Click on the image above to download this poster.War Has Begun
This is a grim day for America and the world. It will be a devastating day for the people of Iraq.
As our government rains bombs down on Iraq, many of us are looking for comfort in our friends and our family. We can only keep hope in our hearts and take solace in one another. Many of us have friends and loved ones in the armed forces, and we hope that they are safe and come home soon.
In the midst of war, we cannot now forget the inspiring example of the tens of millions of people who have come together, in this country and around the world, to call for peace.
A change has begun to happen in this country and that change will continue to emerge. Never before have so many people come together, throughout the world, to prevent war. The world is, and will be, a better place for it.
In an increasingly interdependent world, the administration's policies are isolating the United States from our friends. We are not seen as a good neighbor, but rather as a bully, by countries around the world. The administration's radical, unilateralist foreign policy is as unsustainable as it is dangerous. It will ultimately be repudiated by the American people and the world.
Change has begun and we do not doubt that we will create a better role for this country. We can ensure that our leaders and elected officials are true to our democratic values, and we can ensure that our country becomes a better neighbor to the world. We will create a new foreign policy based on democracy, human rights, and cooperation with the global community.
Hope is like a road in the country: there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.--Lin Yutang
Below are five ways that you can continue to oppose the war on Iraq. Please see our Campaign for a New Foreign Policy for more information about a long term change in direction.
5 Ways You Can Oppose the War
Display Your Dissent
The "No Iraq War" sign project is a focused effort to blanket the US with red, white and blue "No Iraq War" signs. You can print your own signs or order 5, or more. Be sure to ask for the Peace Action version of the sign!To order signs send an email to tvashtarkatena@hotmail.com or call 206-782-8053.
You can also download a printable Stop the War Now poster.
Voice Opposition
Reach thousands of Americans with your anti-war message by calling in to programs on the radio. Use a call-in opportunity to let your community know about the humanitarian consequences of an invasion of Iraq:The US military plans to "shock and awe" the people of Iraq, unleashing 3,000 cruise missiles in the first 48 hours of an attack. That's roughly one high-explosive warhead a minute for two days straight. Each cruise missile carries the explosive capability to destroy a building the size of one of the World Trade Center Twin Towers.
For tips on getting heard on the radio, visit our How To… section.
Hold Congress Accountable
Call, fax and email your members of Congress; hold them accountable for their action or inaction on the issue of war with Iraq. Take a delegation from your community to your local congressional office and demand a meeting with your Representative.Find out who represents you at congress.org
Emergency Rallies
Many local organizations have plans for emergency demonstrations the day an attack commences or the day after. Contact your nearest Peace Action affiliate for information on events happening locally.In addition, there will be a rally in New York City on Saturday March 22, 2003. Protesters will gather at noon on Broadway between 38th and 42nd Streets, Manhattan. For more information see www.peaceactionnewyorkstate.org
Find other local actions at: www.unitedforpeace.org
Commit Nonviolent Civil Disobedience
Follow in the tradition of nonviolent resistance of Gandhi and King by participating in coordinated nonviolent action. Nonviolent civil disobedience is now happening around the country. Groups in over 55 cities around the nation are organizing as part of the Iraq Pledge of Resistance. For a state by state list of contacts for groups and coalitions organizing around the Iraq Pledge of Resistance, click here.
