Editor:

Do not underestimate the power of the few.

Thomas Michaels was unimpressed with the number of folk (45) who turned out last Sunday (March 19th) at the Green in Newton protesting the war in Iraq upon the 3rd anniversary of the beginning of the war. There would have been 46 if I had not been in bed with the flu!

The real question is why bother to speak out when you know you are only a part of a minority?

My husband and I wondered this 55 years ago when we bought property at Lake Mohawk and with such purchase became members of the Lake Mohawk Country Club. We discovered that at that time the Club discriminated against numerous minority groups including those from Greece (ironic considering the name of the town - Sparta!)

There was a time when our outspokenness on this issue resulted in we ourselves being attacked. However in time laws changed and times changed and fortunately today we enjoy a wonderfully mixed community.

Then in the late 60s, early 70s we demonstrated against the war in Vietnam. We participated in draft counseling for those who found war to be against their conscience, often due to their religious beliefs. People marched and opposition to the war exploded. In time the tide turned against this war and American policies changed as well.

We are now faced with many questions about the war in Iraq, a preemptive war we entered under false information and lies. The tide seems to be turning against this war as the death tolls mount and civil war seems inevitable.

Does the minority ever become the majority?

The past 55 years have convinced me that it can happen - over and over again. Do not underestimate the power of the few!

Frankie Smith
Sparta