We talked briefly today with our friend Clare Grady, the often-jailed peace activist, about Egypt. She said she is thinking about "the power of the Square," as in Tahrir Square, where people are staying and demonstrating in massive numbers.
"Tiananmen Square, now Tahrir Square. There's great power when people unite physically.
"The media and the Internet are okay for communication and planning. But nothing works the way actually gathering does."
I said I never thought about it, but it seems true. "It lets people in power see you," I said. "And scares them."
Clare said, "It also lets you see each other, and builds your resolve."
Clare said she is ruminating on a gathering here in Ithaca - on the Commons, maybe. Demonstrations across the U.S. might be helpful in influencing our government.
We will be sure to let you know if Clare, or anyone else, organizes something here.
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