Dear CODEPINKer,

We don't need to wait for General Petraeus' September report on the "surge" in Iraq to know how poorly things are going (and since the White House is writing his speech, it's unlikely Petraeus will give us any real information, anyway.)

Thankfully, more and more people are speaking the truth about this war. Seven US military members serving in Iraq joined together to write a powerful editorial for the NY Times, "The War as We Saw It."

They say, "In the end, we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are — an army of occupation — and force our withdrawal." Read the full text of the editorial here!

We at CODEPINK are doing what we can to force our withdrawal, as well. In San Francisco, CODEPINK members are fasting and camping out in front of the homes of both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein and visiting Pelosi's office on a regular basis to follow up on our 8-month request for a meeting to discuss peace. Hopefully we'll be as successful as other CODEPINK local groups like CODEPINK Tallahassee, which started the state-wide campaign "Focus on Nelson" that ultimately led to a meeting with Senator Nelson himself. Thanks to all of you who are working so diligently and creatively for peace in your own communities over the summer!

Check out our action-packed schedule (which includes a Congressional Tour through the Halls of Shame, and a chance to "Whip Congress into shape"). Please join us to march, to mourn, to chant, to hope--we need as many bodies and voices as possible. With our collective power, we're as mighty as a 50 foot woman (and then some)!

With peace, hope and excitement,
Allison, Dana, Desiree, Farida, Gael, Gayle, January, Jodie, Karin, Leslie, Laurie, Liz, Medea, Midge, Nancy, Pamela, Patricia, Rae, Rocio, Samantha, Vanessa

P.S.Have you had a chance to read our first book club pick yet? If not, it's not too late to pick up My Sister, Guard Your Veil; My Brother, Guard Your Eyes: Uncensored Iranian Voices edited by Lila Azam Zanganeh. We will be setting up an online discussion with Lila and other contributors in the coming weeks. Click here for more details.

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