The trick is getting one of the 435 existing members of Congress to introduce a one-sentence bill that we can build support behind. Thus far, none has been willing. David Segal is different. Segal stands a very good chance of winning a Democratic primary in Rhode Island and then the congressional seat. His mission, if elected to Congress, will be to help organize a progressive block of members that actually takes stands and even funds its members independently of a larger party. Segal has committed to voting against another dime for war, and he has also committed to introducing the one-sentence bill we need on Jay Bybee. No incumbent and no other challenger has made this commitment. But many incumbents would sign onto such a bill if Segal is elected and introduces it: http://votesegal.com
By suggesting that we elect the right people who will take such useful steps, please do not get the impression that those actions alone will be sufficient. The purpose of electing better people is to put greater weight behind our voices as we raise hell year-in and year-out. The purpose of getting a bill introduced is so that we have a specific demand to make when we sit-in congress members' offices and prevent them from functioning. Wars will not end without a major cultural shift and massive nonviolent resistance, both by us civilians and within the military. But such a movement, if we can continue building it, cannot be formless and directionless. We must be able to make demands and hold those who fail to meet them accountable.
In this regard, the following event is planned for discussion of how we move forward. Please attend it if in the area, or watch for the video online:
Iraq: The Legacy of the 7-Year U.S. Occupation
When: Sunday, August 29th 2010
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: Busboys and Poets, 5th and K Sts. NW, Washington, D.C.
Sign up on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=119252331460938
Is the U.S. military really leaving Iraq or just rebranding? What is the toll of seven years of occupation on Iraqis, U.S. soldiers and our economies? What is the status of Iraqi refugees around the world? Is it still possible to hold accountable those who dragged us into the war or committed crimes such as torture? What role did Congress and the media play in facilitating the invasion/occupation? We'll also look at the role of the peace movement -- its strengths and weaknesses -- and draw key lessons to make our work for peace, including in Afghanistan, more effective.
Speakers/performers include:
Congresswoman Donna Edwards
Kymone Tecumseh Freeman, playwright, performer, reading Letters from Iraq
Head-Roc, hip-hop artist
Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies
Raed Jarrar, Peace Action
Manal Omar, author
Bill Fletcher, labor leader, scholar
Josh Stieber, Iraq Veterans Against the War
Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK and Global Exchange
Andy Shallal, Iraqi artist, owner Busboys and Poets
David Swanson, author
Gene Bruskin, US Labor Against the War
Felicia Eaves, activist
Sponsored by: CODEPINK, Peace Action, Institute for Policy Studies, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Global Exchange, Just Foreign Policy, Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), U.S. Labor Against the War, ANSWER, World Can't Wait, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, War is a Crime, Rivera Project, Washington Peace Center.
By suggesting that we elect the right people who will take such useful steps, please do not get the impression that those actions alone will be sufficient. The purpose of electing better people is to put greater weight behind our voices as we raise hell year-in and year-out. The purpose of getting a bill introduced is so that we have a specific demand to make when we sit-in congress members' offices and prevent them from functioning. Wars will not end without a major cultural shift and massive nonviolent resistance, both by us civilians and within the military. But such a movement, if we can continue building it, cannot be formless and directionless. We must be able to make demands and hold those who fail to meet them accountable.
In this regard, the following event is planned for discussion of how we move forward. Please attend it if in the area, or watch for the video online:
Iraq: The Legacy of the 7-Year U.S. Occupation
When: Sunday, August 29th 2010
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: Busboys and Poets, 5th and K Sts. NW, Washington, D.C.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=119252331460938
Is the U.S. military really leaving Iraq or just rebranding? What is the toll of seven years of occupation on Iraqis, U.S. soldiers and our economies? What is the status of Iraqi refugees around the world? Is it still possible to hold accountable those who dragged us into the war or committed crimes such as torture? What role did Congress and the media play in facilitating the invasion/occupation? We'll also look at the role of the peace movement -- its strengths and weaknesses -- and draw key lessons to make our work for peace, including in Afghanistan, more effective.
Speakers/performers include:
Congresswoman Donna Edwards
Kymone Tecumseh Freeman, playwright, performer, reading Letters from Iraq
Head-Roc, hip-hop artist
Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies
Raed Jarrar, Peace Action
Manal Omar, author
Bill Fletcher, labor leader, scholar
Josh Stieber, Iraq Veterans Against the War
Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK and Global Exchange
Andy Shallal, Iraqi artist, owner Busboys and Poets
David Swanson, author
Gene Bruskin, US Labor Against the War
Felicia Eaves, activist
Sponsored by: CODEPINK, Peace Action, Institute for Policy Studies, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Global Exchange, Just Foreign Policy, Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), U.S. Labor Against the War, ANSWER, World Can't Wait, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, War is a Crime, Rivera Project, Washington Peace Center.
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