The way I read the story one of the poets was to wear a scarf with peace symbols on it. Laura didn't want to turn her meeting into a political thing and cancelled.

Guest what's with the -'peaceniks' label you use? I think that terms was used a long time ago. Not to mention your surreal assumptions of linking a white flag of surrender with the wearing of white scarves. So now anyone wearing a white scarf is a symbol of surrender to you? OK.
Peace. Rustic- flying my WHITE freak, peacenik, flag, chanting-get a life.