May 30, 2007 #56
Congress Votes for War; Students March for Peace
The summer 2007 cross-country March for Peace is underway. Citing the need for visible protest of the war and a strong belief that peace is possible, students kicked off their march with the help of Not in Our Name activists in the S.F. Bay Area last week. As they cross the U.S. on foot, they need your support!
Spring Fund Drive & 5 years of Resistance
Since the Spring of 2002 The Not in Our Name Project has been at the forefront of grassroots resistance to war and repression. Then and now, our work relies on the generosity of our supporters. Donate today.
Marine Corps wages political attacks on IVAW members
Iraq Veterans Against the War reports that two of their members, Adam Kokesh and Liam Madden are being called for military hearings because of participation in anti-war activity.
March for Peace Underway
As this newsletter arrives in mailboxes, marchers will be passing through Placerville, California. Having been featured in extensive local news coverage in the S.F. Bay Area, and joining an Iraq veteran in a Memorial Day protest action at the Capital Building in Sacramento, there is a bit of a buzz surrounding the march. Visit the March for Peace website for more on the story and for contact info for the marchers. As the three currently on the March head across the nation, your support is needed. How you can get involved:
Organize car support and housing for marchers
Check the march route to see if you know groups or individuals who can provide car support to the marchers. Driving the heavy packs that the marchers are carrying ahead to their day's final destination helps spirits and stamina. Call Not in Our Name to apply to house the marchers along their route. Support and a place to spend the night will go a long way in keeping these youth 'on the road'. 1-800-95-NOWAR ext 0.
Get the story out to the press
Write and call local and national media outlets to alert them to the story of the March. In an age where war, repression, and acceptance of the two are the norm, a group of young people taking such a courageous stand for peace is truly unique. Write an Op-Ed as the marchers pass through your area, contact local TV and radio stations to feature the marchers, or simply forward this email on. Video of the marchers explaining their reasons for undertaking this journey and their dreams for its effect on the world can be found here.
Join the March!
March initiator Ashley Casale, an 18 year old just out of her freshman year at Wesleyan University in Connecticut told press in San Francisco that she hoped to reach Washington D.C. with thousands on the march. The sentiment against the war and for peaceful alternatives is such that we believe this march can grow. Make contact with the march through their website.
Spring Fund Drive & 5 years of Resistance
We are in our Spring Fund Drive period, and need your help today. Click here to donate. This spring marks the fifth anniversary of the Not in Our Name Project. In March 2002, a group of people determined to act against an impending war and a growing climate of repression met at St. Mary's Church in New York City. Out of this meeting sprang a new initiative, which changed the landscape of grassroots politics for years to come. The accomplishments of the early years of Not in Our Name are too numerous to mention. From the publishing of the Statement of Conscience in major newspapers around the country, to moving performances of the Pledge of Resistance by spoken word artist Saul Williams, to project support by community and religious leaders, enthusiasm for the goals of the project drew out the best in people in a dark time. Five years later we believe that the Pledge of Resistance is still a crucial tool in inspiring acts of resistance to endless war and repression.
A longtime Not in Our Name activist reflects on Not in Our Name's beginnings: "Not in Our Name broke thru the deafening silence at a time in history when very few were willing to oppose the government. It came at a time when people were shocked into silence and being lulled into complacency and for five years it has continued to help shape the antiwar movement. I hope we will not be needed for another five! U.S. out of Iraq!"
Of late, Not in Our Name continues to push the envelope of politics as usual, engaging in actions like dramatic banner drops inside the halls of Congress, support of war resisters like Lt. Ehren Watada, participation in mass marches in Washington D.C., and creative actions for Impeachment. Details on recent actions here at the Not in Our Name site.
Marine Corp attempts to stifle IVAW members speech
Two former Marines, Adam Kokesh and Liam Madden, both outspoken members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, have been called by the Marine Corps for hearings meant to revoke their honorable discharges and change them to other than honorable. These courageous men are in need of legal and financial help in order to fight back against the political intimidation tactics of the military. For more information on Iraq Veterans Against the War click here. IVAW Executive Director Kelly Dougherty can provide more information on these cases and can be reached at kelly@ivaw.org. The full story from Adam Kokesh on the recent events and where to donate to his defense can be found at his blog.
