War and peace

There was an interesting study in contrasts at either ends of the Meadows, site of the Make Poverty History rally and other fringe events.

At the western end of the park was the Contemplation Zone tent, where the major faith groups – Muslims, Jews, Christians and Buddhists – congregated in the same tent to show unity against poverty. This afternoon I saw a choir of Buddhist monks chanting. When I left it tonight, a rabbi was leading a group of Jews in an hassidic chant – all wearing Make Poverty History skullcaps.

Meanwhile at the eastern end of the Meadows, the Stop the War coalition held their separate, autonomous rally, having being refused permission to affiliate to the main Make Poverty History campaign. Watched over by what seemed like more police than the rest of Edinburgh put together, the star speaker was, of course, Respect MP George Galloway.