Silent Protest in Delaware

Those who worry about the loss of civility in the debate over the war in Iraq should come to Delaware. The New York Times has a story about a silent protest and counter protest that face each other each week across the intersection of Savannah Road and Kings Highway in Lewes:

Supporters of both sides in the debate over the war in Iraq have gathered here every week since September 2004 at the busiest intersection of this tranquil shore town of about 3,000 residents. In January, an additional group began congregating in silence on a third corner, their signs calling for the president’s impeachment.
They stand just about 35 miles from Dover Air Force Base, the arrival point for the bodies of soldiers shipped back from Iraq. But in this state, which has suffered a disproportionate number of war casualties, these protesters bring as much civility as fervor to this intersection of American public opinion.
“I have the utmost respect for him and his persistence,” said Ms. Kirby Gibler, looking across the street at Mr. Broderick as she wheeled her red wagon full of signs toward the corner. “When the war ends, all of us will stop coming here.”
Mr. Broderick conveys a similar respectful steadfastness. “They’re good people,” he said before taking his position. “We just don’t happen to agree.”