October 18, 2006


Dear CODEPINKer,

Have you seen the devastating John Hopkins report revealing that over 655,000 Iraqis have died since our invasion and the polls show that the overwhelming majority of Iraqis want us to leave? Between now and November 7, those candidates who still support this war must see the consequence of their votes to go to war, to fund war, and 'stay the course'.

Shoes, like this pair representing the 3-year-old daughter of Hussein al Tarish, help people visualize unspeakable pain and suffering this war has inflicted on the Iraqi people. In the final weeks of the election season, let's take shoes like these to the doorsteps of pro-war candidates--outside a fundraiser, a debate, their campaign headquarters or their homes.

This is an easy yet powerful action you can do on your own or with a few friends to promote our Give Peace a Vote Campaign and let those running for office know that we refuse to support pro-war candidates. Just gather old shoes, tag them with the names of Iraqis who have died (see here for a list of names), make a signs such as: "Stay the Course? Give Peace a Vote", "655,000 Iraqis Dead: Time to Change Course," and "Walk in Their Shoes." Spend an hour or two outside candidates headquarters, fundraiser, debate or home. And on election day, consider how powerful it would be to stand near your polling place with your shoe exhibit!

If you want help calling the press for your action, here's a sample press release. We also have sample letters to the editor linking the election and the occupation of Iraq, so please consider writing a letter to your local paper sometime between now and November 7.

While local groups are putting a solemn row of shoes at their candidates' doorstep, we at CODEPINK National will be taking THOUSANDS OF PAIRS of shoes to the doorsteps of pro-war candidates in tight races in Connecticut, Virginia, Missouri and California. Want to help us create a really powerful visual that will impact voters in tight races? Please send a tax-deductible financial contribution.

If you, like us, feel anguish over the chaos our government has unleashed in Iraq and all the innocent lives lost, let's walk together-in their shoes.
Andrea, Anedra, Dana, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jodie, Laura, Liz, Medea, Nancy, Patricia, Rae, Samantha, and Sonia

P.S. Pledge to Give Peace a Vote and pass it on.

To unsubscribe click here