CODEPINK ACTIONS AT THE DNC: Bust up Big Banks, Corporate Money out of Politics, Cut War Funding


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2012

Contact:
Medea Benjamin, (415) 235-6517
Alli McCracken, (860) 575-5692

CODEPINK ACTIONS AT THE DNC:

Bust up Big Banks, Corporate Money out of Politics, Cut War Funding


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

WHAT: Progressive Central – The People's Convention
Summit hosted by Progressive Democrats of America and cosponsored by CODEPINK, features CODEPINK cofounder Medea Benjamin
WHEN: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Medea Benjamin speaking at 9:15 am
WHERE: Community Outreach Christian Ministries, 1800 Brewton Drive, Charlotte NC

WHAT: Path to Power Luncheon with Bank of America, National Journal, The Atlantic
WHEN: 12:15 pm
WHERE: McColl Center for Visual Art - 721 N Tryon St, Charlotte NC
VISUALS: Big buck corporate sponsors!

WHAT: Planned Parenthood Rally (“Yes We Plan!”)
WHEN: 1:00-2:00
WHERE: NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
VISUALS: The famous CODEPINK vagina costumes!

Preview of Wednesday, September 5, 2012 (more to come)

WHAT: Demonstration at the AIPAC Lunch; Call for No War on Iran and Justice for Palestinians  
WHEN: 12:15
WHERE: Levine Museum of the New South, 200 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
VISUALS: Giant banners, mock checkpoint  

WHAT: Bust Up Bank of America action
WHERE: Outside Bank of America Headquarters
WHEN: If you're interested, please contact Alli at (860) 575-5692 to find out.
VISUALS: Women throw dozens of bras in the air in front of giant “Bust Up Bank of America” banner

Preview of Thursday, September 6, 2012 (more to come)

WHAT: Demonstration outside of Obama's Acceptance Speech
WHEN: 8:00 pm
WHERE: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC—CODEPINK activists are in the streets at the Democratic Convention calling for significant economic reform, an end to US wars, and money out of politics. CODEPINK has already managed to make waves in the news; from Tighe Barry of CODEPINK DC featured in a New York Magazine article, to Jodie Evans of CODEPINK LA being quoted in a piece by the Atlantic, and Politico dubbing our Make Out Not War stickers as "ubiquitous".

CODEPINK created a splash at the RNC with its bold actions both inside and outside the Convention Center, and will do the same at the DNC. "Both the Republicans and Democrats are war-addicted parties, continuing to pour money into the bloated Pentagon budget instead of addressing people's real needs," said co-director Medea Benjamin. "We'll be on the streets, loudly and boldly protesting the ongoing war in Afghanistan, killer drone strikes and a potential war on Iran.”

Charlotte, dubbed “Wall Street South,” hosts the world headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast headquarters of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest concentration of finance capital in the US after NYC. Through song, chants, theater, props and costume, CODEPINK activists will highlight how the Democrats listen more to banks and corporations than the American people.

In the wake of the Citizens United case, with corporate and super PAC money in politics polluting democracy and drowning out the will of voters, CODEPINK will also be calling for money out of politics. “We want people-powered elections that prioritize human needs over war and greed,” said CODEPINK co-director Jodie Evans.  “The United States isn't even attempting democracy anymore, but we have these charades called conventions to divert attention from the 1% that governs us."

CODEPINK cofounders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans, and activists from around the country, are available for interview.  Please contact Alli McCracken at 860-575-5692 or alli@codepink.org to set up an interview.

CODEPINK, founded in 2002, is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into health care, education and other life-affirming activities. www.codepink.org

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