FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 24, 2002Scott Lynch 202.862.9740x3030 mobile-703.725.5680
Medea Benjamin 415-235-6517, cellDC Non-Violent Demonstration in Opposition to War on Iraq
WASHINGTON, DC - A march against the war on Iraq will take place on Sunday, September 29th. Non-violent protesters will gather at Dupont Circle at 2 pm to march up Massachusetts Avenue, concluding the march at 3400 Massachusetts Avenue, the residence of Vice President Dick Cheney.
Protesters will draw attention to the fact that hundreds of thousands of Americans have already spoken out against war by writing and calling their elected representatives. According to Sept 23rd Washington Post, congressional offices were reporting, "communications were running overwhelmingly against war." Yet, the majority of Congress is not representing their constituents' views and seems to be ready to give Bush the green light for war.
Concerned citizens, from across the country will therefore take their voices and concerns to the streets and to the Vice Presidents house. During the rally and subsequent march, the protesters will stop along the way to show support at the embassies of countries that have held firm in opposing a US attack on Iraq.
"To pre-emptively attack another country would set a dangerous international precedent," said Kevin Martin, Executive Director of Peace Action. "The implications for the world, if other countries were to adopt this policy, will be a ceaseless, world-wide cycle of violence that will have been initiated by the Bush administration."
"Iraq has agreed to unconditional weapons inspections and Americans have voiced strong opposition to the plans for war. Nevertheless, the Bush administration is pressing its agenda harder than ever," said Mike Zmolek, Coordinator for the National Network to End the War Against Iraq.
Organizers are expecting thousands of citizens to come out Sunday to protest the plans for war. The march comes at a critical moment before Congress votes on the war resolution.
"Congress needs listen to their constituents, show some moral fiber and say no to the Bush and his war," concluded Erik Gustafson, Executive Director of the DC-based Education for Peace in Iraq Center.In addition to the demonstration, there will be a morning social forum and educational panel on Sunday 9:00-1:00, prior to the March, at American University, Ward Circle Building, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC.
There will also be an Emergency Congressional Education Day Monday, September 30 - Participants will press Congress to vote against war on Iraq. Lobby preparation and training, 8 am - 11 am, Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. NE.
