If... the machine of government... is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. ~ Henry David Thoreau, On the Duty of Civil Disobedience, 1849
But what is the appropriate response? In these tragic times we have worked within the system for 5 long years: we have lobbied, we have protested, we have begged and we have shamed. We have done all these things and yet we still contend with an unresponsive and tyrannical government.
March 19th is quickly growing. Groups dedicated to a different type of America – one which is responsible, compassionate, and focused on the will of the people - are organizing what could be the largest coordinated action seen in this decade. The diversity of groups is staggering – most are willing to risk arrest or even bodily harm to make their voices heard. The Granny Peace Brigade, proving in unequivocal terms that women get more radical with age, is planning knit ‘stump socks’ for wounded soldiers in front of the Veterans Administration Headquarters. Peace Action & the Student Peace Action Network are coordinating strategic disturbances and lobbying Congress.
Planning sessions are underway and while some activists are learning how to escape police holds others are preparing themselves to create a media storm with which to amplify our message: WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT EXCUSES.
But it can be intimidating to think about the outcome we are striving for. We are trying to create disorder & discord for the pillars of war – and this is only accomplished through unorthodox measures. Can the peace movement condone such measures done in the pursuit of a more peaceful world? After so many years of living in relative peace while the pillars of war perpetuate chaos abroad I am compelled to bring a small slice of that chaos to their front door.
There are so many choices for action on the 19th, it's almost a smorgasbord for us: you can find a peaceful vigil or an arrestable act. You can be part of a human blockade or help coordinate it from the sidelines. We need medics, legal observers, marshals, and marchers. Can you step up your involvement? By stepping up our outrage as activists we send a clear message to Congress that they must do the same. It’s a difficult decision but one whose time has come.
If you've never been to a protest - are you willing stand with us against the occupation? If you're tired of demonstrating and you want to demand change – are you willing to sacrifice some small comforts to do so? If you can’t be arrested will you sponsor an activist who will? Are you ready to stand in direct opposition to the corporations, bureaucrats, and warmongers perpetuating our culture of war? Now is the time to make brave choices and execute those choices with righteous indignation against the oppressive machine of the government and the pillars of war.
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