Unfurling Banners to End War, Both Activists Were Cuffed, Ejected and Detained

SAN FRANCISCO – Two activists with CODEPINK: Women for Peace brought a message for the President to the President's Cup today when they unfurled pink banners calling for the president to end the wars. Nancy Mancias, 39, of San Francisco and Rae Abileah, 26, of Half Moon Bay, held up a banner that read, "President Obama: End Bush's Wars!" and "End the Afghan Quagmire." Abileah spoke loudly to the golf fans in the silence preceding Tiger Woods put into the 12 hole, "Congratulations President Obama!  Earn the prize; end the wars!"

The President's Cup coincided with the announcement of President Obama as the 2009 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.  While CODEPINK congratulates the president, particularly in the strides he's made towards nuclear disarmament, the women's peace group also calls on the president to stop US military agression in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, and take action to end the illegal occupation of Palestine.

"Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize as a call to action last Friday and we felt compelled to respond to that call today at the President's Cup with a statement in support of the President ending the wars Bush started in Afghanistan and Iraq," states Rae Abileah, national organizer with CODEPINK.  "Rather than continuing violence with a troop surge in Afghanistan and continued drone attacks over Pakistan, Obama should promote real peace in the region by furthering economic stability and justice.  Peace means understanding that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and Iraq; peace means real security through economic support, diplomacy, and justice."

Abileah and Mancias were handcuffed and escorted of the golf course by the San Francisco Police and private security. They were taken to the Police Department, Taraval Station where they were held, cited and released.

"We're taking this opportunity to demonstrate at the Presidents Cup to express to the U.S. President and the global community that 60% of Americans are opposed to the war in Afghanistan," states Nancy Mancias of CODEPINK Women for Peace. "Meanwhile in Washington the debate is about the degree of escalation and not about ending the war. The horrendous amount of money spent on the Defense budget is bankrupting this country. We need that money for jobs, education, affordable housing and healthcare."

CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects foreign policies based on domination and aggression, and instead calls for policies based on diplomacy, compassion and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence.  www.codepinkalert.org


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