. So I was aware of our political and social heritage, etcetera. I looked at how economic and social forces impact my community. I examined how these forces affected other people's communities. While the way these forces impacted communities is different, with different histories and all that, they are similar. So, I just saw peace as an overarching way to look at how we need to move forward together. No matter your color, no matter your religion. No matter your gender, etcetera, etcetera.
So, I had started looking at peace before I thought about being an anti-war activist. I was not thinking about U.S. foreign policy. It was mostly how to bring peace at home. I started writing about that. Then, I heard George Bush talk about the Star Wars missile defense system. I thought that would lead to more tension globally. This was in the summer of 2001, before September 11. So, I went to an anti-war protest in Washington, DC, which was pretty small. And I can't remember who put it on; perhaps Peace Action put it on. That was my first anti-war demonstration.
It wasn't my first time in the streets. I started doing things with the NAACP, the People’s Organization for Progress in Newark, NJ, the Organization for Black Struggle in Saint Louis, and the Universal African People's Organization in Saint Louis. My first actual in-the-street activism was the Million-Man March in 1995. That was the first time I went out in the street in a protest, even though it really wasn't a street protest. It was more of people coming together to pledge to do something to help the community. That launched my activism. However, the 2001 summer before the September 11 event was specifically for peace.
Then, September 11 happened, and I kept going to peace/anti-war demonstrations. I want to distinguish between anti-war and peace. You can't have peace, of course, unless you end wars. But the end of a war does not necessarily mean peace. And I think many times, anti-war activists aren't always peace-oriented in how they approach their anti-war and anti-imperialism work, so I don't see them as being the same. But I think that if you are a peace activist, you're inherently anti-war, anti-imperialist.”
How old were you when you went to that first demonstration in 2001?
“ I was 37. “
What's it like to be a veteran advocating for peace against a Pro-War government? How has your relationship been affected with friends and former colleagues in the military?
“Before my peace and anti-war activism, I didn't think about using my voice as a veteran. I talked about being a veteran, but when I was doing anti-racism, justice, and human rights work, being a veteran wasn't a big part of my message or what I talked about. It still was not a big part of my thinking when I started doing the anti-war and peace work until I found Veterans For Peace.
I went to a panel about civil liberties after 9-11 in 2002. I think that's when it was late 2002, maybe. I met David Cline there, who was president of Veterans For Peace at the time. And that's when I thought to myself, I'm a veteran, and I'm working for peace. I was writing this stuff under something called Conversation Peace or CPeace, so I decided, well, why don't I check out Veterans For Peace?
It was a little strange speaking up as a veteran against my government’s foreign policy, especially going back to North Carolina because Fayetteville, where I grew up, is where Fort Liberty, or Fort Bragg, is located. I’m not sure what it is called now. I went there and directly participated in demonstrations in my hometown. Going to the entrance of Fort Bragg since I grew up there was strange.
But I love my country. I consider myself a patriot of sorts in that I want to hold my nation accountable to what we profess to be and the promise of democracy and human rights, which I think is what makes this nation unique. Our professing to the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence. And the understanding of the balance of powers within the government and the government just can't do anything to you and that we are trying to make out of many one while respecting each other. I want to hold my government accountable for that. Whatever it takes to do that, and if using my veteran voice moves things forward, then so be it; however, it makes me feel.
Regarding my relationship with friends and former colleagues in the military, I didn't keep in touch with many former colleagues as I became more of an activist. With the few that I got in touch with, there was no problem. I've been who I am for a long time. I’ve matured and better understand things. But I’ve always stood up for people and had certain principles about right and wrong.
Even a good friend I haven't talked to in a long time eventually became a colonel. When we were in ROTC in college together, we joked that one day I might be an activist in the streets, and he might be the head of a military unit opposite me. I can't wait to talk to him about that now. And we laughed about it because we cared about and understood each other. People have always known who I am. Some conversations with one or two friends got a little intense, but mostly, anyone close to me knew who I was. So, politics has not been an issue, plus I don't have a lot of close friends anyway.”
In all of your time, protest, marching, protesting and marching and advocating for peace. What is the memory that will always make you proud of your work?
“That's a tricky question because I don't really think that way, so I don't know. I just feel honored that I have the opportunity to do work that I think is important and helps people.
I did go to Iraq in 2003, not long after the invasion, and it was a hell of an experience to meet people who were supposed to be my enemy. It was eye-opening to see just how much they are like me, but also to witness how hospitable the people of Iraq were. They were so nice to me while my country was invading and bombing. I was in Baghdad, and we, the U.S., had just bombed the city, yet people were offering me tea in their homes and sharing their feelings and thoughts with me. In many ways, that was one of the most humbling experiences I've had in that work.
Additionally, my work in Saint Louis during the Ferguson Rebellion involved supporting the efforts of the young people out in the streets. There were a few times when I know I played a significant role in keeping people safe and preventing the police from escalating tensions. At least twice, I helped steer things in a more positive direction, which makes me feel good about that.
There was one occasion at a protest at the Pentagon when a confrontation with the police occurred. They eventually detained three of us because some individuals placed anti-war information in the visitor center. They accused members of Veterans For Peace and, at the time, Iraq Veterans Against the War, now known as About Face.
We had a brief confrontation, during which I challenged the police, essentially taking charge of our actions by creating a dilemma for them. Despite that, they did apprehend the three of us, which left me dissatisfied. I also feel I played a positive role in various other instances. Still, I am simply honored to have had the chance to do that.”
What is a memory that always makes you mad or fired up when dealing with Pro War politicians, the establishment or talking heads.
“I guess the thing that makes me the angriest is the hypocrisy and the twisting of facts. Well, that makes me upset no matter who does it because sometimes anti-war people do that to spin things. And I don't like spinning things. As far as our side of the equation, I think there's enough truth that you don't need to spin anything because things are so horrible.
But the hypocrisy of saying you're for human rights and claiming that the United States is always the good guy angers me. Yes, we somewhat stand for human rights, but our foreign policy is not aligned with that. You can see that right now with what's happening in Gaza and how we conduct wars.
The way they conflate issues is concerning. The biggest problem currently is the conflation of being against Israel's policies in the West Bank or Gaza with supporting Hamas; criticizing Israel is equated with supporting Hamas. That kind of reasoning is hypocritical. It's just a way to justify immoral policies. To stand before me and claim some mantle of human rights or morality while lying and twisting things makes me so angry. The constant lying, especially today, angers me a lot, as there's a whole other level of it.
Another thing that bothers me is the fact that many decision-makers are not impacted by their decisions. They move on from them. I remember once when I was with Military Families Speak Out.
My son served in the military, so I am a member of MFSO. We went to the White House and spoke to some representatives of the Obama administration. I told them that they are in this administration now, but when it's over, they'll move on to other jobs while all of us sitting here will still be dealing with what we are facing. The issues with our families and what has happened to service members will still be our burden while they move on. People make and implement decisions they won't have to live with but that negatively impact others, really angers me.”
Over your time fighting for peace. How have you seen the peace movement landscape change?
“In some ways, it hasn't changed. Much of what we've been doing and what we have done, people continue to do. In some respects, that's positive- it can be beneficial because it's what you need to do. However, it can also feel like a lack of critical evaluation, failing to recognize the need to change tactics or reconsider how you frame conversations with others. It may also be important to realize that your perspective might not be relevant to today's context.
One thing that has changed since I first got involved, which was immediately after September 11, 2001, is that a large number of people, including myself, entered the anti-war and peace movement. It was primarily an anti-war movement with some interest in peace. High anti-war/peace activism continued throughout the Bush administration.
However, when President Barack Obama took office, that momentum dissipated. There have been slight increases in interest in peace and anti-war efforts on the streets, but the movements have not regained the same momentum we experienced back then. I recognized that part of the reason was that Bush was most vulnerable regarding the war in Iraq- not so much about Afghanistan. But eventually, the Afghan war was vexing to Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden.
Our coalition was more of an anti-Republican and anti-Bush coalition than an anti-war, pro-peace coalition. That is not to say that the people protesting in the streets then did not and do not care about peace or holding individuals accountable for war; it's just that domestic issues often take precedence.
Given this situation, we need to think about how we can integrate anti-war and pro-peace paradigms into our domestic struggles in a manner that reveals the existing connections. How do we achieve that? I don't believe we have effectively addressed this issue. Nonetheless,
I feel that today, amidst all the chaos, we have an unprecedented opportunity for people to unite. This moment presents us with an excellent chance to find ways to incorporate anti-war and peace sentiments into the current political landscape. The social landscape is more favorable than it has been in the past. Therefore, I believe we have a new opportunity that we must strive to seize.”
What words do you have for young people today standing up against the United States funding of wars abroad?
“Think outside the box because that's what we need more than anything. Thinking outside the box means new ideas. I believe that to be the vanguard—if you want to use that term—means whoever can communicate messages that help people recognize each other's humanity. Who can best convey that sentiment and help people move in that direction? That’s what we need. Dr. King discussed a revolution in values. What do people value? I don't believe it's simply a matter of capitalism, socialism, or any particular economic system. One system can cause more problems and challenges than the other, or at least different challenges. But if you don't value humanity, if you don't value people in your heart and mind, then people won't be valued. The outcome will take precedence, and you might end up causing great harm to many lives to achieve the system or outcome you desire because people's lives are not valued. So, I ask young people to consider how we can find ways to communicate with those with whom you disagree the most. If you're approaching it this way, talking to everyone between you and the person you don’t want to engage with becomes easier. The key to advancing our goals is reaching as many people as possible. If we change people's mindsets, systems will change, and our way of living will transform. When enough people desire change, we will invent what is needed.
When we want to live together, when it becomes unacceptable to see people without shelter, when it becomes unacceptable to see people lacking sufficient food, for children to endure sexual abuse, and for women to be treated unequally, when these situations become intolerable, change will occur. Today, they are tolerated in this society, and it's not just the system. Yes, the system is implicated. It has become a self-perpetuating cycle. But it can't be broken until people refuse to accept it anymore. So, I would say we must reflect deeply on that. We need to do more than change the system.
It’s clear that 1,000 years ago, many of the same issues we have today were present, but they occurred within a very different system, except perhaps for the consistent existence of patriarchy. Of course, back then, they didn't even contemplate human rights. Now, we have a framework to consider how we should value one another. I don't want to go on endlessly, but I believe that's the key.
So, don't let outdated mindsets hinder you from developing new ideas that propel us towards valuing each other. No one should be your enemy. They might feel like you are their enemy because you seek change. But be cautious about considering others as your enemies. I’m not suggesting you be naive and treat or trust them like a friend. However, when you label someone as your enemy, you're dehumanizing them, and that's the exact direction we should avoid.
We can't dehumanize one another, so be vigilant against those who promote that mindset. You can still learn from such individuals but be wary of anyone attempting to lead you down a path of discarding others. However, I'll conclude by saying it is difficult for me to practice what I preach when I observe some individuals in government right now. They clearly care for no one but themselves. Yet, I know that dehumanizing them does not help; it clouds my judgment.
It's good to feel angry. Channel that anger. Don't let it control you, as it can lead you down negative paths. Use your anger for energy to propel and sustain yourself. However, don't allow that anger to turn into bitterness or hate. “
The struggle for peace, and against imperialist war is a struggle for the future of humanity. When we think of the word peace we must also think of our friends, family, and community. To win peace in our time is to also win equity and equality for all people. To win peace is to let all of our flowers bloom.
Special Thanks to Terrell Creek Grass Farm!