Dear Friends,
The world stands on the cusp of war - or peace. Each day the Bush Administration becomes more isolated in the United Nations and in the court of world opinion. Now, their one major ally, Tony Blair, is losing his grip on power and it is very unlikely the U.S. can win even a symbolic majority in the UN Security Council.
It would be foolish of us, however, to become too hopeful, to feel any certainty that we can stop a blizzard of "precision-guided munitions" raining down on innocent Iraqi families. The president and his advisors have gambled so much on this disastrous strategy that they may go to war simply to save face.
What can we do to tip the balance? Three days ago, on March 9, United for Peace and Justice convened an emergency national meeting in Washington, DC, attended by 100 people from over 40 national organizations and local coalitions, to answer this question. We agreed on a short-term program, including coordinated local actions, strong responses if Bush does go to war, and doing the work needed to strengthen United for Peace and Justice and build a permanent
campaign.
Most importantly, we enthusiastically united around an Emergency Action Plan to Stop the War--over the next two weeks. The highlight of the plan is a national campaign of civil disobedience in Washington DC, and throughout the country, starting on March 17.
To be successful, we need your help to carry it out. If every one of the 31,000 people receiving this email takes at least one of the actions below, and forwards it to everyone they know, we can begin to reclaim our democracy as we generate a storm of protest and visible outrage aimed at Congress and the media.
NOW IS TO THE TIME TO DO ALL WE CAN TO STOP THIS WAR.
A. Immediate Congressional Pressure
This week, on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14, call, email, fax or visit the office of your Congressional Representative and Senators. Demand their immediate action to block the president's rush to war. Tell them you will be at their office on Monday, March 17 and will stay as long as necessary to get their agreement. What kind of action should they take? Sign on to Rep. Peter DeFaziošs HJ Res. 20, to repeal the war resolution, or Senators Kennedy's and Byrd's S.Res. 32, to require the President to return to Congress for authorization to use force.
B. Join Anti-War Protests in Washington, DC this Weekend.
If you can, come to Washington, DC for the March 15 rally organized by
International ANSWER at the Washington Monument, and stay over for March 17. On that day, United for Peace and Justice will blockade the Capitol. The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition, the Iraq Pledge of Resistance and the National Peace Lobby Project (all part of United for Peace and Justice) have taken a lead role in organizing this important action. We will demand that Congress rescind its war resolution of last October and call for a peaceful resolution of the Iraq situation. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] and see
www.unitedforpeace.org <http://www.unitedforpeace.org/> for more information on this emergency nonviolent direct action protest, including the time and location of the civil disobedience training on March 16. We also urge you to participate in the worldwide candlelight vigil at 7 PM on March 16, organized by Win Without War and MoveOn (go to http://www.globalvigil.org <http://www.globalvigil.org/> for more information).
C. Make Your Voice Heard at Home on March 17th
If you cannot come to Washington, convene your local coalition - or create one right now - and plan to sit-in at your Member of Congress' office this coming Monday, March 17. And right away post your action on the United for Peace and Justice website: www.unitedforpeace.org <http://www.unitedforpeace.org/> The power of our collective action is magnified one hundred times by our ability to bring it all together and "project" it out to the mass media. The media want to hear from us, so please let us know what you're doing.
D. Make a Much Needed Donation
Go to <http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=160> and make an immediate donation to United for Peace and Justice. We've set up an Action office in Washington DC, we're mobilizing nationwide to make March 17 the loudest possible cry of distress, and we're working to ensure the best media coverage possible. Your financial support is critical to the success of this campaign. Send whatever you can, as much as you can--$5 or $50 or $500, but please send something today.
Time is very short, and we're counting on you. Think about our responsibilities, as the people of this country, to the rest of the world and to the children of Iraq. Let us not waste a moment to do all we can to stop this war.
In peace and hope,
Andrea Buffa Leslie Cagan Bill Fletcher, Jr. Co-Chairs, United for Peace and Justice
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