Local actions

Local actions against the war

What are people doing to resist the rush to war?

[9-28-02]

We recently posted Gene TeSelle's report of an action in Nashville, protesting the President's moves toward a unilateral war, when he (the President, not Gene) was making a campaign visit to Nashville.

We asked for reports from others, and Witherspoon President Jane Hanna responded with this report from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her note was sent on 9-22-02, but because of your Webweaver's little holiday, it's being posted here on 9-28-02.

Ann Euston offers a personal observation of a Jan. 18^th peace march in Albuquerque, NM. She is Program Coordinator for the Witherspoon Society. [1-24-03]

We welcome other reports! Just send a note.

In response to your inquiry about what's happening in various communities, I can mention several we've been a part of here in response to what seems a mad rush to war. For the past month (Fridays at noon) people have been holding banners against a war in Iraq at the major intersection of Santa Fe. Last Sunday's newspaper had two pages of antiwar letters to the editor.

Last Wednesday there were two full pages in the newspaper of names of people who oppose war in Iraq.

Wednesday we attended a discussion with a man who just returned from Azerbaijan, has done conciliation work in many troubled countries, a man with sterling credentials. He feels the Administration's hurry and dismissal of the need for proof is generated by politics and control of Middle East oil.

Yesterday there was a meeting at our church (not church-sponsored but using the facilities) of a group that has formed here over the summer, originally opposed to sanctions and grown to oppose a war. We saw an excellent documentary, "Hidden Wars of Desert Storm," that is based on a two-year investigation focused on documents and interviews revealing the truth about the earlier Gulf War. It covers many questions raised about the suddenness of that event, the failure to go after Saddam or to support Kurds and Sunnis. It covers the "Gulf War Syndrome" - its effect on US troops and Iraqi people since they have suffered from the use of depleted uranium weapons that are extremely toxic. It then speaks to the suffering and death over the past decade as a result of the economic sanctions imposed upon Iraq. Then a young man who is part of the Chicago-based "Voices in the Wilderness" shared his experiences from 8 trips to Iraq to take food and medicine. He will be going again next week with a group that plans to stay through a war if that's what our country chooses.

Today, we heard the Rev. Liz Knott who is frequently in Palestine (just returned) who brings items made by Pal Craftaid, a Christian organization in Palestine that trains and assists Palestinians to make items out of olivewood, and women who create exquisite embroidered clothing. I think Serrv sells these items also.

Tomorrow people are gathering at our church to organize visits to our Senator Bingman and Congressman Udall.

Can you report on local actions in your area? Please send a note and we'll share it here.

"United for Peace" offers suggestions for action, information on events [9-28-02]

A California-based group, United for Peace, is working with other groups to stop the war on Iraq before it begins, using the Web as a channel for encouraging actions of protest around the world.

Their web site offers suggestions for writing to Congress as it faces a vote on the war, likely within the next few weeks. It also encourages the organizing of actions on college campuses, and lists coming anti-war events around the world - so far a total of 237 events in seven countries.

While the impending war on Iraq is Justice for Peace's current concern, their ongoing effort is to diminish divisions and oppression across the world, wherever the problem may be.

Thanks to Utne Reader's WebWatch

Another Santa Fe rally against war in Iraq

Web resources listed

[10-7-02]

Jane Hanna, just "retired" as President of the Witherspoon Society during the Executive Committee meeting last weekend, returned to Santa Fe where she took part in a rally of well over 1000 people concerned about the threatened war in Iraq.

She adds:

There was a huge rally here yesterday (well over 1000 people) of antiwar in Iraq-concerned Santa Feans. We gathered at the capitol, then walked down Old Santa Fe Trail to the plaza. It was packed. Here are some websites you might find helpful and interesting if looking for information beyond the media. Some provide opportunities to write letters, emails or sign petitions.

www.commondreams.org

http://pax.protest.net