Let's really help the September 11 victims: War & racism are not the answer
Dear Friends,
Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with all those whose loved ones were lost or injured on September 11, 2001. At this moment, we would all like to take time to reflect, to grieve, to extend sympathy and condolences to all. But we believe that we must do more. We must act.
Unless we stop President Bush from carrying out a new, wider war in the Middle East and beyond, the number of innocent victims will grow from the thousands to the tens of thousands and possibly more. A new, wider U.S. war in the Middle East can only lead to an escalating cycle of violence. War is not the answer.
After the horrific killings of thousands of innocent civilians on Sept. 11, the Bush administration is moving in a very ominous direction. In a chilling statement, Bush administration spokespersons have called for "ending states," an unprecedented threat.
At the same time, Arab American and Muslim people in the United States -- as well as other communities of color -- are facing racist attacks and harassment in their communities, on their jobs and at mosques. Anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism is a poison that should be repudiated.
The government is attempting to curb civil liberties and to create a climate in which it is impossible for progressive people to speak their mind. The Bush administration is attempting to take advantage of this crisis to militarize U.S. society with a vast expansion of police powers that is intended to severely restrict basic democratic rights.
On September 29 we had planned to demonstrate against the Bush administration's reactionary foreign and domestic policy and the IMF and World Bank. In light of the current crisis, with its tragic consequences for so many thousands of people, we have refocused the call for our demonstration to address the immediate danger posed by increased racism and the grave threat of a new war.
Now is the time for all people of conscience, all people who oppose racism and war to come together. If you believe in civil liberties and oppose racism and war, join us on September 29 in front of the White House. We urge all organizations to join together at this critical time.
National March in Washington DC Saturday, September 29 Rally 11 am at the White House
SIGNERS: Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit Samia Halaby, Al-Awda Palestine Right of Return Coalition Barbara Lubin, Executive Director, Middle East Children's Alliance Nania Kaur Dhingra, Sikh Student Organization, George Washington University Chuck Kaufman, National Co-Coordinator, Nicaragua Network Njeri Shakur, Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement National Lawyers Guild (LIST IN FORMATION)
Tens of thousands will march on the White House on September 29. I want to add my name or organization to the list of endorsing organizations and individuals for this protest, or sign up to help mobilize in my area!
Name: Email: Street Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Home Telephone: Work Telephone: Fax: Occupation: Title/Position as it should appear: Organization/Union:
[check all that apply]
[ ] List me as an endorser!
[ ] My organization/union has officially endorsed.
[ ] I can help with outreach (leafletting, posting, call-ups, drop-offs, mailings).
[ ] I would like someone to speak to my group (explain in comments).
[ ] I can help with fundraising.
[ ] I would like to hear about upcoming activities.
[ ] Other - let me know how I can help! (tell us how you can help in comments below).
$ [ ] amount I can contribute (Send to "War & racism is not the answer - Protest at the White House Sept. 29 Demonstration" c/o International Action Center at the address below)
Message to September 29th Surround the White House Mobilization: (enter your comments here)
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