Dear
CODEPINKer,
This
Sunday, March 8, is International Women's Day--a day
that always energizes us and reminds us of the power of women joining
together to create a more peaceful, sustainable future. It was on
International Women's Day six years ago that we organized our first
major CODEPINK march in DC, encircling
the White House with vibrant pink to
say No to the imminent war in
Iraq. Three years later, we officially launched our Women
Say No to War
campaign, bringing women together around the globe to give the peace
movement a powerful female voice.
We
should be proud of all we've accomplished, but even though we're
full of hope for the future, now is not the time to sit idly back.
War is NOT over, and our voices are still
desperately needed. While we are pleased that President
Obama is working toward withdrawing our troops from Iraq, we are
disheartened by his decision to push that withdrawal back to August,
2010 and leave up to 50,000 residual troops in the area until December,
2011.
Will you write a letter to the editor of your newspaper to take
a stand for real peace in Iraq? Click
here to send your letter to the editor, it just takes
three minutes.
We
were heartbroken by this recent
NY Times article on
the brutal reality of Iraqi war widows; our new administration
needs to help rebuild these shattered lives,
not further the chaos wrought by Bush. Let your editor
know that we are calling on Obama to immediately withdraw all U.S.
troops, including residual forces from Iraq. The U.S. government
needs to increase efforts in diplomacy, humanitarian aid and refugee
resettlement in Iraq, instead. Obama needs to listen to the people
of Iraq who want us out their country, and the American people who
want our troops and financial resources back home. Please send
your letter today and help
give voice to the women of Iraq and all people who long
for an end to occupation.
Our
work continues in Gaza, as well. Our
historic 60 person International Women's Day delegation
is currently on their way to Gaza, carrying
the 2,000+ gift baskets you so generously donated to
the women of the beleaguered region. Thank you for honoring our
sisters in Palestine, and for asking your senators to encourage
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to dedicate her own trip to Gaza
to promoting peace in the region--thanks
to you, 33 senators signed on!
A
special thank you to all of the CODEPINK local groups
who have already organized International
Women's Day events in their communities, raising
money and awareness for the women of Gaza! Even more are planned
for this weekend--from Honolulu to Phoenix to NYC!
Thank
you for reminding Obama of his promises and being part of a growing
chorus of Women
who say No to War, Audrey,
Blaine, Dana, Deidra, Desiree, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jean, Jodie,
Liz, Lori, Medea, Nancy, Paris, and Rae
P.S.
Delegation to Gaza Blog Update! As the peace delegation arrives
and mobilizes they will be posting their stories here on the PINKTank
and here
and here
and here.
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ACTION
ALERT:
Write
a Letter to the Editor about Obama's broken promise on Iraq
Find
an International Women's Day event in your area
Check
out our beautiful new site Women Say No to War!
You
can still donate to the women of Gaza for International Women's
Day
Donate today!
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