Eight Years Later: A Week of Media Action Against the War in Afghanistan!

ON EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN, PUBLIC STRONGLY OPPOSES THE WAR: COALITION OF ACTIVISTS CALL ON LEADERS FOR WITHDRAWAL
Thousands join CODEPINK, United For Peace & Justice, Peace Action West, MADRE and Community Leaders Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans,Tom Hayden, Barbara Ehrenreich and Paul Haggis in Calling for Change
WASHINGTON D.C. - On the 8th Anniversary of the Authorization for Use of Military Force in Afghanistan, with public opinion opposing the war at an all time high, CODEPINK, United For Peace & Justice, Peace Action West, MADRE, Brave New Films and a coalition of progressive and antiwar organizations call on leaders for an exit strategy and near-term withdrawal.
Catalyzing the shift in public opinion toward a change in policy, the coalition is speaking out across the country supported by thousands of members. A petition to Take Action Against the War is being circulated widely signed by hundreds of community leaders, including longtime leader and activist Tom Hayden, CODEPINK founders Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, author Barbara Ehrenreich, filmmaker Paul Haggis and many more (view the petition at: http://bit.ly/rNDFS).
“The tide has turned on the war in Afghanistan, we need to raise our voices over the din of distraction, so that turning tide can bring our troops home and much needed peace and development to the people of Afghanistan” said CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans. “This week we aim to shake the ground below those who profit from and push for war and remind Congress a majority of the U.S. citizens want military engagement in Afghanistan to end, NOW.”
This week of action comes at a pivotal moment, as President Obama considers authorizing more troops for Afghanistan. Congressional leaders including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Carl Levin are expressing opposition to increased troop levels and according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey, 57 percent of Americans now oppose the war in Afghanistan. “Our military is overstretched, our wallets are empty and there are no military solutions to these conflicts," said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. "We can save money, save lives and honor the will of the American people by focusing on negotiated solutions and bringing our troops home.”
The coalition and petition call on leaders to oppose escalation of troops, adopt an exit strategy based on all-party talks, regional diplomacy, unconditional humanitarian aid, and timelines promising an American and NATO military withdrawal from Afghanistan The Petition to Take Action Against the War will be delivered to Congress Thursday, just one day before the September 18th anniversary of the AUMF - the bill that authorized the invasion of Afghanistan.
CODEPINK Founders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans are available for interview. Contact Dana Balicki, 202.422.8624, dana@codepinkalert.org For more information go to http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=4895.

CODEPINKer Alicia Forrest slammed to the ground by a police officer

HRC and Log Cabin Republicans Political Choices

By Kelli Busey
Friday August 29, 2008

HRC has Shown there true colors according to Ethan St. Pierre activist and radio personality by donating heavily to the Log Cabin Republicans and giving nothing to the Stonewall Democrats who's unwavering support of an inclusive ENDA was undoubtedly noted.

The Log Cabin Republicans and the Stonewall Democrats disagree on the potential significance to LGBT people of McCain's Vice presidential pick Sarah Palin. Although it would be expected for Republicans and Democrats to disagree, it is in the interest of LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL and TRANSGENDER people that we consider whom the political parties and HRC are aligned with.

In a statement regarding the McCain vice presidential nomination Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon stated "Gov. Palin is an inclusive Republican who will help Sen. McCain appeal to gay and lesbian voters.” and see her as a willing partner in protecting the same sex benefits of Alaska State employees while Governor. The selection of Palin was simultaneously applauded by Family Research Council's Connie Mackey who stated that "I am elated with Senator McCain's choice and applaud his continued commitment to creating a pro-woman, pro-life, pro-family administration.

The Stone Wall Democrats stated "As Governor, Palin currently supports the efforts of radical activists to strip Alaska residents - specifically state workers - of the most basic domestic partner benefits" and that she has a record of supporting radical anti equity groups such as Focus on the Family, the Concerned Women of America and the Family Research Council.

The Bay Windows noted that "In her run for the governorship in 2006, the Anchorage Daily News reported that Palin supported a constitutional amendment to the state constitution in 1998 to ban same-sex marriage and, later, supported putting a measure on the ballot that sought to ban benefits for the same-sex partners of state employees."

I hope wealthy white gay males and lesbian females fully comprehend what 4 more years of the bush legacy would mean to our personal freedoms and liberties. If bush, ahem, I mean McCain(HRC and Log Cabin Republicans) are elected you will have to be sure to say goodbye to ANY progressive legislation.

AS Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks so eloquently stated "It's a dick move". It's embarrassing when your moral, political and ethical adversary so clearly sees the folly of your life.



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