I've spoken very clearly, from the United States to Porto Alegre, in opposition to the war – or, rather, to the possibility of war in Iraq. I'm also of a mind to think that we as organised citizens can stop this potential war. I think that is our biggest responsibility right now.

But when we promote an agenda of peace - when we talk about peace - we need to be capable of talking about the many issues that confront us. The war brings us to a place where it denies us the possibility of dialogue. And we must talk about those other issues. The war is just a potential war and is a blip on the map of all the issues that confront us.

The threat of war is very real, even though the rest of the world has said 'no'. People from the United States have also come to the table to say 'no' to war and 'yes' to peace. I have inner faith in my brothers' and sisters' ability to stop this war.

© Danny Glover 2003

Originally published as part of a debate on 6th February 2003 Writers, artists and civic leaders on the War: Pt. II

See also Writers, artists and civic leaders on the War: Pt. 1.