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Dear CODEPINKer,
February 14 isn't Valentines Day in Bahrain. It's the one year anniversary of the people rising up to demand freedom - an effort brutally crushed by their government and Saudi tanks. This year, they are commemorating February 14 with massive demonstrations, and I am in Bahrain today for the demonstrations with an observer delegation.
 Asked by courageous Bahraini human rights activists to come bear witness, what could we say but yes? What a great way to spend Valentines Day, showing our love for activists who put their lives on the line for freedom. Unfortunately, many on the delegation were not allowed into Bahrain, and since we arrived in the country two days ago, we have been incessantly teargassed along with thousands of Bahrainis, with teargas made in the USA. It is shameful to know that my government continues to sell weapons to this repressive regime.
Show your love for the brave Bahraini protesters by signing this petition calling on President Obama to stop new arms deals with Bahrain. Support the people in the street fighting for their rights, from Egypt to Bahrain and Oakland to Washington DC!
Another way to show love on Valentine's Day is to stop the next war - a war on Iran. It is heartbreaking to hear the growing drumbeat for war. Please join us in telling President Obama that we demand diplomacy, not another devastating, senseless war.
Standing up for freedom, stopping the next war - now that's the CODEPINK idea of love.
Happy Valentines Day,
Medea Benjamin
and the CODEPINK team
P.S. Don't wait to take action - support nonviolent activists in Bahrain and prevent an attack on Iran today.
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