"You must be the change you want to see in the world."
~Mahatma Gandhi
"Many ask: What is the sense of our small effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time."
~Dorothy Day
This year, 2008, brings us all to a crossroads where decisions need to be made and responsibilities borne by the people who care about a peaceful world built with justice. However, this crossroads is not about the electoral choices of this election year.
We are about to pass from five years of war and occupation into our sixth year of the illegal Iraq War. We have worked long and hard to end this crime against peace. We have written, faxed, e-mailed and lobbied, we have marched and demonstrated, signed petitions and held vigils, and yet this illegal military occupation of Iraq continues.
Recent public opinion polls have shown about 70 percent of our fellow citizens want the war and occupation to end. However Congress continues to fund it! Our elected representatives are not responsive to our calls for peace, for a more just future for our country, for an end to war and a halt to the erosion of our civil liberties.
The election of 2006 has shown us that those we have entrusted with ending the war and occupation of Iraq have relinquished their constitutional responsibilities but have actively supported the Bush Administration's illegal war and fear mongering.
In 2007, thousands of people across America engaged in nonviolent civil resistance to the "War OF Terror" and our government's illegal and inhumane use of torture. Most were arrested in these actions, and many went to trial. However, this resistance movement needs to grow and be supported -- as those risking arrest are often the same dedicated souls, now nearing jeopardy with their homes and jobs. Please don't thank us, we are past that point -- we need you to join us!
The choices and responsibilities concern our duty to actively make the world we want come into being.
Many of you have probably already considered it, but have worried about possible repercussions of being arrested. You need not worry, we initially had this reaction too, but we chose to engage in acts of nonviolent resistance to war-making and oppression because we felt it was our duty, our role.
We have faith that you can also come to that same decision. Acting in a peaceful direct action with your brothers and sisters is an incredible act of solidarity and is extremely empowering.
This year there have already been numerous nonviolent civil resistance arrests, most recently inside and outside of the U.S. Supreme Court. Here, 82 activists said enough was enough after six years of the Guantanamo gulag.
These actions have been effective, but not yet successful. This year, it is imperative that greater numbers engage in peaceful direct action against violent misuse of power in our names. Otherwise we will have continued war, occupation, misery, and injustices waged in our name. As Dr. King once said, "A time comes when silence is betrayal."
We must not be fooled, lied to, and lulled into a false sense of security with hopes for a positive electoral outcome. We are faced with the reality that all of the leading presidential candidates support the war and continued occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan in one way or another. Furthermore, most candidates for office have not taken a stand against torture and for the restoration of Habeas Corpus.
In March many will come to Washington, DC to protest the five years of murder and destruction in Iraq. It will be five years since "shock and awe" diminished our nation's reputation around the globe, and expanded the wallets of war profiteers. Meanwhile, approximately 1 million Iraqis have been killed since March 2003, and 3,940 U.S. service personnel have been sent to their deaths due to a pack of lies. We invite you to join us in March by joining large acts of nonviolent civil resistance to immoral governmental and corporate warmongering ways, and to demand peace and justice for all!
Now at this crossroads, we the people must decide to take action to right the wrongs that have been perpetrated for so many years now. This is our responsibility. Our duty is not to wait for a November election but to actively pursue peace and the world built with justice for all people.
The Washington Peace Center (www.washingtonpeacecenter.org) will be taking the lead in organizing nonviolent direct action trainings in March around these mobilizations. Students from the organization Our Spring Break (www.ourspringbreak.org) will be coming to Washington to participate. We also need you!
There will be nonviolent direct actions on March 12 and March 19 in DC! Come be a part of history, come help us begin to bring about change in our time; let us help build a more just and peaceful tomorrow.
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___________
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A political junky from childhood cut my teeth on vietnam era protests.Have lived in Bucks county all my life.My favaorite saying" Good ani't cheap and cheap ain't good,never has been never will be" |
Have you had enough? I'm working through coalition for peace action and the one question I can't find an answer to is how to effectively involve the 70% to help make the statement on 3/19.
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tjb (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 214 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 7:39:45 AM
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I am a concerned citizen(and musician) of Canada,watching the madness unfold to my south. I am hoping to connect some of the dots between the Bush/Cheney regime, the neo-conservatives, the C.I.A, the military, and of course oil and the banking institutions. It is becomming quite obvious to most people who still retain their critical thinking skills the corruptness that pervades the current administration. |
So What? .... so what is your solution ? How would you force pressure on these corrupt elites to immediatly stop this bogus war on terror( and the obscene profiteering)?... just curious. by
nakedtruth (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 29 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 1:03:16 PM
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General Strike Why peace organizations haven't pursued a National General Strike is beyond me. Buy nothing, stay home from school and work. Simply stay home. Joel is correct in that unless we put so many people on the streets as to not just be reported on but become the news and even then may be a futile gesture. My contention is that if you want to get the attention of those that are repressing you take away what they value most. After 9/11 what did bush advocate? Go shopping. What's he advocating now to spur the economy? Go shopping. Money is the drug in the needle, stop the flow for even a short period of time and the addict reacts. Instead of mobilizing a street protest that takes a thousands times more effort than most Americans can afford. Travel, lodging, food, weather conditions all come into play that a General Strike eliminates. Instead educate the masses through blogging, advertising, placing of signs, talking to friends, co-workers, employers in getting to perform a General Strike that would bring this country to a standstill. We do that and watch what happens. A simple sign with a date on it would spur conversation. March 1st - STAY HOME! And I'm not talking a one day event. Have people hold out for as long as possible. Educate them on what corporations to boycott. Using "sick days" so as not to jeopardize their jobs, get employers to declare a holiday, learn how to do without till the powers that be start listening. For I wouldn't worry really about losing your job or loss of income because at the rate we're going you're going to lose that anyway. Another benefit of a General Strike is that there is no threat of arrest or physical harm. So my question to the Washington Peace Center and all the other activist groups across this nation is why waste your time organizing something that by your own admission has produced zero results? Pull together and organize a massive nation-wide strike! by
Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 1436 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 1:44:43 PM
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A political junky from childhood cut my teeth on vietnam era protests.Have lived in Bucks county all my life.My favaorite saying" Good ani't cheap and cheap ain't good,never has been never will be" |
3/1 My heart says yes my, head tells me no way. I'm searching for an action the 70% will take up easily and not working won't work in these economic times. I'm non-violent and fear the Kenya outcome if the war and recession aren't addressed. How many blindly following war boosters are being foreclosed? by
tjb (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 214 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 2:35:33 PM
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General strikes I agree general strikes and no more bernays consumerism this will crush the industrial war complex thus would be seen as a direct attack on them you will have their ears right away. the problem is getting enough people to do this currently most Americans are destitute their cradit is gone and they are living day to day. So thats why 25 million illegals swamp America they have credit and spend money. for every American that strikes or stops buying another ilegal will come to take his place. you need leaders like Ron Paul elected ,mccain has no chance to win yet republicans are lining up to vote for him. this leads me to believe that Republicans are either a lower class specie,just plain stipid people or have no clue what the hell is going on in voting for a loser that can not win. If anyone hasn't already guessed it Russia and China are the real targets in the war eventually they hope to draw those countries into the war. ww3 and then global governance the constitution is finished unless Ron Paul is elected. by
dave stanley (5 articles, 1 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 286 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 4:37:16 PM
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i am retired military veteran. i served over 25 years in the Unites States Army. i retired in 1983. i served in the vietnam war. a total of 27 months in that war. i also retired from Boeing aircraft. i am 68 years old. i live in texas. iwork out on my treadmill each day. i am married. i like politics. but i dont like what is going on in our government. we need a better government with politicans that answer to the people of america. after all this is our government. ( we the people) according to... |
a Revolution And just what do you beleave you will accomplish, with peacefull marching?? NOTHING. Our Government is to far gone. ( in case you dont know by now Corporate america controls our government, there is huge amounts of money being past to our politicans. We can say it is the biggest MAFIA in the world. ORGANIZED CRIME AT ITS BEST. what you see going on is going to turn and twist your insides. America is going to be part of THE NEW WORLD ORDER. remember europe had a revolution. it was not peacefull. this is whats need here. people need to organize with baseball bat's, chains, and what ever and do a job on these politicans. if america will ever return to we the people. Washington dont deserve any respect.they dont respect you or me. they all get paid by corporate america. and hell with all us americans. by
vincent passiatore (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 168 comments)
on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 11:00:58 PM
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Semi-retired Psychotherapist,
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Monthly One Week Consumer Boycotts Begin 1st Week of March Monthly One Week Consumer Boycotts Begin 1st Week of March. And continue monthly until the troops are all home and Guantanamo is closed. The boycott period gets extended by one day for each month Congress and the Administration fails to act decisively after April. Consumer boycotts are a way to show solidarity without putting jobs and bodies and freedom at risk (the internship camps may already be in place). Like an always available secret ballot. Preparation forestalls hardship (even for businesses because they will have already sold that week's food and fuel the week before), everyone goes to work like usual - but no (or few) customers show up, consumers save & practice 1) abstinence from shopping/spending, 2) being citizens, and 3) relating with family & friends. Once the concerted action has been noticed and reported, if the internet is still available to coordinate action, further or expanded action can be scheduled (longer boycotts, regional boycotts, "true blue" [for loyalty & sincerity, not black for death and chaos] armbands/caps/shirts/blouses/coats, days or weeks of general strike after support has developed, additional goals can be added: 9/11 re-investigation, voting machine investigations, impeachment hearings). I suggest a prepublished evolving schedule because the courts may shut down the means of coordination once the action has been shown to be effective. But by then, citizens will have been empowered and can continue a less coordinated but still effective action - with each citizen deciding to stop boycotting when he or she is satisfied with our progress back to democracy. The word can get out through this newsletter, Common Dreams, UFPJ, MoveOn, etc. and spread virally through email. Of course, those of us who organize this might spend some time in those internment camps - but that would be a small price to pay for a return to democracy (my wife - and your's - might not agree). by
Man (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 7 comments)
on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 12:12:20 AM
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A political junky from childhood cut my teeth on vietnam era protests.Have lived in Bucks county all my life.My favaorite saying" Good ani't cheap and cheap ain't good,never has been never will be" |
Boycott Good Idea by
tjb (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 214 comments)
on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 7:25:12 AM
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Pete Perry is a Washington, DC native and a peace and justice activist. He serves on the board of the Washington Peace Center. He has also been involved with the D.C. Anti-War Network (DAWN) and the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance. |
Together we can accomplish much I like the idea of a boycott on all consumerism on March 1st. Let's build it. But we also need mroe than that. The two dates Malachy and I mentioned in our post will involve more than symbolic acts. One has the theme of Stop-Loss Congress (right before they go on recess), and the other is to severely interrupt business as usual for war profiteers around town. by
Pete Perry (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 10 comments)
on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 8:28:21 AM
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Trainer12 is a long time activist DFA & PDA member working for progressive change in America. I am also the point of contact for PDA, the Progressive Democrats of America. I am a "Neighborhood Leader" "Victory Precinct Captain" or "VP" for the Democractic Party for this election cycle in Lower Makefield Township, in Bucks County. My job is to recruity three other Democrats and each of us contact 25 registered Democrats and get them to the polls. I am in the South Seventh Ward of Lower Makefield... |
A Strategy for a Non-Violent Revolution It is going to take many marches, sit-ins, strikes, boycotts and creative actions to bring down the corporate control of this corrupt government. It will take multiple campaigns and events to build momentum. Remember your history of the Civil Rights, Anti-Vietnam War and Anti-Nuclear Power Moments. The key thing to remember and learn from is that the establishment wanted to stop the protests and yield nothing but there aren't enough jails yet to hold everybody. The movements where decentralized. President Johnson and the Congress had to pass the Civil Rights Act because the public saw what was happening on TV and put pressure on the Congress. The establishment wanted to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam, but the mass movement said no and stopped them from using it. There hasn't been a nuclear power plant built or ordered since 1980. We haven't finished the job of building a mass, sustained, disciplined, and decentralized movement to demand and create a true, democratic, ecological, sustainable, just and fair society control by, of, and for the people and not the rich corporations who are controling things now. Read William Moyer (not the PBS guy) et al "Doing Democracy" and the "Movement Action Plan" and George Lakey's "Strategy for a Living Revolution" and "A Manifesto for a Non-Violent Revolution" New Society Press for details. Also, read Gene Sharp's on "The Politics of Non-Violent Action" and "Waging Non-Violent Struggle: 20th Century Practce and 21st Century Potential' from Extending Horizons Books and imprint of Porter Sargent Publishers by
Trainer12 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 49 comments)
on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 10:52:58 AM
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I'm an old hippie chick who was part of the Woodstock Generation and the New Left back in the 1960s and '70s. I was enamored with Stephen Gaskin, who led his group to settle on The Farm in Tennessee. For the last few years, though, I've joined a small group of others who are trying to spread the word about the work of the messenger who goes by the pen name of Joseph J. Adamson. I believe that his work, even though it has been rejected by his generation so far, will eventually be spread and help ... |
The Best Non-Violent Revolution It will produce government that is actually of, by and for the people, rather than of, by and for the wealthiest few. It will NOT happen through partisan political competition for the throne. It will happen only when we get rid of the partisan pretender to the throne, once and for all. There is a far better way to determine leadership. If you are interested, read this: http://reformationcomingsoon.bravehost.com by
Sarah Morgan (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 176 comments)
on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 8:13:00 PM
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