Witherspoon member Betty Hale has suggested that many of you may be interested in this  appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union
[1-8-08]

Dear Friend,

This Friday, you can join thousands of people across the country in marking a sad anniversary with an act of hope.

The first prisoners arrived at the U.S. prison at Guantánamo Bay on January 11, 2002. Guantánamo quickly became an international embarrassment. It has made a mockery of our laws and values for six long years. We won't allow seven; this is the year we are going to end the national disgrace.

Nationwide, the ACLU has set January 11th as a day of protest, declaring that it's long past time that we put an end to illegality and close down Guantánamo. The ACLU and organizations across the country are asking people of conscience to wear orange to protest Guantánamo. I hope you will consider standing in solidarity by wearing orange on Friday as well.

Guantánamo is a reminder that fundamental values of justice and fairness can sometimes be violated by the very government entrusted with upholding them. That's why we hope you will get involved in one of the following ways:

>>  Pledge to stand up for American ideals and values. Sign the Pledge. And ask your friends to get involved.

>>  Throughout this week, there will be events across the country, including in your area- protests, prayer vigils, marches, and more - to bring focus to the injustices being perpetrated at Guantánamo. See what's happening and plan to attend an event.

>>  Check out the materials we have available online: you can print out a poster and fact sheet, download a blog badge and get a toolkit with tools and tips on how to get further involved on January 11th.

>>  We're running online ads on over 100 blogs to raise awareness and ignite further activism in new audiences. If you have a blog, please consider downloading and posting a badge, and blog about closing Guantánamo this week. Let us know about your blog and we'll keep you on the inside track with updates, interviews and additional resources.

Guantánamo has become a stain on our nation's honor. That is why it is so important you join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are demanding the closure of the prison at Guantánamo on January 11th.

Thank you for standing with people of conscience to demand the US government close Guantánamo once and for all.
 

Thank you,

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director ACLU
 

A major
Ghost Ranch event this summer!

July 28 - August 3, 2008

Paths toward Peace and Justice:
Spirituality, Earth-Care, and the Prophetic Word in a time of Violence

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