April 18, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alli McCracken, CODEPINK National Organizer

Alli@codepink.org

    Jodie Evans, CODEPINK Co-founder

    Heartofj@gmail.com

CODEPINK and Allies Converge in Dallas for a Week of Protesting the new George W. Bush Library & Policy Center

Dallas, Texas -- CODEPINK activists and allies will use the opportunity of the opening of the new George W. Bush Library & Policy Center in Dallas to bring attention to the injustices committed by former president George W. Bush and his administration, particularly the invasion and destruction of Iraq and the use of torture. Activists will highlight the cost of American and Iraqi lives, wasted American tax dollars, and loss of accountability and justice. Among the protesters who will be converging on Dallas calling for justice are Iraqis and Iraq war veterans, some of whom have been injured in combat.

Events happening throughout the week include workshops, teach-ins, displays, art, a “truth-brary” march, rally, music, creative street theater, and a dance party for peace. To see a tentative schedule of events, visit http://www.thepeoplesresponse.org/calendar/.

As over 20,000 people descend into Dallas to celebrate the legacy of former president Bush Jr., activists are calling for the him and his administration to be investigated, indicted and prosecuted for war crimes. “Instead of being rewarded with a library built in his name, and treated by the media as a distinguished statesman, Bush should be indicted and prosecuted for the crime of aggressive war; crimes against peace in occupying Iraq and Afghanistan; devastation of the civilian population and civil society; the institutionalization of torture and denial of due process to detainees; massive illegal spying against people in the U.S.; and perjury before Congress and the people,” said CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans.

Activists will display large anti-Bush visuals, including papier maché bobblehead renditions of Bush and his administration, and will conduct die-ins and other dramatic actions in protest of the new library dedication. Attending will be dozens of CODEPINK activists who were key players in the anti-war movement during Bush's terms and who continue to protest war and indefinite detention under President Obama, including CODEPINK co-founders Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, and Diane Wilson. Other world-renown peace activists attending are Retired Colonel Ann Wright, Kathy Kelly from Voices for Creative Nonviolence, CIA whistleblower Ray McGovern and Geoff Millard from Iraq Veterans Against the War. See the full list of notable attendees at codepink.org/arrestbush.

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