SIR - If like me, you have felt more than a little disillusioned with our political system lately, dismayed to see a Government elected by less than 36 per cent of those who voted and less than a quarter of those eligible to vote, pushing ahead regardless with contentious policies as if they had been elected by a landslide, there is some comfort to be found in a film doing the cinema rounds at the moment.
Entitled “We Are Many” (taken from the line by the poet PB Shelley ‘Ye are many’) this documentary focuses on the demonstrations that took place all over the world in more than 700 cities on February 15, 2003, where millions protested against going to war against Iraq.
As one of President Bush’s inner circle admits: “They were right and we were wrong!”
The film contains excellent footage from the era and worthwhile contributions from politicians and other people who were involved.
And, despite these demonstrations ultimately failing to stop that war, public opinion did later halt a more recent Syrian intervention proposed by our Government.
Most importantly and significantly, it shows that when people stand up together in large number they feel energised and empowered AND our public servants have to sit up and take notice!
David Hornsby, West View Avenue, Wrose
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