No doubt about Alvena

Julie Couch, Editorialist

July 17, 2008 12:22 pm

— When a friend dies, I think about what qualities made that person memorable. I’ve no doubt about Alvena Bieri, a friend of more than 30 years. It was the way she lived her life. She truly lived her beliefs. Anyone who knew her or read her articles knew she was a progressive who worked for peace. Her views were obvious through her book reviews, her Oklahoma Observer articles, her church participation, her letters-to-the editor or her car’s bumper stickers.
Don’t we always say we believe in the importance of freedom of speech? We’ve been taught this concept since elementary school.
When we really think about speaking out though, we find freedom of speech is not without its critics. The recent Payne County Commission brouhaha over the courthouse lawn peace vigil is an example.
Would there have been questions if the group gathering every Wednesday had displayed “Honk to Support the Troops” signs? Probably not. Most citizens support our troops whether or not they support the action in which the troops are involved.
“No Blood for Oil” and “Wars Kill Good People” becomes more controversial. During Stillwater’s brief notoriety on state TV news, one commissioner questioned the political nature of the signs.
If you have any question about the peace vigil, think about the Kansas group that showed up for Major Hagerty’s funeral. They’re known for demonstrating at funerals of fallen soldiers. The slang term “whacko” describes them well. Besides making no sense, they appear to be poisoning their own children with hate.
It’s much more difficult to think about them as simply exercising their right to speak. Many Stillwater residents, if being honest, might’ve been happy to see the Kansas group escorted out of town.
I’m positive I know Alvena’s thoughts about the peace vigil though. When she was still feeling well, she would’ve been there on Wednesdays. I’m guessing she participated many times since the vigil’s start in November 2005.
Pat Piety, the vigil organizer, said their coldest vigil had a wind chill of minus 10 degrees. Alvena would’ve been there in that cold weather or when it was 95 degrees, the temperature on the day of her memorial service. She would’ve been there with small groups like the six people, not counting the dog with the peace sign, there on June 25, and she would’ve been there with 26 on the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.
She spoke out for peace.
She would’ve been encouraged at the many honks and waves the group received.
She would’ve been pleased that Food Not Bombs, another group supporting nonviolence, had requested to serve meals at the peace vigil each Wednesday.
If there had been no honks, waves or support from the town though, she still would’ve been there.
She worked for peace.
She also would’ve supported a group appearing on the courthouse lawn to say “Support our Troops.” She would’ve supported the Kansas group’s right to its demonstrations. She would’ve welcomed all on the courthouse square of public opinion.
She always spoke out for what she believed. She would’ve defended others’ rights to speak out also.
She believed in peace. This is the memory of Alvena that will stay with me.
Julie Couch is a Stillwater resident.