CODEPINK on Current TV

Check out CODEPINK's newest video released on the CurrentTV website>>> Vote for "Prescription for Peace" by creating a free account and clicking on "greenlight". This is the video of CODEPINK ladies from around the country visiting House conferees on the 2007 Supplemental Iraq Spending Bill conference committee.


In case you are not aware, you should know that there is a fairly new sattelite TV channel called CurrentTV. It is unique in that it's programming aires in the form of 3 to 6 minutes "pods" rather than the traditional 1/2 hour or hour programs. Also, most of the programs are "viewer created content" which means that you and I and everybody can get a program on Current TV. It is similar to YouTube in that independent film makers can upload videos to the website at http://www.current.tv/, however CurrentTV is unique in that people can "greenlight" the online videos to be aired on CurrentTV's sattelite channel:
Direct TV channel 366

Dish Network channel 196

ALL Time Warner Digital systems... channel 103 in NYC & 142 in LA

Comcast digital basic nationwide: Channel 107 (except Seattle and Dallas where it's 125).

So anyway, I recently set up a CurrentTV account for CODEPINK Studios DC and uploaded our first video . Please go watch, and vote for, the video interview featuring Leslie Angeline who recently passed out in Joseph Lieberman's office after fasting for 10 straight days. She has been on a hungerstrike in order to compel the Senator to meet with her conerning his recent comments about a pre-emptive U.S. military attack on Iran. Leslie recently took part in a Global Exchange goodwill trip to Iran where she fell in love with the people and especially the children.

And keep checking back to the CODEPINK Studios DC account for more videos of CODEPINK actions on capitol hill in the halls of Congress.

And while you are on the CurrentTV website check out these other CODEPINK videos I discovered that have been made by various autonomous video producers:

One Million Reasons
Video Documentary of a day of peaceful civil resistance in front of the White House gate.

Troops Home Fast
The "troops home fast" hunger strike began on July 4th 2006. This film introduces some of the fasters.

Protesting In Style
Various protesters wax "red carpet," showing off their fashionable clothing and telling us just how important their clothes are. CODEPINKers were among these fashionistas!

Grace at Camp Casey 2
Four days after Cindy Sheehan began her vigil outside President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, the rumor was that she and her supporters might soon be arrested. We went to “Camp Casey” the next day to help document the protest that may prove to have been a turning point in the tide against the Iraq war.

Pink Libby
Code Pink Alert dot org came to the Libby sentencing with a sign. They brought danishes and coffee for everyone. They sang a song and screamed at Libby when he left.

Okay, just thought I would let you know... pass it on as you deem appropriate.

enjoy,
Midge

Spread Health Not War (CODEPINK VIDEO)

Pink supports Healthcare-NOW's screening of SICKO in Atlanta.
June 28, 2007

US Social Forum
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE
ANOTHER US IS NECESSARY



Since we are on the subject of funding healthcare, I decided I should repost the CODEPINK "Prescription for Peace" video that we uploaded in April. Check it out!

We love you Eve/Rachel

Eve Tatez is an inspiration to us all at the code pink house in dc. Today she sat out back of the white house in mourning as 'Rachel' she was mourning the loss of her children. When I set out to go and support her I felt as though it would be similar to any other protest or march but sitting there watching her I was brought to tears, along with other onlookers and even journalists. As the police warned her and put up police tape meters away from her (as if she could possibly ever be a threat to anyone) I was saddened that a women in mourning could be arrested when in reality George Bush and his Cronies are responsible for what I believe now to be 3677 American solders lives, yet Eve is being cuffed and put in prison while our justice system allows murderers to continue to run our country. It is really quite shocking to me, but I guess it shouldn't be.

Her protest was beautifully done, and I believe I did see regret on many of the officers faces as they took her away. I believe and understand that they are just doing their jobs,and with the brief conversations I have had with them, most of them fully support us. They are good human beings, that are put in not so good positions. I send my love out to Eve and hope everyone will do the same. Thank you.

Peace,

January Coleman-Jones

Where is Their Memorial, Senator?

Desiree Fairooz

As the 4th of July approaches we wistfully remember how our country struggled to become free from the reign of King George III. Today, suffering a similar monarchy, we must again struggle from the shackles of the new King George and his lackeys. One of those lackeys, Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Bushistas from Texas, is my senator.

On her website, Kay Bailey regurgitates Bush rhetoric as if it were the proclamation made by the town crier of old:

Our brave servicemen and women are fighting terrorism in Iraq, in Afghanistan and around the world so the terrorists will not be able to export their heinous crimes to America.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, we send our special thoughts and earnest prayers to those American men and women who fight to defend our way of life. Our founding fathers pledged everything they had to secure our freedom. Today, we honor the men and women who follow in their footsteps to preserve it, and carry on our legacy of liberty.

"Kay Bailey", I would ask, "if you are so gung ho about this war and so proud of the men and women who fight to defend, as YOU say, our way of life, why is it that you do not have at least a photo memorial for those same men and women?"

I encountered my senator 5 times this week and each time she avoided ME, her constituent. Knowing very well that she does not care to think about the welfare of others, I hoped she would squirm as she attempted to answer that question. Trapped all alone at the entrance to CNN studios by our CODEPINK mobile memorial, Kay Bailey lied and said that she DID have one. (I wondered where. In her nightmares?)

In the tunnel of the Russell building she ignored me. Slipping behind the giant "Miss Freedom" and zipping past the Capitol Police to the trolley.

In the hallway at her Texas tea, surrounded by families of ignorant, yet loyal Texans for their photo op, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened as I slid past her Barbie & Ken doll aides and posed the question again. But no answer was forthcoming. I almost felt sorry for her. She is not used to reproach. She surrounds herself in a bubble of young assistants who lamely deflect negative attention.

But then again, I am reminded of Daniel Torres, Russell Nahvi and Christian Schultz, beautiful young Texans no longer with us. I am reminded of the container of pictures in the basement of the CODEPINK house, a huge container full of photos of the 331 some other Texans. I am reminded of the 3,000 + other Americans and the lives of at least a million innocent Iraqis. How many containers would their pictures fill, I wonder.

As our most patriotic of all holidays nears, I beseech all true Texans to join us here in the nation's capital with all true patriots to once again unite and overthrow the reign of King George IV and his lackeys. May the Texas Tyrant (yes I know he's really from Lieberman's state) and his loyalists go.

Spicing up the Democratic Debate

We arrived at the Howard University Democratic Candidate Debate last night in the pouring rain and heaving wind. We all huddled under the awning of the building, waiting for tickets, but Liz came out with only 3 more tickets and so half of us had to go home. Luckily, I was chosen to go in because I was wearing a sweatshirt under which I was able to stuff a huge canvas banner. I thought it looked and felt pretty obvious, but I made it through without any problems. They must have thought I had tumors all up in my stomach or something. Samaneh said that some of the guards saw me stuff it under my shirt (it was pretty hard to miss) but didn't do anything about it. I like to think that they were sympathetic to the cause, but they probably just thought it would be fun to see if we could spice up the debate a bit.

We decided to wait until the end of the debate to fly the banner so that we wouldn't get kicked out before the end, but the debate ended so abruptly that it caught us a bit off guard. They ran out of time, so there were no closing statements and they actually had to cut the last candidate off because they ran out of time. We stood up immediately and began chanting "Troops out now, not in 2009" over and over again. I ripped the banner out from under my shirt and tried frantically to hold it up by myself until I realized it was upside-down! We got it right side up and Tina helped me hold it, but it wasn't long before the debate was off air and a group of guards came frantically running at us trying to shut us up. We were sitting behind the cameras so we didn’t get on TV, but hopefully our chant could be heard.

As we were walking out, I could see the guards gesturing at each other from across the room and I turned around to see three of them standing shoulder to shoulder right behind me, herding me out of the auditorium. I said, “awww… isn’t that sweet, you guys are all walking me to the door.” They smiled, but continued to escort me out. When I went to go to the bathroom, a man in a crisp blue suit told me I wasn’t to go anywhere but out of the building. I was finally able to convince him to let me go, as long as he escorted me to the bathroom. I asked if he was going to listen at the door to make sure I was really peeing, and he got this funny disgusted look on his face and assured me that he would certainly not be doing that. When I got out of the bathroom, there he was, waiting for me and he walked me all the way up to the door. I gotta say, I felt pretty important!!

I wish we would’ve been on TV, but it was still good that the audience and all of the candidates heard us. The best part was that it was so much fun! Watching everyone get all uncomfortable and frantic when we started chanting was hilarious. Before CODEPINK I think I would’ve been uncomfortable and embarrassed to make a scene like that, but last night I just felt pure delight!

CODEPINKer Fasting for Peace in Iran Passes Out in Senator Lieberman's Office

Leslie Angeline of CODEPINK, has been fasting for over 10 days in an effort to meet with Senator Joseph Lieberman. She wants to meet with him to ask him not to bomb Iran. She visited Iran a few weeks ago and wanted to tell the senator about her visit and tell him not to kill innocent people. He agreed to meet with her but broke the appointment. Leslie has tried to meet with Lieberman several more times but he has chosen not to meet with her. Today, Leslie went to his office to ask to meet with the senator but to no avail. Leslie was feeling weak and ask the senator's staff if she could lay on the floor. They told her no and if she wanted to lay down she had to go into hallway to lay down. Leslie sat down on the floor in his office and rested her head on the chair. Capital medical help was called and they allowed Leslie to lay on the floor in his office. The campus police were there too. The police would not allow any CODEPINK people near Leslie. They kept her separated from us which was a bit scary. All we could see was Leslie laying on the floor with 12 to 14 medical and police staff standing around her. They finally rolled her out in a wheel chair downstairs into the medical center in the building. It was scary because Lieberman's staff seemed unconcerned and unaffected by Leslie laying on the floor. It was heart breaking to see someone you care about that has such a strong passion about peace laying out on the floor when it could have been avoided if the senator had met with her for just a few minutes to discuss peaceful efforts in Iran. I am very disappointed in Senator Lieberman and the constituents of Connecticut should be outraged as well.

Check out this video interview with Leslie:

Blog by Carla of Cleveland, OH

In the Marble Mazes

Almost floating after fourteen days of fasting,
a CODEPINK butterfly flitted and fussed
at a Senator in the marble mazes.
Necklaced with a sign pleading for the children
of Iran, she would stand, tall and slim, at those
self-aggrandizing hearings,
Asking just to meet, to have assurance that
diplomacy had primacy and
Not the spoken idiocy and rhetoric of WAR.
A Mariposa in the Marble Mazes of D.C.
In a metamorphosis for PEACE.
Charlotte~ A CODEPINK Peace Crone

Close Encounters of the Pink Kind

It is both funny and disturbing to watch our members of Congress flee down hallways and sneak out of hearings through the back door in order to avoid CODEPINKers with questions. With great trepidation, they tighten the ranks of staffers and rush as quickly as possible away from accountability to the American people. Obviously, transparency in government is difficult to achieve when government systems are designed to keep the public at bay. When you do manage to have a close encounter with a member of Congress, you have about thirty seconds to make your point before they are either swept into an elevator, office, or stairway, or before they threaten to call the Capitol Police. Here are my top ten examples from the week thus far to illustrate this phenomena:

1. If you would like to meet with a Senator or Legislative Aid, you must fax in your request. If you don't have a fax, you can write a letter. How efficient is that?

2. When running into Presidential candidate Joe Biden in the hallway, Liz mentioned to the Senator that his plan to partition Iraq is not a solution. Joe Biden responded by saying "Go Home." Liz responded by saying "But Joe, I am home!"

3. When confronted by me and another CODEPINKer on an elevator, Senator John McCain, another Presidential candidate, refused to listen to our assertions that education should be funded before war. He told us to stop following him and threatened to summon the Capitol police.

4. Senator John Conyers, who is supposedly opposed to the war, continues to pink profile Codepinkers and has been very hard on the ladies. He even had CODEPINK removed from a committee hearing he chaired even before the meeting started.

5. When six women entered Senator Lieberman's office to ask the Senator why he continues his rhetoric about bombing Iran, Lieberman's staff called nine police officers in to monitor the situation.

6. When Carla, another CODEPINK newbie, and I walked into a Committee room, a staffer quickly accosted us and said in a rather rude manner "You do KNOW what the House rules are don't you? There are no demonstrations allowed." We were only there to listen and after all it was a public hearing.

7. In several instances this week, Leslie our resident who visted Iran and has been fasting for two weeks until Lieberman meets with her to discuss her Iran visit (he cancelled a previously scheduled meeting with her) has been trying to talk to him in the hallways. Several times he slipped out the back of hearing rooms, at other times he made cursory remarks to Leslie, but in general he continues to refuse to meet with her.

8. If you are one minute late to lunch at the Dirksen cafeteria, they won't let you in during staff serving time. We of course bum rushed the door and got to eat anyway. In our book, tradition and process does not trump hunger.

9. Note to those coming to D.C: Walk fast and wear tennis shoes. Congress members really won't stop to talk to CODEPINKers (just another example of pink profiling). If they see pink, they move fast.

10. In meeting John Warner, my very own Senator, Senator Warner did slow down to shake my hand and listen to my concern about funds from Virginia going to fund war instead of education, but beyond that I have not been able to schedule a meeting with his Legislative Aid this week.


PS-On a positive note, most members of the Capitol Police seem to love CODEPINK!!

Peace,
Ryan
Teacher from Richmond, VA

June in D.C. Continued

By Barbara Hilton

Wednesday morning we were all out the door by 7:30 a.m. on our way over to the final day of the Take Back America Conference. About six of us walked to Union Station and took the metro to Dupont Circle to get there. Others rode in the two available cars. When we arrived we headed over to the Exhibition Hall and got ourselves organized. Hillary was speaking first. We went into the Ballroom early to get good seats. We sat close to the front, with a group to the right of the podium, a group front and center, and a group to the left of the podium. We started passing out our pink flyers which said LEAD US OUT OF IRAQ NOW. We were getting a good response. Most people wanted one.

Not too much later, someone came along and told us all we weren't allowed to have signs in the area that we were sitting in and that we would all have to turn them in or move to the back of the room where signs were permitted. They started collecting all the signs we had handed out. I quickly grabbed a bunch back and stuck them on my seat and sat down. We were warned that if we held them up, we would have to leave. All signs were collected including HILLARY signs, so it was somewhat less painful than it might have been, but so often when I am doing actions, I can't help but wonder what kind of country I live in. It doesn't feel like I have free speech.

The room filled up and Hillary spoke. We called out challenges to her claims when appropriate. At some point the signs started going up and no one came to challenge us, so it wasn't long before there were LEAD US OUT OF IRAQ NOW signs everywhere. Hillary saw them and referred to them in her speech. I had a difficult time when she spoke about her commitment to labor in America and her claims to want to get Corporations out of government considering the role Bill Clinton played in shepherding NAFTA through when he was President.

My roommate, Leslie, said of Hillary's speech. "I listened to her, I liked what she said, but I just wish I could believe her. It would be wonderful to have a woman president, but I don't trust her at all. I had mixed feelings. I wanted to be able to cheer, but I could not do that. I just didn't believe her."

After Clinton left, Dennis Kucinich spoke. He is just so right-on about every issue. I was getting hoarse from shrieking my approval. One woman in front of me had to move away. She said she appreciated my enthusiasm, but it was difficult to be sitting in front of me, could I stop? Well, I do apologize to her, but heck no, I couldn't. She was free to move and she did.

"Dennis is a man with heart, integrity and a beautiful soul. I wish our country could embrace someone with that much soul." said Leslie.

Nancy Pelosi was up next. She seemed nervous. Leslie is one of the people who camped outside her house in California for twelve days. Leslie thought that Nancy was justified in feeling proud of the things she had accomplished, but she was disappointed in her failure to do more to bring the troops home. Nancy was treated to our LEAD US OUT OF IRAQ NOW signs with great frequency.

Next up was a session led by Codepink on the specific ideas that the Progressive Movement could focus on to get the politicians to lead us out of Iraq. It was well-attended and many ideas were offered. One, that Codepink was already using, was to piggy-back onto Michael Moore's message with our own message, WAR IS SICKO! Another was to build support for HR 508 and to push Pelosi to put this on the floor. People discussed many options including short, sweet, sharp ads, like VetVotes.org, uses, pointing out which politicians have betrayed us.

After the morning session of speeches, some of us piled into a car and drove over to the Hill to get to the Press Conference and Forum with Michael Moore about his new film, Sicko. Michael was supposed to speak at the Take Back America Conference, but was unable to get there because of flight delays. We got to the hallway outside of where the Press Conference was to happen just as Michael Moore was strolling down the hall, entourage and media surrounding him. We followed until we were barred from entering and then found the correct entrance to the hearing room. It was very crowded. I managed to get one of the few chairs left, on the aisle in the center of the room right next to all the video cameras. I settled in and started working on my sign: HEALTH CARE NOT WARFARE.

Before the Press Conference started, two doctors spoke from Physicians for a National Health Plan: Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard and co-director of the Harvard Medical School General Internal Medicine Fellowship program, and Dr. Quentin Young, a practicing internist in Hyde Park, a Clinical Professor of Preventive Medicine and Community Health at the University of Illinois Medical Center and Senior Attending Physician at Michael Reese Hospital. Both of these distinguished speakers advocated for universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care for all Americans.

The discussion turned to John Conyers' House Resolution 676, introduced into Congress Jan. 24, 2007, to provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents. It would expand medicare and deliver national health insurance. This Bill has, at present, 74 cosponsors in the House. Many of these cosponsors later showed up at the Press Conference.

"Health care must become a human right in this country, not a privilege." The government would be the single payer. Every American should get a card at birth or fill out a form at a Doctor's office enabling them to go anywhere they want for health care. Doctors would get paid electronically. There would be no deductibles and no co-pays. It would be a non-profit system. Insurance companies would still have plenty to do. They could cover non-medically necessary things like cosmetic surgery. The premise now is that insurance companies exist to make a profit. They must deny treatment whenever possible. This is not what is needed. Would we set up our police or firefighters in this way?

Many people ask, "How will you pay for it?" Under single payer, costs are reduced because of a reduction in paperwork. We have money now, but it goes to CEOs and for-profit companies.

The Press Conference got under way, led by John Conyers, head of the House Judiciary Committee, a man who has frequently had Codepink thrown out of hearings or barred all together so I was timid about raising my sign. I kept it down low in front of me. Many members of the Progressive Caucus were on hand and spoke at the Press Conference about the necessity of having universal, single-payer, government-sponsored, not-for-profit health care in this country. As more people expressed their desire for this, I became more emboldened and soon my sign was up and over my head. Several of the Representatives saw it and spoke out the message.

Keith Ellison, the U.S. Congress' first Moslem Representative from Minnesota said, "A loving nation should care for its people." "It is a question of national priorities."

Others spoke just as fervently. "We, the people, not me, the people!" "There is too much greed here. This industry needs to be regulated like a public utility."

After the Press Conference, a forum began, where Michael Moore showed parts of his film and several of the main characters testified about their situations. These people were not uninsured. In fact, they were fully insured. But one woman lost her husband to cancer because of repeated denials of treatment. The other woman lost her 18-month-old daughter because the emergency room where she was taken would not treat her. They didn't accept her plan.

When the forum ended, we headed over to Union Station Theatre where a preview screening was to take place for invited guests only. The invitations had gone out in the Washington Post earlier that morning, inviting, by name, every single health care lobbyist on Capitol Hill. There are four health industry-related lobbyists for every single Congressperson and Senator in the Capitol.

We grabbed a cab and when we arrived at the entrance to the theatre, there was Michael and his entourage chatting with the press. We followed them, as if we belonged, into the almost-empty theatre and sat down close to the front. When Michael asked if everyone there was a lobbyist, I said we were not. He asked how we had gotten in and I said we had followed him. He then apologized, but said that he needed us to leave and that we could see the movie in one of the other screening rooms. We exited the theatre and hung out in the hallway until we received clarification. There were no other screening rooms showing the film. It was soon made clear that Michael wanted the press to see how few lobbyist had been willing to show up and see the film. We were told that they would show it for us later that evening at 7:00 pm.

There is a standing tradition in the Codepink House, that every Wednesday evening there is a potluck supper. I hadn't made anything to bring, so I stopped and got some already-prepared food and headed back to the house. There were lots of people and lots of things going on when I arrived. There was to be a special guest this evening, Tilly, a woman who had been working for an NGO in Afghanistan. When people heard about the movie screening, many chose to go. So we ate hurriedly and walked the five blocks back to Union Station. Again, the theatre was almost empty. We were having a private showing. Someone bought some popcorn and we settled in.

I must tell you, that you have got to see Sicko, if for any reason you were considering not going. It was amazingly powerful. I won't say more right now. We owe a great debt to Michael Moore. Hopefully, people will pay attention and the dialogue in this country will shift. Don't forget to contact your Congressperson and ask them to co-sponsor HR 676.

Back at the house, Tilly began a conversation about her experiences in Afghanistan. I wasn't feeling very well, so missed a lot of her talk. But from what I heard, things are very difficult for the women in Afghanistan, especially those in the rural areas where life is still medieval. They have very few options. Conversation continued long after I went off to bed.

On Thursday morning, everyone was up early and dressed to go to the Hill. We were met downstairs by three men who made up a German film crew doing a documentary on the peace movement and working on a segment about Codepink. They had been at the house the previous day and done some interviewing and filming, but today they were going to follow us as we worked on Capitol Hill. It was difficult to get going. I'm sure I've said it before, but getting all the women to leave at once is like herding cats.

Finally enough people were together for us to represent a sizable force and we left the Codepink House with cameras rolling. As we walked through our beautiful neighborhood to Capitol Hill, we sang our Codepink songs. We garnered honks and peace signs along the way. We created song verses as we went. As we passed a playground with young mothers and their tots, we sang to the tune of "When the saints come marching in," When every child, has a place to play!

We walked slower than I have ever seen Codepinkers walk. I kept finding myself a good half a block in front of the others, only to turn around and wait. When Medea, who usually walks faster than anyone I have ever known, caught up, she pleasantly reminded me that this stroll was for the cameras. As it was, they were racing ahead to catch a glimpse of us as we passed each new camera angle that they set up.

We walked pass the Supreme Court and passed scores of high school kids who were part of the National Young Leaders Conference. Each time we passed one of them we gave them the peace sign, told them to work for peace, and to "hurry up," we desperately needed new leaders. Many returned the peace sign, others high-fived us. The cameras rolled.

When we arrived at the Rayburn Building, we went through Security and we headed to our first hearing of the day on Guantanamo Bay. Many of us had brought some sort of orange jumpsuit or shirt with a slogan against torture on it. Others had black hoods. We all donned these once we were inside the hearing. This was very difficult to listen to. There was a Bush Administration spokesperson discussing the necessity of keeping Guantanamo Bay open and the justification for having it in the first place. He tried to say that the Geneva Conventions don't fit the situation because they were designed for standing armies.

Steny Hoyer then made a brief appearance before the committee and said "It's time to close Guantanamo Bay." I have not been a big fan of Steny Hoyer's recently, but I appreciated him this morning. Here are some snippets taken from my notes at this hearing: "The most powerful nation must also be the most powerful in its commitment to human rights; recognizing that if a civilization is to be what we want it to be it will follow the rule of law; we can't detain them for four years without letting them know why they are being held; indict or release.

The next speaker was a french woman who was a special envoy to Guantanamo reporting to the committee. She spent much time studying this issue. She said that the camp was a major problem for Americans in the eyes of the world.; it was the basis for anti-American sentiment including in friendly countries.

Others who testified said that they continued to be puzzled by why the U.S. was so secretive at Guantanamo Bay. Why weren't due process and international standards of treatment applied? Why did the U.S. do things the way that they did? Now there is a concern that the U.S. doesn't know what to do with these detainees.

When the subject of Human Rights came up, one of my Codepink sisters who was sitting next to me wrote me a note: "Have you seen the HBO Documentary Ghosts of Abu Ghraib? It is unbelievable, shocking what was done to innocent Iraqis--we really care about human rights!"

My Codepink sister, Liz, orange jump-suited and black-hooded, had managed to seat herself right next to the witness table. She held a sign that said "Close Gitmo Now!" John Bellinger, the Legal Advisor for the State Department was the witness. He was asked a question by one of the committee members and Liz says, sotto voce, "Tell the truth." And later another question from a committee member: "Why are you holding them? They can be detained for the rest of their lives?" and Liz interjects "Shameful!"

Our German film crew was in the hearing, filming Codepink and the proceedings. Someone got a call reminding them of the House Judiciary hearing on the Firings of U.S. Attorneys scheduled to start at noon and everyone headed out for another room on another floor.

Entering this room for a hearing chaired by John Conyers, Codepinkers sat down, mindful to avoid the seats with the"Reserved" signs, and began to write out their own signs on pink cloth. In no time they were approached by a Capitol Hill police officer telling them that they were going to have to leave or they would be arrested. They asked "Why?" and he responded that he couldn't tell them the charge, but there would be no further warning. They were escorted out of the room. I had left the previous hearing early and now went in search of the others to rejoin the group only to find them standing in the halls on either side of a thirty foot 'no-walk zone.'

This is all about "pink profiling" which has become common on the Hill. Now that Codepink is recognized everywhere, they have become targets for frightened politicians who don't want the publicity that Codepink generates and have been refused entry or ejected from public hearings solely on the basis of their political stance. This, to me, seems a violation of our individual civil rights. Each member of Codepink is a citizen activist from one of our fifty states who has taken the time out of her life to pay attention to the goings-on in Congress, the peoples'house. Each one of us represents hundreds, if not thousands, of others who have not be able to make this kind of trip. That we should be refused entry to these proceedings on constantly shifting and ill-defined, nebulous grounds which change each day is of serious concern.

Standing in the halls feeling outraged, I watched and waited. Different Codepinkers attempted to cross the hall, where anyone else not part of Codepink was clearly allowed to walk, and were rebuffed and rethreatened with arrest. Whenever someone Medea knew went by, she called out to them. "Do you see what's happening here?" "Congressman, could I walk across the hall with you?" The film cameras were rolling. I took many pictures with my own camera.

We decided to head up to John Conyers' office and put in a complaint. When we arrived, the office staff were welcoming and friendly. They clearly had an ongoing relationship with Codepink.We waited until we were able to speak to Cynthia Martin, his Legislative Director. She came out with a big, beautiful smile on her face and charmingly calmed our ruffled feathers. She said that she would talk to Mr. Conyers. One of his office staff that I had seen the previous day at the Michael Moore event, walked past in a beautiful pink tie. That was enough to get several Codepinkers pleading with him to allow a picture to be taken. He was posed between Medea and I and cameras clicked.

Moments later we heard noise in the halls and our attention was redirected outside of the office. Liz had stopped in at her own Congressman's office as we passed it in the hall on our way to John Conyers' office. Now she was being threatened by Capitol Hill police. She was clearly upset that they were not allowing her to join the rest of us.

It seems that Liz, who was still wearing her orange jumpsuit from the Guantanamo hearing, had frightened someone in her Congressman's office and the police had been called. Liz claimed that she had merely gone in to request a tour of the Capitol, had not done anything threatening, had not even raised her voice above her normal speaking voice. The police tried to keep Liz apart and vulnerable, but she was soon surrounded by her Codepink sisters who refused to leave until she could go with them.

This was the fifth time in the past week that Liz had been targeted and required to prove her identity. Both Liz and Gael, one of the co-founders of Codepink, have shoulder length blond hair, stand about 5'4" and wear glasses. Gael has a "stay-away" order on Capitol Hill until her hearing is over. Liz is frequently confused with Gael.

Bertha, from NY, became Liz's granny and spoke up to the police asking why they were keeping her granddaughter, what had she done, why were they doing this to her, etc. Half an hour later, after numerous attempts by Liz to call into the office twenty paces away and have them come and talk to her and the police, Liz's story and identity were verified and she was let go. We all started to walk away until we realized that the film crew was now the target of the Capitol police. That was soon sorted out and we all headed to the cafeteria for lunch.

After lunch, we headed to the Senate side of the Hill to go to Lieberman's office. Leslie was with us and still continuing her fast in protest of Lieberman's hawkish remarks about Iran. We were going to make another request for a meeting with the Senator.

On the way to his office, we passed an on-going hearing about the budget and stepped inside. The room was packed. The Senators were discussing an amendment being put forward by Barbara Feinstein to renegotiate the government's contracts with the oil companies for off-shore drilling. The contracts were originally written when oil was $20 a barrel and they were not paying royalties. Oil has also since gone to over $60 a barrel, people are paying record prices at the pump, and the oil companies are making the highest profits in corporate history. The amendment called for a renegotiation of profits so that billions of those oil dollars would go back into the federal budget.

We listened to the discussion and stayed on until the vote was taken. Two Democrats, Mary Landrieu and Ben Nelson, voted with the Republicans against the Amendment. We were disgusted!

Our next stop was Lieberman's office where Leslie, one of my roommates at the Codepink House, was checking back to see how her attempt to schedule a meeting with the Senator was going. Leslie had restarted her fasting earlier in the week after Lieberman continued his belligent statements against Iran. We were informed that no decision had been made by the Senator yet and we reminded his staff that Leslie was not eating until he decided to meet with her.

When we stepped outside the office, we decided to take a group picture surrounding his name plaque with Leslie in the center and peace signs prominent. The film crew started shooting as we posed, rearranged ourselves, posed again, getting kinda silly as we went along. Very soon, off to our left, we saw the Capitol Hill police striding purposely toward us three-abreast. They reminded us that we had better move along. We told them we were just taking pictures, but the mood was broken and we set off again.

The next stop was Mary Landrieu's office. We wanted to let her know how disappointed we were in her vote against Diane Feinstein's amendment. We talked with her Chief of Staff for quite a while listening to his reasoning about her vote. He said she had to vote this way because a lot of the Katrina relief money was tied to this bill. There's always some reason, isn't there?

By the time we got back to the Codepink House on Thursday, I was not feeling well. I spent the entire next day in the house, as all around me the action continued, people went off to court for their hearings from previous actions, and others returned to the Hill.

I write about my feeling ill because I want others to know about the care and concern that most of the other women showed toward me. I was offered wonderful advice and a massage by Sylveia, given reiki by Beth, and Laurie went out twice to the drugstore for me. If I couldn't be home in NH with my loving family, this was indeed an okay place to be.

On Saturday I spent the day painting and sewing two banners for Codepink to take to the U.S. Social Forum in Atlanta. I started at 10:00 a.m. and didn't come up out of the basement peace room until after 6:00 p.m.

Saturday evening some of us drove over to Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House, to join an on-going 24-hour peace vigil against torture that had begun at 7:00 a.m. It was the 10th anniversary of the UN Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors. Lafayette Park was chosen as the site of this year's vigil to officially launch a campaign to Repeal the Military Commissions Act, which survivors of torture have renamed the Torture Law.

It was a very emotional experience. Along with many others in support of their cause. victims and survivors of torture were bearing witness. Over 150 countries in the world currently practice torture. The United States is one of them.

Amy Goodman did an interview on Monday, June 25, 2007 with Sister Dianna Ortiz on Democracy Now! Sister Dianna Ortiz is the founder of TASCC - the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition - the only organization in the United States made up of survivors of torture. In 1989, she was abducted by security forces while working as a missionary among indigenous people in Guatemala. She was taken to a secret prison in the capital center and brutally tortured. She was burned with cigarettes, raped, beaten and forced to torture a woman who was already near death. Sister Ortiz was the main organizer of this weekend's 24-hour vigil in front of the White House.

Here is the link to this interview: http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/06/25/1421222

Sunday was a day to say goodbye to lots of women who were leaving to return home after their week of training here at the Codepink House. By Sunday evening the house was filled once again with impassioned women from all over the country coming to reclaim their government. I will be here for three more days and then I head to Atlanta for the US Social Forum and an entirely new experience. I don't know how soon I will be able to return to D.C., but I know I will be back again.

Guantanamo Bay and Habeas Corpus

By January Coleman-Jones

Today June 26, 2007, I was present at the Habeas Corpus, Guantanamo Bay Rally and it was a beautiful experience. I was able to listen to Reverend Yearwood, he especially sticks in my mind because he shared such powerful words. He pointed out the fact that he has been to many rallies and he was so optimistic because at the rally today their were people of every race, and that in itself is progress. He also shared words from Martin Luther King Jr. and it was a joyess moment.

Later I attended the hearing about Guantanamo Bay and it was certainly interesting Congressmen Franks a stern republican from Arizona made me as well as the rest of the code pink members in attendance furious. He made Guantanamo sound like a Resort instead of the hell hole it truly is. His remarks were so infuriating I don’t understand how he himself can live with himself. When Congresswomen Jackson- Lee from Texas came to speak he would not allow her due to the fact that she was not a member of the sub-committee, when in reality it was due to the fact that the republicans were in an intense minority. As she was leaving I had a moment to speak with her, (I was wearing a shirt that said “we will not be silent”) She looked at me and said, “Sweetie, WE will NOT be Silent, and don’t think that I will be.” I let her know that there were Texans in the code pink house and she told me that she was doing all she could, and that she supports us. After Franks atrocious actions and a beautifully outspoken remark from Liz Arizona, I went up to him and let him have a piece of my mind. I told him that although I am not from Arizona, I believe him to be a completely inhuman person and that I don’t feel he represents the State of Arizona OR the United States Citizens and that I am ashamed and shocked that he could be a representative. He remarked with a heartfelt sorry you feel that way. And I let him know that I was sorry he was here. All in all it was an invigorating experience.

Also being here has been so far a beautiful experience. I am 17 years old and the younger women in the code Pink house, and I feel like not only have I gained friends but also mothers, comrades, grandmothers, and sisters. This is a wonderful experience.

Claire Gives Peace a Cold Shoulder

With our congress people still funding war and leaving our soldiers to be killed- despite what we-the-people (aka- their bosses) voted for, I felt compelled to dedicate my summer to helping to end the Iraq war. During the school year I am a teacher in St.Louis and also the local coordinator of CODEPINK St.Louis- Women for Peace. I accepted an arts-coordinator/media outreach position with the CODEPINK House in Washington DC, for a couple of months, to help non-violent activists from around the country to creatively exercise their rights, represent their communities (majority) voice-of-peace, and teach (primarily) women useful outreach-tools before they return home. We at the DC-CODEPINK House are encouraged to make goals for the week- benchmarks, if you will, a sort of a timetable which acts as our road map for the week before we leave to go back home to our own states... to ensure each activist who visits the DC-CODEPINK House has an imperative exit strategy before returning home...

One of my benchmarks for June 21^st, 2007 was to visit Senator Claire McCaskill's office. Claire had just voted for another $100 billion more funding without a timetable for withdrawal which she claims she wants (...even though she is on record saying she doesn't think the troops should come home). Claire recently returned from a visit to Iraq, proclaiming that money is being “wasted”. When I confronted her about her reckless war funding vote $100 billion spending habit, during her morning public meeting today, she brushed me off and made small talk about the Cardinals and weather instead.

I explained to Claire and the small group of constituents that “my cousin, who has a new baby, is serving in Iraq and I want him to come home to see his daughter; so “after funding more war... what steps is she taking to bring the soldiers home?”. Instead of responding to my question, she redirected it; and spoke of her visit to Iraq, of entering the green-zone, and blah blah blahed until she quickly asked others in the room if they had any other questions. A couple of young students in the room from St.Louis asked, again, about the Iraq war and Claire told them “we had just talked about that,” and she blah blah blahed again while I discreetly corrected her careful sound bytes into the reality of what she was actually saying. For example, when she talked about funding an important..blah blah blah that would help give the troops what they needed- I would interject grounded things like “giving the corporations” what they wanted and “funding more troops” to be killed.

Yet another man from this small group of constituents asked about the war and by this time she seemed thoroughly uncomfortable and clearly flustered with my subtle and righteous corrections (which she ignored and didn't challenge. I had to sit at her neglect; I felt sickened and on the verge of crying– which I didn't want to do, because my message of peace could risk being discounted. She had no acknowledgement of my cousin, his family, nor any of her contradictions I was bringing to light. The gut-quaking wails, I couldn't help, came out of pure realization that she really has no intentions of bringing our soldiers home nor hearing or really listening to her constituents.

She then, quickly maneuvered another distraction, to take a happsy whapsey group photo and began to hustle out of the room. Out of pure desperation at her ridiculousness and cowardice I sang her a song through my tears and distressed emotion called “Stop In The Name of Peace”, sung to the tune of “Stop In The Name of Love”. It went as follows:

Senator I'm aware of how you vote
Each time you reach the floor
I'm watching you talk on TV
Knowing that you're gonna lie to me
But this time before you run to war
Without the nation's support
(think it over) Haven't Missourians been good to you?
(think it over) Haven't Missourian voters been sweet to you?

Stop! In the name of peace
U.S. Out of the Middle East
Stop! In the name of peace
U.S. Out of the Middle East
Think it over
Think it over

My CODEPINK sisters later reflected that Claire had turned her back on us immediately after I had introduced myself and friends as members of CODEPINK. This seemed symbolic to me of her turning her back on the majority of Missourians, who helped her get elected to bring peace, the people, I felt, I was there representing. And also I feel as though she hasn't the strength and backbone she claimed to have to stand up to this administration, like she said she would do during her campaign.

Although Claire broke me down for a minute today, she should understand that her constituents are watching what she is doing. She has not destroyed my hope for peace. She just destroyed the hope for a female congress woman brave enough to balance peace with the over-bloated war, and be a real leader worthy of American women's dreams. She's clearly allowing herself to be a pawn buying Bushes war... well, now, officially in my mind, she bought it and needs to own it now too.

Laurie Meier in Washington DC
CODEPINK St.Louis – Local Coordinator
www.geocities.com/codepinkstlouis

Why I Don’t Support Hillary Clinton for President

Kit Kimberly

(please note that this is a personal opinion and does not reflect any position held by CodePink Women for Peace)

At the Take Back America breakfast yesterday morning, I got to see Hillary Clinton close up, in person, for the first time. Although I have not supported her since she began this campaign, to see a woman approaching the podium as one of the leading presidential candidates brought tears to my eyes. Twenty-five years ago, when I was first beginning my feminist journey, I could never have foreseen a woman and a black man as leading candidates in the US. That they are there is a credit to the people of the US. That they are who they are—I believe, products of a corporate, corrupt political machine—is due to the lack of true democracy and triumph of hypocrisy in this society.

Hillary Clinton, of course, spoke of issues that warm the hearts of all progressives. She set up a clear barrier between “us” (Democrat-supporting progressives—is that an oxymoron?) and “them” (the war-mongering, corrupt, corporate-controlled Bush administration). She called for all the issues on the Democratic platform: national health, a living wage, end to the war in Iraq (last on her list, but that may have been because of the expected, protracted support for that topic), affordable education from pre-school through higher ed, a decent wage for the working class—in short, everything that every Democratic candidate supports. She personalized her speech with the story of Lilly Ledbetter, the woman who was paid less than men for 20 years as a supervisor at Firestone, then was told by the Supreme Court that it was too late for her to receive compensation.

One of the non-“bumpersticker” (credit to John Edwards) truths, as I perceive it, that she mentioned was that US people are the “hardest working in the world.” As Dan Savage points out in his book Skipping Towards Gomorrah, US people work hardest of any in the industrial world (more about this distinction later, OK, Medea?). Folks in this country work more hours (and more jobs), take shorter, fewer vacations (minimum mandatory vacations in every other industrialized nation begin at three weeks), and produce more per capita. And where has it gotten us? We’re have the highest addiction, depression, suicide and violence rates of any society in the Western world. We’re over our heads in debt, our houses are being foreclosed on, and our economy is in shambles (a fact that, by the way, seems not to have reached the mainstream media at all. The US dollar is worth less in the world than it has been since the Great Depression. Why is no one worried about this?) I really don’t see why this “hard work” is something to be so proud of, since it doesn’t seem to have made us personally or societally very happy or well-balanced.

At this statement, however, she—and I—were immediately shot down by Medea, who reminded me of the 2/3 of the world we call "developing". In retrospect, it seems a shame to me that Ms Clinton (I will always call her “Ms”— I’d call her Ms Rodham but then no one would know who I was talking about!) didn’t tie in her Lilly Ledbetter story with the story of working women all over the world: Women, who make up 52% of the population and do 2/3 to ¾ of all the work in the world (in the Third World, women rise at 3 or 4 am to begin to carry water for the work they will do all day; in the vast majority of places, men do next to nothing while women do all the planting, caretaking, harvesting, production, slaughtering and processing of food and other goods, as well as “traditional” women’s work of childcare and homemaking); but they own less than 10% of the world’s wealth and less than 1% of the property.

And this, in a nutshell, is why I don’t support Hilary Clinton: Because she has chosen to side with the rich, almost all white, western, and male, power structure. Rather than build a campaign and coalition that reaches out, educates and empowers the majority of this country that is not the rich white male elite, she has joined their ranks. Now, whether or not they will ever accept her as one of their own is a question I have no desire to address. Some say they did Margaret Thatcher, but the way they treated her at the end of her term says otherwise. My point is that I’m not going to support a woman, just because she is a woman, if she isn’t addressing my concerns.

Now, to be fair, I’m sure that Ms Clinton affected President Mr. Clinton’s politics and policies. I argue that Bill Clinton is the best president women ever had, simply because he was the first to put women in visible positions of power—and in such a way that there was no going back. Do you really believe GW Bush’s cabinet and administration would be as diverse as it is if not for Bill Clinton's opening of doors that could never be shut? Sometimes I think I’m being too hard on the Ms, that I expect more of women—well, that’s probably true. I do expect more of women because for the most part, when I look around me, I see women giving, doing, being much more.

Until he said, in response to a possible attack on Iran, that “no options are off the table,” I supported John Edwards’ candidacy. I like the way his wife is his partner in what seems like every way; I like that he’s from North Carolina (as am I); I like that he went to work for the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity after a failed bid for vice president; and I like that he’s taken a strong stand against the Iraq war since he apologized for voting for it in the Senate (see http://femifesta.blogspot.com/) But it comes down to this: If their platforms sound exactly the same, and their way of addressing the issues similar, and their treatment of their constituents and audiences unvarying, then the candidate’s gender or color makes no difference to me. If I were to support Hillary Clinton just because she’s a woman, or Barack Obama just because he’s black, wouldn’t that make me as sexist or racist as the rich white male elite who’ve worked so hard to keep us all under control for so long?

CODEPINK to Hillary and Nancy: Lead Us Out of Iraq Now!

This morning at the Take Back America conference when Senator Hillary Clinton took the stage CODEPINKers held up pink signs reading "Lead Us Out of Iraq Now!" and pleaded with the senator to bring our troops home now, to be a leader in ending the occupation of Iraq. While Hillary made some great promises about offering universal healthcare and ensuring a preschool education for every American child, and reiterated that she voted no on the last Supplemental spending bill to appropriate funds to the war, without her leadership on actually bringing our troops home with a full and immediate troop withdrawal, it remains unclear where funds would come from for these excellent domestic programs, and how we can move forward as a nation. Hillary's commentary about the Iraq war included a commentary about how the US has liberated Iraq from Saddam, helped hold democratic elections, and installed the Iraqi government. Her commentary seemed to blame Iraq for the ongoing violence, which in turn was met with loud boos from the audience. Hillary walked a careful talk today, but it was not convincing to many in the audience, who feel the only way that trust in Hillary could be restored is through her actions to end the war, not her rhetoric. As an aside, Hillary asserted that the US is the oldest democracy. I seem to remember something about Athens appearing in a school textbook. Hillary also stated that the US has the hardest working population in the world. To me, that kind of hubris does not inspire the kind of patriotism I feel for this country and the global community.

CODEPINK protested at Hillary's talk at the Take Back America conference last year as well. This year our message was a proactive one: Hillary, be a leader and bring our troops home! Take action NOW to end the war!

Nancy Pelosi made some excellent comments about listening to young people in this country, who are agitated, don't believe elected officials will take action, and are fed up with the government. She spoke about meeting with people and having dialogues. I asked her to meet with us in San Francisco, as she has yet to meet with the anti-war movement in district. Because we have not be able to meet with her, we've been camping outside her doorstep! Nancy made some excellent points about green jobs and about the need to bring our troops home, and we would like to believe that she will stick to her word--we know that she, as Speaker of the House, can do more to end the US occupation of Iraq, and that's why we were in the audience today with our pink signs and loud voices for peace, demanding that these elected officials lead us out of Iraq!

Because It's Their Future Part Deux

Desiree Fairooz

Whew! It was a scorcher today but that did not deter the kids from Cesar Chavez Charter School for Public Policy. They showed up as planned with their teachers excited about seeing CODEPINK in action. Our "action tour" began at the Hart building Room 216 where we sat in on the Armed Services Committee hearing on the confirmation of Texan Pete Geren for Secretary of the Army.

Liz had been waiting for us at the entrance to the hearing room (same room where about six weeks ago Midge held up the banner above Alberto Gonzales' head that said "I have nothing to hide but the truth"). There happened to be a table outside the anteroom where we spread out the armbands we had made for the "scholars", as their teacher, Laura Kravis, prefers to call them. The armbands said "ANOTHER STUDENT FOR PEACE". Some of them wore them as armbands others as belts or lanyards. (Leave it to the next generation to see things outside the box!) The two teachers seemed to beam as they both put on their CODEPINK buttons.

Liz and I led the students to a row of empty seats (same seats used by Adam Kokesh, Geoff Millard and Cindy Sheehan when they protested Gonzales' "I don't recall"s). Liz and I sat at the inner edge of the aisle, as good CODEPINKERS do for easy access and visibility.

It just so happened that the man being nominated for the Secretary of the Army position is a Texan and that both my Texas senators were in the room. Kay Bailey Hutchison testified that Geren is a good man with a history of service to his country as a congressman, etc, etc, and so forth. She was seated next to him at the witness table. I guess this meant he is worthy of confirmation. (Do you feel my pain?)

As Senator Hutchison rose to leave the room, it dawned on me that I would have the rare opportunity to speak with her. I jumped out of my seat, practically losing my slip-on shoe in the process to sidle up to her. Sticking my hand out for a quick hand shake, which she took, I accompanied her as she exited the room behind her aid. (I don't think he realized that I or anyone had any intentions or else he would have surely blocked my access.) Senator Hutchison seemed quite taken aback by my proximity and remained speechless as I introduced myself and explained why I had come all the way from Texas to gain her ear. We were nearing the hallway when her aid stepped back to tell me that that was enough, or something to that effect. I returned to the room where the students were patiently paying attention to Carl Levin chair the confirmation hearing.

My other senator, Senator John Cornyn, another Republican Bushite, spoke from his seat at the dais regurgitating what Kay Bailey said. No sooner had he finished his spiel, he rose followed by an aid to exit the room, also in my direction! Yippee! A two-fer, I thought. I did the exact same thing by catching up to Cornyn at the rear door of the hearing room but he had an answer prepared for me, "Have you forgotten about 9/11?" I replied as calmly as I could muster, walking fast to keep up, "Everyone knows, Senator that the hijackers were Saudi and Egyptian NOT Iraqi. Don't try to use that on me. Do you really think all Americans are THAT ignorant?!" He turned away from me out the foyer into the hallway with nothing more to say.

While I had been out of the room, the infamous Senator Joe Lieberman had entered the room. I did not notice him until I had sat down next to Ms. Kravis to see how the kids were doing. Upon realizing that the Senator responsible for insulting the nation of Iran and sending CODEPINKERS shivers up our spines at the thought of more military strikes was in the room I told Ms. Kravis that I needed to make a sign. I moved near Liz and we both proceeded to write on our hot pink paper, DONT IRAQ IRAN in huge bold letters. When Lieberman finally gave me eye contact, I waved my sign at him. He actually gave me a brief smile. (So wierd! I guess he still thinks of us as his CODEPINK friends.)

Soon after, Ms. Kravis indicated that her students wanted to move on to the next hearing. We, Liz, I and Mabel, who had joined us proceeded down the hall to the stairwell connecting us to the Dirkesen building. Mary Tyler Moore and a former NBA basketball player who's name escapes me testified about the need for government assistance for juvenile diabetes. We ran into Carl Levin who, hunched over as he was, still managed to speed walk between hearings.

This room, a huge one, was packed with observers, press and many children wearing t-shirts with the logo of the organization sponsoring the witnesses. We did not stay long due to the students tight schedule and their desire to get into Senator Barack Obama's office.

After returning to the Hart building we took the elevator up to the 7th floor. Coincidentally, the Senator was on TV as we entered room 713. His staff looked on curiously as we led the students and their teachers into the already busy office. Ms Kravis mentioned with pride that she was from Illinois, the state the senator represented.

It appeared that staffers were coming and going. A young African-American man approaching the desk from behind closed doors seemed genuinely interested in the group so after telling him about us, I asked him to introduce himself to the class and share with us what he did for the senator. He explained that he was a summer intern, only 20 years old and that his job was to handle phones and other communications and that he would return to college in August. He smiled and answered a few questions and promised to share the comments that students Reina Guzman and others had for the senator.

From here we proceeded on to the tunnels below the senate offices so as to stay out of the suffocating heat and reach Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's office without breaking a sweat. We were received equally inquisitively there and waited about ten minutes to speak with Joshua Williams her Legislative Aid on Foreign Affairs, who seemed, by the way, not much older than the kids from Chavez. Nor did he seem at all bothered by the fact that he spent about 30 minutes speaking with CODEPINKERS the day before.

Aditya Nepali, a young man who mentioned to Liz that he would be visiting his grandmother in Nepal this summer, spoke quite eloquently about how they had been studying the facts on Iraq and that there were differing opinions amongst the group. Darryl Robinson suggested that each religious faction, the Kurds, the Shias and the Sunni should each have their own country in order to stop the sectarian violence. Mr. Williams replied that this is an opinion that has been spoken by senators also. Several of the students seemed reluctant to talk to this man who was not much older than they so we asked to take a picture with him which he gladly did. Too bad Senator Clinton is not as warm as her aid. I asked if he would tell the Senator that we stopped by and reminded him that these were students for peace. He assured us that our visit would be communicated. With a smile and warm handshakes we said goodbye.
Our morning was flying by, so after a quick granola bar gift from Ms. Kravis, we hiked in the heat and glare of the summer sun over to the House side of Capitol Hill. There we arrived a tad bit late to the Hip Hop Caucus press briefing on torture. Reverend Yearwood nodded in approval as we entered and quietly took two rows of seats at the rear of room 2237, (I think!) while the ex-military chaplain implored us to rise up against Jim Crow, Jr. Esq. just as both blacks and whites did in the Civil Rights movement. He then introduced our heroine, Barbara Lee, who after recognizing the various social justice groups represented in the room, reminded us all that in a not too distant past, she lived the struggle of the Civil Rights movement. Both Rev. Yearwood and Congresswoman Lee spoke to upholding the Constitution, the need to restore Habeas Corpus and the closure of Guantanamo. (Ms. Kravis sent around to her students a sheet of paper on which she had written an explanation of the situation in Guantanamo.) During the applause for the Congresswoman, we filed out of the hearing room into the hall. Seconds later, Ms. Lee appeared walking briskly with her aid. Liz greeted her excitedly so that she agreed to pose with the kids. "We love you!" We shouted as she waved back after the picture.

Exuberant with hungry teens in tow, we practically skipped to the cafeteria for lunch and banter before heading home, each group on to it's next appointment, Liz and I with the Dallas Morning News photographer and Cesar Chavez Charter School for Public Policy students with a soldier recently returned from Iraq.

Back in D.C.

by Barbara Hilton

Hi all.

It's Tuesday morning 7:30, very hot here in D.C. I wanted to connect with everyone and let you know what I've been doing since I arrived on Sunday.

There are about twenty people here at the Codepink house. Well-known activists Medea, Ann Wright, and Reverend Billy are here, as well as numerous lesser-known-nationally but equally-active women from Virginia, D.C., Missouri, New York State, NYC, Pennsylvania, Maine,Texas, California, Washington State, Arizona, Maryland, and NH. People come daily and others leave. All are committed to changing the status quo in this country and the world. I learn so much from them, just from a ten-minute conversation walking through the halls of Congress or waiting in the halls of the Codepink house to use one of the three bathrooms.

Sunday, shortly after I arrived and settled in, we had a workshop given by the Pachamama Alliance. http://www.pachamama.org/ This alliance is an organization protecting the Earth's rainforests and the indigenous people who live there, and blending the knowledge and wisdom of indigenous cultures with people in the "modern" world. Those of you who saw John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, speak at UNH might remember him talking about a group of indigenous people in Ecuador that he was now working with. This is that alliance.

The Symposium explored the link between three of humanity's most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. The material was good and interesting, although most of it was familiar. The presentation was stilted and would have been perfect for viewing by a middle school class. Those of you who teach would find much useful information on their web site.

Sunday evening we shared a supper of eggplant parmesan, cooked by the House Mama, Desiree, pasta and salad. It was delicious. I did not do much after dinner, I went to sleep. I was lucky to share an air-conditioned room and have a young woman willing to trade the upper bunk for the lower one. Much went on in the house, however. People talking, networking, sharing information and stories, new arrivals--more than I am aware of.

Monday morning we had a meeting around the picnic table in the back yard. We all introduced ourselves and talked briefly about our experiences coming to activism and lobbying. This was led and facilitated by Gael Murphy, one of the co-founders of Codepink, who is the Codepink representative to the UFPJ legislative coalition. Then, Liz, one of the resident D.C. activists, gave a presentation about lobbying on the hill.

I had managed to get an appointment with Martin Bayr, Senator Sununu's Legislative Aide, for 1:30 Monday and I was focused on learning what I could do to better prepare myself. Libby, the Codepink D.C. Coordinator, talked earlier in the morning about learning all one can about the different showcase positions of the Senator or Congress person you want to visit, and trying to tie your particular issue into theirs. I spent the next couple of hours reading up on Sununu's positions, only to realize that my brain was incapable of storing any of this information and that it would be more useful and compassionate to myself to disregard this and focus instead on my storehouse of knowledge from past reading, listening, and learning and my passion to the cause of changing things from a war culture to one of peace.

I left the house with the intention of joining other activists at a noon action against Gonzales in front of the Justice Department. I walked in the heat, with pink umbrella unfurled, for only a few blocks when Rae, the D.C. Local Chapter Coordinator, stopped in a car and asked me if I wanted a lift. Foolishly I declined. Ten blocks later I was melting and stopped to rest in one of the parks near the Russell Senate Office Building, the site of my meeting with Senator Sununu's aide. I decided it would be wise to resist the temptation to continue on to the Justice Department--a much farther walk--try to cool down and calm down and arrive early at my appointment.

I arrived a full half hour early. The office staff offered to let Martin know I had arrived early, but he was not able to see me until our appointed time. I did not expect that he would change his schedule for me and was grateful to sit in the air-conditioned office. I was a bit disconcerted by the constant barrage from the TV tuned to Fox news, but I tried to tune it out.

At exactly 1:30, Martin Bayr showed up and escorted me into a large conference room where the two of us sat at the table across from each other and talked non-stop for over a half an hour, looking each other in the eye most of the time. My appointment was scheduled for fifteen minutes and I was appreciative of his flexibility and willingness to continue our discussion. We came from different positions, there is no question about that. But we listened to one another even though we disagreed.

I asked Martin how the peace movement could help him and the Senator move to a position of bringing the troops home by the end of 2007. Whenever we strayed from this topic, and we did frequently, I tried to refocus and bring the discussion back to this crucial issue. He responded by saying that we should continue doing what we were doing, talking with him. I asked if he could schedule an appointment for me with the Senator for some time over the next week while I was in D.C. and he said he would try, but that it was doubtful because the Senator was so busy. He said that if that didn't work, he would schedule one for me in New Hampshire when we were both back home.

At one point, Martin said that he was always reading new information about the situation in Iraq and I asked him if he would be willing to read information that I forwarded to him from alternative sources. He gave me his card with his email address and said that he would, although he also said that he was much more responsive to phone calls than emails. I gave him a copy of the Report of the Citizens' Hearing on the Legality of U.S. Actions in Iraq: The Case of Lt. Ehren Watada which I had brought with me from the Codepink House and some information on Codepink. I told him Codepink had come to NH. I also had the opportunity to present him with two PrioritiesNH pens.

A little after 2:00, we shook hands and parted. I felt it was a productive, useful and necessary start to a dialogue that I hope will continue.

As I walked out of the conference room, I was immediately met by a young woman, Emily Brooks, President of the D.C. Federation of College Democrats, who, seeing my Codepink t-shirt, wanted to talk with me about Codepink. She had spent the last year working on the issue of HPV and availability of the vaccine against this virus. She was now turning her focus to war and the peace movement, had heard a lot about Codepink, and wanted to speak with them about these issues. I gave her contact information and invited her to the Codepink house for the weekly potluck supper on Wednesday evening.

I then left the Russell building and with my new cellphone was able to contact the other activists on the Hill, find out where they were, and meet up with them. I met them in the Dirksen cafeteria where I got some lemonade and a quick catch-up on their morning activities. We then headed over to the House side of the Hill, singing Codepink songs along the way. "We are Codepink, we are proud, we are sisters, we are loud, we are many, we'll be more, and we'll stop this bloody war!" Over on the House side of the Hill, several of the activists were planning on visiting their respective Representatives. We must have visited five or six offices with varying amounts of receptivity. Usually some staff member would sit down and talk with us, if only briefly. Close to 5:00 p.m. half of us decided to head back to the Codepink house and the other half went over to the White House. I sauntered with my unfurled umbrella back to the house with the others, trying to shade Bertha, a 78-year-old fellow activist from Schnectady, New York who reminded me of my aunt, and who was clearly not used to the heat either.

Back at the house, a cold shower revived me. I checked in with my email and tried to relax a bit. By six o'clock people were gathering in the dining room getting ready to celebrate Libby's twenty-sixth Birthday. We had pizza and cake and then started a brain-storming session around the next day's actions for the Take Back America Conference. We decided to center the action around the pink police outfits we have and use frequently. We would take part by being traffic police, stopping war, yielding to diplomacy, etc. We had a lot of fun taking familiar songs and coming up with new words for them. We later went down to the basement peace room and made and painted signs to go along with these songs for our action.

Some of us also worked on making pink badges that said "Another Student for Peace" that Des and Liz would use tomorrow on the Hill when they met the class from Cesar Chavez Middle School that they had been working with. They were going to take the kids to a Press Conference that the Hip Hop Caucus was holding in association with the Juneteenth Congressional Caucus and also visit some Congressional Reps' and Senators' offices.

I went up to bed around 10:00 and fell asleep shortly thereafter.

Now I'm off to the Take Back America Conference. I will continue this when I return.

It's 3:00 p.m., we have returned from the Take Back America Conference. There are some film-makers here talking with Des and Medea. Jodie Evans, the third co-founder of Codepink, has just arrived from St. Louis with big suitcases full of costumes and props, as well as new stock for the Codepink Store. Medea's husband has shown up for a brief time. I guess that they only see each other sporatically for a night here and a night there depending on where in the world they both happen to end up at the same time.

Leslie, one of my roommates, who started a hunger strike last week in protest against Lieberman's aggressive threats against Iran and stopped her strike after 5 days when a meeting was held between her, Medea and some people from the Iranian community and some of Lieberman's staff, has restarted her hunger strike since he continues to threaten. She has rescheduled her flight home, which she was supposed to take tomorrow, so that she can stay until she feels that she has accomplished something. She hopes to stage another event later this week to call more media attention to the issue.

So, let me tell you a little about the Take Back America Conference. We pulled up out back of the Hotel to unload ourselves and all of our props. There was Senator Obama hanging out with some of his staff. As thirteen Codepinkers hopped out of two cars and started calling to him, he immediately jumped into the back of his waiting SUV and it took off. We asked staff left on the sidewalk if we had missed our opportunity to hear him talk, previously scheduled for noon, and were told that we hadn't. He would be there then.

We unloaded the car and headed in through the gym and down the halls to the Exhibition Hall where Codepink had a table set up. We gathered there and costumed ourselves as the Pink Police, got our constitutions, grabbed our signs, our cameras, our song sheets and started marching out to the lobby where the media were gathered. We stopped and lined up in front of the media and at the count of three began singing our renditions of Row, Row, Row Your Boat, "Take Back America, Work for Peace, not War," I've been working on the Railroad, what's called the Pink Police Song, "We defend the Constitution, We're the Pink Police," and When the Saints Come Marchin' In, "When we make Peace, instead of War, When we make Peace instead of War, Oh I want to be in that number, When we Make Peace instead of war."

This one was a particular favorite as other verses included things like "when all our troops, have left Iraq," "when we have peace, in the middle east," "when we build schools, instead of bombs," "when we have healthcare, instead of warfare," "when all the world, has human rights," plus it had such a catchy up-beat tune that the response was fantastic--much smiling and hand clapping. Cameras were clicking away. The media had turned its attention to us. Most people were pleased, but one woman came over, clearly annoyed with us, and asked us to stop. Others asked us to continue, so we moved to a less central locale and placated both groups.

One of the local D.C. TV stations that was broadcasting asked if we would do a segment for them and we were happy to oblige. They interviewed Medea with us in the background. On cue, we sang the Take Back America song. When the interview was over, Medea noticed Bob Borosage walk by, co-founder of the Campaign for America's Future, the sponsor of the Take Back America Conference, called him over and we did a group picture surrounding him with pink. I later learned that Codepink had been thrown out of last year's event.

We soon moved down the hall to a strategic landing where everyone had to pass who was going to go and listen to Barack Obama. We struck up the chorus again and felt much appreciated. When the crowd thinned out, we entered the ballroom and listened to Barack. Some of us, with louder, more theatrical voices, called out little messages when pertinent issues were brought up. The room was filled, the audience was enthusiastic.

As Barack was winding up, we headed back out to the landing and began another rendition of our songs. We kept this up until the halls had thinned out again, re-entered the now-much-less-filled ballroom and listened to John Edwards give his speech.

As Edward's wound up his remarks, we once again positioned ourselves outside the ballroom, sang and handed out reminders of Codepink's own information session to take place Wednesday on "How Can Progressives Bring the Troops Home in 2007?"-- a conversation with co-founders Medea Benjamin, Gael Murphy and Jodie Evans. We then started heading back to the Exhibition Hall as we handed out flyers entitled "Presidential Candidates and Iran: What are they Saying???" which had been prepared earlier by the D.C. staff.

We regrouped, decided to head over to Congress, grab some lunch on the Hill and go to some hearings. But marshalling thirteen or more Codepink activists is much like herding cats. Someone is always stopping to chat, someone else is being asked for an interview. Waiting, I saw a familiar face and walked up to embrace Marcia Moody. I hadn't seen her for at least a week, when we were both in Concord to try to get the Rules Committee of the State Legislature to allow a Resolution on Impeachment to be brought before the House during this year's session. We talked briefly. She said she had heard us singing. I invited her to the Codepink House for the potluck supper Wednesday night.

Soon several of us had gathered with one of our drivers and proceeded to go upstairs in preparation for our ride to the Hill and some much-needed lunch. Awaiting us at the top of the stairs were tables full of free boxed-lunch sandwich wraps--your choice of veggie, chicken, or turkey, with accompanying pickles, carrot and celery sticks, cookies, apples and bottles of water. Famished we all took a box and a bottle and headed for the lobby to sit down and eat. It was delicious and just the right price!

After eating, several of us, myself included, decided to go back to the house. Shortly after we returned, the house filled up with people. The Codepink staff went to the basement peace room for a staff conference. The rest of us fanned out to do our own things.

Tomorrow is another busy day. Some of us are going back for the final day of the Take Back America Conference. We have an important flyer to leave on all the seats before Hillary's speech. Nancy Pelosi is scheduled to talk as well. There are more hearings and actions on the Hill. Tom Hayden is scheduled to visit. We have our weekly potluck supper with guest Tilly Reed, an NGO worker in Afghanistan. I'll write more soon.

In Peace.
Barbara
Codepink NH

Pink Police Take Back America!

CODEPINK's Pink Police are singing at the Take Back America conference in DC, telling presidential candidates to stop funding the war and, with respect to Iran, to take military attack options off the table.

Click here to see our slideshow of Pink Police photos from Take Back America!
That's us with the director of Take Back America, after our debut performance on a tv network!

Stopping Lieberman/Stopping the Next War Now

Medea Benjamin

On June 10, Senator Joe Lieberman said on CBS Face the Nation that he had seen incontrovertible evidence that Iran was training and equipping Iraqi extremists to kill American soldiers and that we should prepare for military strikes against these training bases in Iran. He also decried Iran’s nuclear weapons program, insisting that if we hope to stop their nuclear weapons development, “We can’t just talk to them. If they don’t play by the rules, we’ve got to use our force, and to me that would include taking military action.”

Leslie Angeline, a member of the peace group CODEPINK who had just returned from a citizen diplomacy delegation to Iran, was appalled by the Senator’s remarks. The next day, she began a sit-in at his DC office and decided to fast until the Senator agreed to meet with her and other activists. We also alerted our CODEPINK supporters to call Lieberman’s office, and the phones were ringing off the hook. By the afternoon, the Senator had agreed to a meeting on Thursday, June 14.

On Thursday, a group of 60 people—including members of the Iranian community--showed up for the meeting. The group’s anger only deepened when we were told by Lieberman’s staff that the Senator had changed his mind and was no longer willing to meet.

Tensions mounted in the packed office as the group insisted on seeing the Senator and the staff called the police, who gave a warning that everyone would be arrested if they refused to leave.

Leslie Angeline now on the fifth day of her hunger strike, broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. “I MUST talk to the Senator,” she pleaded. “He has to know that the Iranians are beautiful, warm, kind people, that 70 percent of them are under 30, that they love Americans, that they have never attacked another country in 200 years and have no intention of attacking the United States.” Leslie took out stunning photos of Iranian children that she had taken on her trip. “These are the children who would die if we bombed Iran. We’ve already killed so many Iraqis; we just can’t do this to the people of Iran,” she cried.

The Iranian women in the group began hugging Leslie and crying as well. The emotional exchange, being filmed on camera, must have embarrassed the Senator’s staff. They backed down from the threat of arrests and instead agreed to have their chief of staff, legislative director and Middle East aide meet with three of our team while the others waited in the hallway.

Inside, our group argued for over an hour about how to deal with Iran. The staff claimed that classified briefings proved that Iran is “responsible for the murder of Americans in Iraq”. We asked for and received no evidence backing these claims. We said that the Iraqi government, protected by US forces, was pro-Iran so why would Iran want to kill American soldiers? Our group insisted that even if these concerns about Iran were real, if the US attacked Iran, the Iranian government would certainly retaliate against US soldiers in Iraq—and U.S. deaths would soar.

Our team argued that the timing of Lieberman’s statement on national TV was extremely harmful to the ongoing, delicate negotiations that had begun last month in Baghdad and that it left the perception that Lieberman was trying to scuttle the talks. We noted that confrontational rhetoric from such a prominent U.S. official only strengthens the hand of the hardliners in Iran.

The staff pointed out that on Monday Lieberman reaffirmed his support for US-Iranian negotiations. We replied that his bellicose statements were much more prominent and asked that Lieberman speak out more forcefully in favor of negotiations. They agreed to pass this concern to the Senator.

Our visit to Lieberman’s office with both emotional and well-reasoned arguments, combined with a powerful show of community support and calls from his constituents, seemed to have made an impact and the Senator might think twice in the future before publicly promoting a military attack on Iran. Just to be sure, we assured his aides we represented a much larger constituency and we would be back in greater numbers if the Senator repeats the threat of military force instead of actively supporting dialogue. We also repeated our request to meet directly with the Senator, and we have asked local peace groups and individuals in Connecticut to continue to pressure the Senator in his home state.

What we can learn from the war in Iraq is that once a war has started, it acquires a momentum of its own and becomes harder and harder to stop. That’s why it’s so critical to prevent a war with Iran before it starts, and holding elected officials like Senator Lieberman to account is a key element of stopping the next war now.

Medea Benjamin, cofounder of CODEPINK and Global Exchange, is coauthor of Stop the Next War Now. Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org) organizes citizen diplomacy delegations to Iran and CODEPINK (www.codepinkalert.org) is pressuring elected officials and the presidential candidates to stop supporting a military attack on Iran. To join us contact info@codepinkalert.org.

Because It's Their Future

Because It’s THEIR Future: Teaching Kids About Democracy
Desiree Fairooz

Since I knew we’d be busy all day Thursday with the action at Senator Lieberman's and the subsequent evening at Ralph Nader's book signing, I decided to get all our props together two nights early for our presentation to the kids at Cesar Chavez Charter School for Public Policy.

The César Chávez Public Charter School was founded in 1998 in response to lagging academic performance and low high school graduation rates among District of Columbia public school students, especially among minority and low-income students. Founder Irasema Salcido wanted to provide inner-city students with a rigorous, high-quality education that would prepare them for college and inspire them to civic be involved in shaping public policy.

So after the all day action at the Hart and Russell Buildings "lurking" for Lieberman and an evening winding down at Busboys and Poets, I checked for directions how to get there via the Metrobus and that I had everything we needed for the kids at Cesar Chavez.

Supplies & gifts we packed were:
· "No Torture" vest
· Impeach Bush poster
· two Pink Police shirts and caps
· Condi, Bush and Gonzo masks
· jailbird outfit (for the war criminals)
· crime-scene tape
a pocket-sized constitution for each student
"Don't Buy Bush's War" bumper stickers
· CODEPINK dvd & buttons
· scrapbook and Sunday’s Washington Post article
· and of course our "bible": the Congressional Directory that contains color photos of all the senators and congressmembers.

When Liz and I left the house the morning of our presentation, it was cool, breezy and slightly overcast—we headed towards the bus stop on 5th and H. We initially took the X2 bus towards the White House, not realizing that the school was in the opposite direction (good thing I asked the bus driver to let us know when we arrived at the Minnesota Metro stop). The metro bus system is just as timely as the D.C. Metro and Liz and I arrived with several minutes to spare.

Cesar Chavez Charter School for Public Policy is located in an area of the District dominated by red brick project houses, called either Paradise or Mayfield depending on which side of the street you’re on.

Directly across the street from the Mayfield housing, stood the school that Liz said reminded her so much of her old junior high school but newer, better maintained, and well-staffed. We found the school to be inviting with its glass doors, wide hallways lined with student work and murals, and its huge floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the parking lot and adjacent tree-lined housing. We entered the office to sign in and were warmly greeted by Tamar Cunha, the other teacher facilitating this special project. Her colleague,Laura Kravis, a young enthusiastic teacher, had invited us via email:

I'm an 8th grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School here in DC. We do a 2 week public policy project in June, and my small group (20-ish kids and 2 teachers) is focusing on taking action on the Iraq War. We are using the week of June 11 to do research, gain info about the options before us, and plan action! Early the following week we plan to take various kinds of actions to show the kids how they can make their voices heard. That said, I know Code Pink walks the halls of Congress daily, and I was wondering about two possibilities: 1) Would it be possible for someone from your organization to talk to our kids (perhaps Friday, June 15) about going to Congress to lobby legislators: rationale, logistics, etc.? 2) Then, early the following week, could some or all of my group come to Congress with you to spread their message about the war?

The kids seemingly self disciplined in getting to and from lockers and classrooms greeted us excitedly, whispering "CODEPINK!" and waved. We entered a large airy classroom whose walls were covered with a giant-sized teacher-made map of Iraq that included city names and provinces. Also around the room were several t-charts of pros & cons, Sunni & Shia and other issues involved in the war in Iraq that the students had studied prior to our arrival. Ms. Kravis mentioned that they had spoken to Keith Ellison and other congressmen about Iraq. Liz and I introduced ourselves, explaining where we were from and why we do what we do with CODEPINK. I passed out photos of soldiers who had died in Iraq. Ms. Kravis asked the students why I had done that and explained that it personalized the war. We then showed the CODEPINK dvd, shared our props, inviting brave ones to dress up as Pink Police or Alberto Gonzales. They got a special kick out of putting on the masks. (see photos)

We then prompted the kids to make comments or ask questions. A couple of them had family members either in the military or had a military history. We answered their myriad questions as best we could, "Do you think President Bush knows about CODEPINK.?" asked one. "If Iraq is our friend, wouldn't you want to help your friend out? I would have to help my friend.", said the student with the dreadlocks.

Proving to be the next generation of leaders, we commended Ms. Kravis and Ms. Cunha on their students and for allowing us to share our message. In departing Liz waved, "Study hard, kids! You're our future." And I chimed in, "Hurry up we need you now!"

Senator Lieberman & Peaceful Conflict Resolution

By Marcia Jansen

To see a slideshow of photos of CODEPINK's action at Senator Lieberman's office, click here.

To see a slideshow of Leslie's photos from Iran, click here.

What resulted from Senator Joseph Lieberman's cancellation yesterday of
a scheduled meeting with Leslie Angeline, and other members of CODEPINK,
to discuss his recent remarks on CBS' "Face the Nation", that "…we've
got to be prepared to take aggressive military action against the
Iranians…", was a microcosm of the very dynamic we had come to protest,
the belief that ultimately you must use force to resolve conflict, and
our call for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict with Iran.

Senator Lieberman's cancellation of yesterday's scheduled meeting was an
acting out of the very U.S. policy which leads to war, death and
destruction – the refusal to talk to those with whom you disagree,
refusal to talk to your opponents, your enemy.

What followed Senator Lieberman's refusal to talk with us, demonstrates
the power of a willingness to be open – a willingness to talk to one
another.

Sixty people, from around the country, including leaders from the
Iranian community, came to Senator Lieberman's office at the original
meeting time of 4:30 p.m., yesterday afternoon. After all sixty of us
completely filled the reception area of Senator Lieberman's office,
Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, again asked that Senator
Lieberman meet with us, as originally scheduled, and recounted the
series of events that led up to the cancellation of the meeting.

The receptionist in Senator Lieberman's office kept insisting that we
leave and we kept insisting on meeting with Senator Lieberman. Finally,
we were given a warning by a member of the Capitol police to leave or
face arrest.

Then the phone rang. The receptionist answered the phone, left her desk
and went into another room. She returned with Senator Lieberman's chief
of staff who again told us the meeting had been cancelled and said we
must leave.

Leslie Angeline began to talk about her recent travels in Iran and the
beautiful people she met, and in a very emotional plea begged the United
States not bomb the people of Iran, 70% who are under the age of 30.

Senator Lieberman's chief of staff was visibly touched by Leslie's plea.
When Leslie was finished speaking, Medea Benjamin asked the chief of
staff if there was a high ranking staff member who would meet with a
delegation from the group. What resulted from that request was a
meeting which lasted over an hour with three members from our group and
Senator Lieberman's chief of staff, legislative director, and an aide on
the Middle East.

Yesterday we came to Senator Lieberman's office to advocate for a
resolution of the conflict with Iran, through diplomacy not war. What
subsequently played out in Senator Lieberman's office was a powerful
example that conflicts can be resolved peacefully.

The conflict yesterday, in Senator Lieberman's office, was resolved
through the power of persistence, words, good will, the power of
humanity and a willingness, on the part of everyone involved, to be open
and respectful of one another, a willingness to come face to face, a
willingness to negotiate and compromise and come to some agreement, some
understanding.

The principles and values that brought about the peaceful resolution to
the conflict yesterday in Senator Lieberman's office are the same
principles and values that can bring about a diplomatic resolution to
the conflict with Iran.

An Afternoon Without Senator Lieberman

Kit Kimberly

All our careful planning and work to open a dialogue with Senator Liebermanseemingly came to naught today when we arrived at his office to find our meeting cancelled. Well, that's not strictly true, as someone had calledMedea early in the day to tell her that, "We heard you're not coming for a meeting but to do a sit-in and a hunger strike."

Medea asked where they got that information.

"I'm reading it here on your website," the aide told her.

"Look at the date," said our fearless leader, conciliatorily. "That wasMonday. You scheduled the meeting, we left, and we're coming back for themeeting today."

Silence on the phone, then, "Just a minute." She then came back to say,"The meeting is still cancelled."

But many of us did not get this news. Mila and I, who met on the street on our way to the Hart Building, had not gotten the word. Others, also, were there at the designated meeting point outside the Second Street entrance to the Hart Building. Although they knew about the cancellation, Iranian-Americans Ross Pourzal, director of the Iranian group against US military interventionin Iran (CASMI) and Iranian peace advocate Marjan Shalla , were there as well. Medea gathered us together and suggested we stick with our original plan: A peaceful, diplomatic attempt to open dialogue with someone with whom we had a conflict on relations with Iran—just, in fact, the kind of tactful position we want someone likeSenator Lieberman (and other brave members of congress) to take towardsIran.

Inside the building were Liz, Desiree, Diana, Susan and hunger-striker Leslie, dressed in a beautiful, shimmering pink gown. Leslie is my roommate in the Pink House, so I know she has not been sleeping well—between lack of food and lack of sleep, she seemed quite fragile. We gave her lots of hugs and encouragement before heading up to the 7th floor.

There, Liz and I gathered signatures of media members Kathleen, Barry andAlex from WhyNotNews and Adrian Shanker from Faith In Public Life. We looked around for Matt Small from the Associated Press or Ryan Grim from Politico—then Medea told us that someone from the AP had called theSenator's office and been told there "was no meeting." Peace activists lined the hall on both sides, all the way from the elevators to Mr.Lieberman's office—at least 60 people were there for an action calledtogether the night before. Marjan had brought tapestries and linens as gifts from Iran for the Senator; Desiree had one of Leslie's photos of the beautiful Iranian children she met on her Citizen Diplomacy visit in a pinkframe, signed [heart] CodePink. We crowded into the office like well-disciplined sardines, with Medea, Leslie, Ross Pourzal and Robert Nieman, director of Just Foreign Policy, at the front asking why our meeting was cancelled. Kathleen and Barry's cameras whizzed as Lieberman's staff looked uncomfortably at each other and us (Igotta say, though, that front desk woman is competent and never lost hercool. She must have a tough job, defending that citadel).

Capitol police, only nominal when we first arrived, multiplied quickly.Word soon came that we were being asked to leave; if we did not leavevoluntarily, we would be arrested. We CodePinkers had already discussedthis possibility; Leslie was prepared to be arrested and go to jail—although five days into her hunger strike and sleep deprived, her fragility was a worry.

This fragility soon became the strength of the afternoon, however, as the Senator's Chief of Staff Clarine Riddle came out and asked us to leave. Leslie, speaking clearly but with great passion, said that she had come to confront the Senator about his remarks on using military force in Iran."These are the most warm, lovely, friendly people I have ever met," she told Ms. Riddle; her chin trembled and her voice broke. "Senator Lieberman's rhetoric is unbelievable. This is a nation that has not attacked anyone inmore than 200 years. How can the Senator even say such a thing?" Leslie's pain and sincerity were palpably, wrenchingly honest; even Ms. Riddle wasobviously moved by her words.

"I'm sure they are wonderful, they are beautiful children," the Chief of Staff began, unable to avoid the photos in front of her, "but you do not have an appointment with the Senator …" Around the room, calls of "Why not?" and "We did have one … what happened?" broke out. Sighing, the woman at the front desk picked up her phone and the police began to move in and speak.

Before they could finish issuing the warning, however, Medea spoke up and asked, "Would it be possible for just three of us—Leslie and two others—to meet with senior staff? Do you think that could be arranged?"

Ms Riddle nearly nodded, then said, "We can consider that option; but untilthen all of you have to move outside." Slowly but efficiently, we eased our way out of the office and lined back up against the walls. Capitol Police stood along the other end of the hall and watched us carefully, but there was no tension in the air. Medea went to the middle of the crowd and called the teach-in together. Individuals with knowledge or experience of Iran or the issues were invited to speak. Many did.

Several young Iranian-Americans—one who had only first visited the country of her ancestors a short while before—spoke about the love of Iranian youths for US freedoms and opportunities. Like Leslie, they pointed out the relative youth of Iran: 70% of the country is younger than 30; and how to attack their country would shock and bewilder them. Others addressed the fact that bombing Iran would not make the Middle East,the US, or the world any safer. To increase violence and warfare would decrease Iranian stability, and Middle Eastern stability in general. CodePink Training and Logistics Coordinator Rae Abileah spoke about how further war in the Middle East would only further threaten, not secure, Israel'sstability.

Mike Zmolek spoke about the report from Physicians for Social Responsibility that estimates the damage from a nuclear attack on Iran. His fact sheet cites plans for as many as 400 nuclear weapons against specific Iranian locations. The strikes would cause exponentially more damage than those on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing up to 4 million people immediately, with nearly 11 million suffering extreme effects from fallout, including "radiation sickness, future excess cancer deaths, genetic abnormalities … high rates of stillbirths, miscarriages, malignancies and hypothyroidism"—and the planned strikes would also destroy nearly all the local medical facilities.

One by one, many people took the floor—WhyNot captured most of it on film—to talk about how illogical and pointless a military on Iran would be. I took a deep breath and talked about my former student of academic English, Lalahvash, a young Iranian woman getting her PhD biochemistry in Australia.Then I pointed out that the only people who were benefiting from these wars were those who make the weapons and the private contractors. I suggested that as voters and citizens, we need to start investigating why these elected representatives take such irrational stands, and how closely they must be tied to the defense industry.

The discussions were heartfelt and informative, and continued until there was movement behind the Senator's door. After some initial shuffling,Leslie, Ross and Robert emerged from the inner sanctum. Their announcement was, generally, good news. Although, Ross noted, the staff members did argue in circles, they seemed genuinely interested and willing to take their findings back to Senator Lieberman. Leslie in particular seemed relieved and felt that they had listened. "They were open," she nodded, herself-possession restored. "I think we made an impact."

After some group photos and an inspiring close by Medea, we headed out—down to Busboys and Poets where Ralph Nader was speaking. Leslie felt encouraged enough by the meeting to break her hunger strike; and we spent the evening dissecting our success in the society of friends. As Medea said, "Sometimes, not getting the meeting is even better."

Action at Lieberman’s office on 6-14-07

By Susan O.

Earlier in the week, Lieberman had called for a bombing of the country of Iran. This inspired Leslie, who was staying at Code Pink House, to go on a fast until she could talk to Lieberman herself about these threats he made. Leslie had just returned from a trip to Iran with Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Here is what the foreign press reported on Lieberman’s comments:

From Asia Times: Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran

US Senator Joseph Lieberman's call for cross-border bombing raids into Iran appears to be the culmination of a two-week campaign by proponents of war to put the military option center-stage in the US debate over Iran once more. The immediate effect of reigniting the let's-bomb-Iran discussions is the undercutting of the recently initiated US-Iran talks over Iraq, which in turn will cause the military confrontation with Iran to be viewed in a new light. Lieberman out-hawked the administration of President George W Bush on the television news show Face the Nation this past Sunday by calling for "aggressive military action against the Iranians", including "a strike over the border into Iran". Repeating accusations - by now all but abandoned by the Bush administration - of Iranian complicity in the killing of US soldiers in Iraq, the Connecticut senator's comments caused a storm on Monday. Suddenly, the military option against Iran was once more at the center of the United States' Iran debate.

Yes, the world has noticed that Lieberman is calling for the bombing of Iran. Didn’t we learn in kindergarten not to threaten other people with harm?

Leslie and some other Code Pink women went to Lieberman’s office on Monday, June 11, to hold a fast and sit in until Lieberman agreed to meet with them directly. The office staff arranged a meeting for 4:30 PM on Thursday for Leslie and two others. This meeting was arranged directly with Lieberman.

During the week, there was lots of research done on Iran (like: Iran has not invaded or attacked another country in 200 years, except in response to other country’s aggression.) They researched comments made about Iran by Lieberman and other presidential candidates for 2008. There were pictures printed up, some laminated, one framed for this office visit. There were cloth signs made, saying things like “Iranians are my sisters” and “Don’t Iraq Iran” that people could pin to their shirts. They did press work, and they did outreach to local activists. Code Pink told their email contacts about what was going to happen. On the morning of June 14, we got word that the meeting was canceled.

After some discussion, the Code Pink women decided to go ahead with going to Lieberman’s office at the original appointment time. There were between 50 to 60 people there, and I counted eleven cops at one point that were just around me. Karendc did some live blogging on the event on Daily Kos from the hallway.

Just before 5 PM, staff at Lieberman’s office agreed to meet with three people (Leslie, Robert Naimen of Just Foreign Policy, and another guy whose name I do not have). Out in the hallway, the rest of us started a discussion on Iran and Iraq. One Iranian-American said he was embarrassed when he went to Tehran because of America’s actions. Someone spoke of their trip to Iran with Fellowship of Reconciliation. Code Pink encouraged people to sign their list and include contact information. An Iranian-American woman spoke of her love for both countries. She also commented on how our country is becoming despised around the world and how Iraq shows that war does not work. Medea read what Lieberman had said – Medea pointed out that Lieberman claims he has irrefutable evidence that Iran is making nuclear bombs, and she asked “where have we heard that before?” An activist from Portland was there and spoke about sanctuary movement for US soldiers who are going into the Iraq war.

A man named Ri’ed commented on WMDs in the USA. He said as a Muslim, he does not see a future for his children in this country, mainly due to financial reasons. He had gone to India and learned about Gandhi, and he says he will not pay taxes for war. Rae spoke as an Israeli-American and said that war on Iran will not make Israel safer, and as a Jew she found Lieberman’s statements outrageous. An Iranian said that Lieberman claimed that governments in the Middle East are concerned about Iran, and that these governments would be puppet governments. Robert Naiman (Just World News) said that it was very unfortunate timing in Lieberman’s comments, since we are just starting dialogue with Iran in Iraq recently. This was very counter-productive. He said that Lieberman is attempting to sabotage these efforts. He reported that Lieberman’s staff said this was not the intention, but this could be the consequence.

Leslie reported that in the meeting, she asked Lieberman to go to Iran, and she further asked that Lieberman prove that Iran is killing US soldiers. She stressed PROVING IT because she said that much of what has been told us about Iran is just a lie. She also stressed that the people of Iran were warm and welcoming to her without exception. She shared photographs that she took in Iran and said that we need diplomacy, not warmongering. She was very emotional. Leslie had done five days of fasting at this point.

Medea said that she felt we had brought a warm heart to the cold halls of congress and that she felt we were heard, thanks to all the people that were there. At the end, there were still 35 people in the hallway, but some had already left. The photo above is taken outside Lieberman’s office of some of the participants.

UPDATE: The US House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution that asks the UN Security Council to charge Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Genocide Convention, because he reported said that Israel should be wiped off the map. From an explanation by Prof. Juan Cole, this meant that Ahmadinejad felt that the country of Israel (not the citizens) did not have a right to exist and the “map” of the area should be restored to its former name, meaning that Israel would again be called Palestine. I do not agree with Ahmadinejad about the status of Israel or what it should be “restored” to – or to calling for the end of the Israel government. However, this is not calling for the killing of the people that live there. It is calling for the end of the government of Israel, which reminds me A LOT of the calling of certain states an “Axis of Evil” and calling for the end of the Saddam regime. What is really rich in this article is that it claims this is a step to use the instruments of international law against Teheran!! Like anyone in the US Congress ever cared about INTERNATIONAL LAW! Why, our press does not even know that such a thing exists! And what about Lieberman and McCain calling for the bombing of Iran – isn’t that a violation of international law? Isn’t that worse than calling for the end of the Israeli government? When did Ahmadinejad call for the invasion or bombing of Israel in public? Never, as far as I know.

Hypocrisy lives.

Florida campaign born during Mother's Day in DC

By Deidra Lynch
I must confess, in planning for my trip to the CODEPINK House in DC, I was just a little bit nervous about what to expect with that many women and that few bathrooms. But I am very proud to say that I never heard a negative remark (unless it was about our government representatives) or saw a single miff between any of the 25 to 50 women that were living or visiting the house daily. Well, only one, and it was tiny and on the last day there. The energy of this diverse and beautiful group of women was contagious and my week was full of delightful surprises, learning moments, lots of walking and political activist experience that was inspiring and applicable back in my own home state. I truly wish I could be there in Washington D.C. this week to meet all the new guests who are attending the first group of the Summer Training Sessions at the CODEPINK House and I am very excited to see what blossoms from their experiences.

During my first three days which started out with a community potluck, I was able to participate in the Women's Congress, help create beautiful props for some of our upcoming actions, participate in the Family Peace Festival with my eight year old daughter on Mother’s Day, learn how to “not” be arrested in a non-violent civil disobedience training presented by seasoned veterans and attorneys to answer our legal questions.

On Monday, we went to Cindy’s rally at Lafayette park and I walked around with a wide pink roll of duct tape, writing the death count for the day and tearing it off for people to stick on their shirts. It was a really good way to get a feel for the crowd and I could certainly tell who was with us and who was not, though the latter was small. I

After the rally we all marched to the Capitol and watched those who chose to volunteer, sit down with Cindy Sheehan in the street and raise the flag to half mast. The rest of us stood on the corners, cheering them on and singing songs of solidarity as the police peacefully arrested them one-by-one and loaded them into wagons. We returned to the house for the traditional, eating of Impeachment Pie by all.

That night after dinner was over I made a large pot of potato corn chowder for our jailbirds who were still being detained due to computer problems in the precinct. As groups of two to four women arrived home periodically during the evening, we offered them soup and bread and listened to their stories. At 4:30am, I washed the last dishes and went to bed for a few hours.

I woke up wondering how we could have done all those things in only four days and how we were going to fit the rest in to only three more days. I had emailed my representatives as soon as I knew my travel dates and secured tours to the Library of Congress, the Capitol and an invite to the weekly Constituent Coffee from our Senator Bill Nelson.

When we took the tour of the Capitol on Tuesday, given by Senator Nelson’s aide, there were several things that were said by his staff that were quite upsetting to me. When I asked if Senator Nelson was going to vote to fund the war (which he later did), the staff member told me that he didn't know but that more than 50% of the people calling in to the office, emailing and writing letters were in support of keeping the troops there and supportive of the surge. I was taken aback and quickly retorted that "those Republicans calling and writing were NOT the folks who had elected the Senator to office". I realized then that we needed the progressives in Florida to let Senator Nelson know that this war is unacceptable and that he needs to take a leadership role in getting it stopped. We thought he understood our message in November but apparently, he needs to hear it from us again.

After dinner that night, I had a long conversation with Lydia, the CODEPINK Tallahassee Coordinator. She and I were going together the next morning to the Constituent Coffee with Senator Nelson and we wanted to review the questions we would ask of him. Not knowing this was just going to be a short report by the Senator and then a photo op for those attending, we went prepared to discuss issues and we were very disappointed that he didn't have time to talk with us or take questions from the group. We did have a good but short conversation with his aide and we asked that she tell him that we had been trying to meet with him for a year and that we hoped that he would do that soon, either in DC or back at home.

We then headed to the Senate buildings to meet up with the CODEPINK Team for the final push before the vote that morning on the Feingold amendment that called for the troops to be out by April 1, 2008. Little did I know that these last hours would be my most memorable and so personally empowering. I began to walk with Medea for the next hour or more and was constantly amazed and inspired by her professionalism and her genuineness when talking to the Senators. If she saw a senator walk out of a door way, she would rush over to speak with them, extending her hand and her warm gracious smile. Keeping pace with her was breathless, but once Medea had made contact, she would completely calm her energy down to a quiet and persuasive woman with a strength in her voice that I have not heard often in my life. When Medea came upon Senator Lieberman, she smiled and said, “I know we don't agree on this matter, but if we are to ever come to any solutions then we must begin with discussion”. He actually smiled at her and then applauded our efforts. It was very inspiring and an amazing opportunity for my daughter as well.

That night, Lydia and I again discussed Senator Nelson and how disappointed we are in his representation of the state of Florida. We were both on fire from the week's actions and we promised each other that we would work together this summer to make sure that he hears us loud and clear. And so, a new campaign was born. The hardest part of the week was saying good bye to all our new friends but I was anxious to return home and put into action some of the things I had learned here in DC. I would encourage anyone who really wants to work for peace, to learn about the political processes, creative lobbying and just have an amazing time, to make plans now for the summer trainings being held at the CODEPINK House in DC. I would be there every week if I could! And here's hoping that the each group that passes through those rooms will be as empowered as the women from Florida were during Mother's Day week.

Now, for the rest of the story. Lydia and I have been working furiously for the last few weeks. We've organized and energized an entire coalition of peace groups from the state of Florida to "Focus on Nelson" this summer. On Monday, June 11th, Lydia began a 10 day tour of the state, visiting every one of Senator Nelson's eight offices. She has and will continue to be joined by other CODEPINK members as well as folks from over 40 supporting organizations for peace. In conjunction with each two hour meeting, we are asking supporters across the state to phone Senator Nelson’s offices and tell him to "Stop the War Now", empowering those who can't attend but want to make a difference.

Farida, our CODEPINK webmistress has worked with us to create an awesome CODEPINK Florida page that has the “Focus on Nelson” campaign information, talking points, meeting schedules and the latest info for us to use this summer. We are going to kick it up a notch in July with statewide telethons, “Home for the Holiday” ballot boxes and if Senator Nelson votes for war again in July, we intend to camp out at his house and/or his offices. And so hopefully, when the Florida campaign born during Mother' Day in DC is done, Senator Nelson will have heard us, loud and clear!

CODEPINK Florida Spotlight: “Focus on Nelson”
http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?list=type&type=312

Florida For Peace
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FloridaForPeace/

Peace: The Medium AND the Message

Kit Kimberly

The Pink House is awash with activity at the moment as we prepare to meet with Senator Joe Lieberman tomorrow (Thursday) to confront him on his comments that “we’ve got to be prepared to take aggressive military action against the Iranians …”. CODEPINK member Leslie Angeline has been on a hunger strike since Sunday in reaction to his statement. Leslie recently returned from a Citizen Diplomacy visit to Iran, where she met dozens of Iranians and was particularly touched by their kindness and warmth. Seventy percent of the Iranian population is under the age of 30—the same age as her son.

In the Peace Room, Liz and Mila prepare pink body banners that read, “Iranians are our Sisters” and “Peace Talks, not War Hawks”. Desiree paints a frame to hold one of Leslie’s photos of the beautiful Iranian children and families that she met while there. Phillip researches presidential candidates’ statements on military action against Iran. Medea, Rae and Ena network with media and other peace groups to bring attention to tomorrow’s meeting.

It’s amazing how, once we have a plan, CODEPINK goes into immediate overdrive. Over dinner we discussed our plan for tomorrow—who will meet with the Senator; who will be outside in the halls liaising with media and the Capitol Police; alternatives in case the Senator doesn’t show, or doesn’t listen; who will get arrested and how. Our message and the medium through which we deliver it will be all about peace. Pat, who was involved with the Vietnam anti-war movement, points out that our peace movement has a very different tone than that one.

“It was testosterone-filled—very militant,” she says. After having spent a couple of days on the Hill with CODEPINK, she’s impressed by the difference in our tactics. I, too, love the almost Southern-gentility of our approach. First of all, pink is such a warm, healing, non-threatening color—on my first day in the halls of Congress, I saw the affect that it has: People smile and seem welcoming, whatever their particular stand on the issue. As Pat notes, Medea (and Gael, until she got banned from the Hill) are always engaging, pleasant—assertive, but clearly there to open and maintain dialogue, not to set up untenable positions. It’s a style that wins more friends than makes enemies, and it’s one that I and my Pink Sisters all learn to emulate.

How much more successful, I can’t help thinking, would US foreign relations be if we used the same level of diplomacy—rather than bullying and violence—to achieve our goals. I, like many others, believe that many of those now targeted as US “enemies” have legitimate grievances against this country. But as my grandma used to say, you catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Why is it that, with so much military and economic might, the US can’t use its power for good? Why are we still building, selling and using weapons of mass destruction (oh, those WMDs—they’re not hard to find right here at home) when that money could go toward assisting, healing, educating and encouraging people all over the world to develop their own prosperous, peaceful cultures? When the US uses its military might to try to force nations to do what we want, those nations naturally get their backs up—no matter what it is we might want.

So I hope that the generosity and joy and devotion and dedication through which CODEPINK conducts its campaign for peace will begin to disperse throughout the entire political and diplomatic community—not only to end the war in Iraq and stop one in Iran, but also to bring about peace, justice and goodwill throughout the world, for now and for the future of the Iranian, Iraqi, Afghani, Sudanese, Albanian, Chechnyan, and all the other children who will one day inherit these conflicts and concerns. What better gift can we give our children—in a global society, these are ALL our children, they are the world’s children—than the tools through which to bring about peaceful, joyful change?

creepy legislators!!!

Today I went on lobby visits to speak with Rep. Tom Allen (Maine), Rep. Chandler office (Kentucky), and Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine)along with some young people who are doing the Iraq Action Camp this week. I had signed up for the camp, but ended up getting too immersed in CODEPINK stuff to go. I did go to the kick-off party last night where I met Alex, an Iraq War veteran who goes to school at Bowdoin in Maine and he invited me to go along with the group on lobby visits today. I had actually met Alex before when he came to speak at the Iraq Film Festival that I helped organize at my school. He talked about the the hopelessness of the US mission in Iraq and the low morale of the troops that was making their presence increasingly damaging. Hearing a first hand account of the situation in Iraq was much more real for me than anything I'd heard or seen in the news and it inspired me to become more active in the anti-war movement.

We visited Tom Allen's office first. This meeting went well. Tom Allen is very approachable and he has voted the right way on Iraq all along. I asked him if he advocated a complete withdrawal of the troops. At first, he seemed to be arguing that we should leave about 20,000 troops in country, but I argued that US troops have lost credibility in Iraq and any american soldiers, regardless of how many there are, will be viewed as the enemy and will be targeted. I also pointed out that I thought it would be viewed as an occupation, even if few american troops remain. He seemed to listen to what I said and said that he thought I might be right, but that there didn't seem to be any good solution.

Next, we went to speak with Rep. Chandler from Kentucky to support an Iraq Action Camper and veteran from Kentucky who didn't want to make the visit alone. Rep. Chandler is a "democrat" but has voted for EVERY SINGLE SUPPLEMENTAL BILL!!! He had a very arrogant attitude and wanted to spend the entire time talking so he didn't have to listen to what we had to say. He kept complaining about president Bush and talking about how horrible the war was, but he wouldn't pause for a moment to let us get a word in edgewise, so I finally asked him why he had voted for all the supplemental bills if he was so against the war. "Suddenly he was on the attack. What would that have done?" he wanted to know. "That would just have been a symbolic gesture." I'm not exactly sure what he meant by that. I told him that 70% of the American public was against the war and that the democrats had the majority in congress now because of this reason. I was very calm, but he was getting all hot around the collar, it would have been kind of funny to watch him work himself into a sweat, except that I was offended by his disrespect for my concerns. I noticed that he seemed to calm down every time a boy said something to him, but every time I spoke up again he got all upset again. The other girls in the room didn't dare to say anything.

He said that leftist groups like moveon.org needed to stop attacking democrats and focus on the real people in power, which is the president and the other republicans in Congress. He was very quick to point out how powerless he was. A perfect example of a democrat who is giving away his power in fear of the political consequences of standing up. It is so ironic because he doesn't understand that the american people are screaming for him to stand up and do something about the war. He's probably making more enemies that supporters by voting for more money to fund the war. I know I left his office disgusted today.

I was beginning to think that he was just a misguided coward, when I asked him how he felt about giving reparations to the Iraqi people so that they can rebuild their country after the troops withdraw. His response? "How do you feel about bankrupcy? Where do you think that money is going to come from?” I suggested that the billions of dollars in war spending could be put to much better use as reparations, but he said that the war spending was borrowed money. I wanted to ask, so why the hell did you vote for it?!!! But I could tell that the other kids in the room were getting a bit uncomfortable and decided to back down. By then it was almost time for our next appointment anyway, but he continued to garble on about global warming and the environment, which I’m willing to bet he hasn’t done anything about either. At the end, he shook my hand and thanked me for visiting with a slick smile and I made myself smile and pretend that I didn’t want to throw up.

The next lobby visit was pretty uneventful. Olympia Snowe didn’t show, but we talked to two of her staffers. I had spoken with one of them before. They were very friendly and took notes about what we said, even though Snowe is a republican. They said that she supported pulling the troops out if the Iraqi government does not comply with benchmarks that Snowe had crafted in her own bill, a bill that never passed. They admitted that it was not likely that the Iraqi government would comply. I pointed out that it was wasting time, money and precious lives to wait for the government not to comply with benchmarks that we know they won’t agree to. The staffers seemed to agree with me and they said that Sen. Snowe probably agrees with me as well, but had only added these benchmarks so that it have a better chance of passing. I wish one of these legislators would stop putting politics over what they know is right. All of these political concerns are so petty when you consider how many lives are being wasted while they thinking it’ll help them stay in power. Isn’t it interesting that they seem to think that in order to stay in power they must give it away?

It was a frustrating day, but it was probably as successful as it could be. I doubt my statements alone will shake these legislators out of their little world of politics, but it will add to the chorus of voices around the country that are speaking out against this illegal and devastating war, and hopefully these legislators will summon up the courage to carry out the will of the american people.

On Justice and Peace

By Philip Champon

The connection between Peace and Justice is an idea many of us are familiar with and something we believe in. To ensure that Peace is attained and Justice is restored requires our constant attention and to that end, the Senate Committee on Rules and Adminstration met with four men on June 13th to determine whether they were suitable comissioners for the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).

The FEC is a small, albeit important department within the executive branch of our government. The commission is made up of six members, three Democrats and three Republicans. This groups handles a myriad of election related issues including campaign finance reporting, enforcement, etc. They've apparently been quite busy of late, taking in a whopping 4.1mm in fines and prosecuting a record number of cases as well.

There is one appointee of particular interest to our cause, Hans von Spakovsky. Mr von Spakovsky has been serving as a recess appointed commissioner since January 4, 2006 and President Bush would like him to be a member of the FEC until April 30, 2011. Spakovsky's ascension to this position puts the cynicism of the administration on full display... All you need to do is review his record.

Hans has worked dilligently over the years for "voters' rights". Historically, both Democrats and Republicans have committed resources to this fight, using very different tactics. Democrats have often pursued "voter access" laws, making it easier for citizens to register to vote. Mr von Spakovsky sits squarely on the side of "voter integrity", a euphemism for the GOPs attempts to discourage and discount minority votes.

On behalf of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, Spakovsky wrote an article supporting the purging of voter rolls for the Atlanta area, way back in 1997. This cause was taken up by the Voter Integrity Project (the GOP certainly does have a handle on spin and marketing) and they ultimately contracted with ChoicePoint, of Florida fame. During the '00 snafu in Florida, Spakovsky also volunteered for the Bush campaing, though his role is unclear.

Within a year of his benevolent volunteer work in Florida he landed a job with the Department of Justice as an attorney in the Voting Section and quickly ascended to counsel for the Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division. As counsel to the AAG, Mr von Spakovsky would review numerous voting rights laws and actions, no doubt injecting his heinous, partisan cronyism into an increasingly politicized DOJ (we can't know for sure, because he cited client attorney privilege during his testimony). Spakovsky failed to recuse himself when Georgia came knocking, looking to implement their lopsided voter ID law. He also apparently sided with the Texas Republicans, during their redistricting efforts... Again citing client attorney privilege, Spakovsky declined to share the advice he gave to superiors, but he said he thought, "they made the correct decision."

The Georgia case is particularly troubling, because Spakovsky wrote a paper, under the pseudonym "Publius", in advance of the decision made by DOJ, supporting the ID regime. This raised speculation that his allegiance had already been sold. Furthermore, Spakovsky disregarded the opinions of career members of the DOJ to help enact the new Georgia laws. The voter ID cards, it was later found, could only be purchased in some 50 locations within the state and not one of those could be found in Atlanta. Fortunately, these laws were eventually struck down as unconstitutional and lambasted as, "Jim Crow-era poll taxes."

As if all of this wasn't enough (and there's more), six senior people from DOJ's Civil Rights division and numerous individuals sent letters urging the Senate committee to reject this man's appointment to the FEC.

For more details, see TPM Muck Raker, Jeffery Toobin, Wikipedia, civilrights.org, CLC Blog and McClatchy

Accepting this man as a commissioner on the FEC would be a major set back for all of us. Please contact your Senator and urge them to reject Hans von Spakovsky's appointment.

Members
Democrats
Dianne Feinstein, CA Chairman
Robert C. Byrd
Daniel K. Inouye
Christopher J. Dodd
Charles E. Schumer
Richard J. Durbin
E. Benjamin Nelson
Harry Reid
Patty Murray
Mark L. Pryor

Republicans
Robert Bennett, UT Ranking Member
Ted Stevens
Mitch McConnell
Thad Cochran
Trent Lott
Kay Bailey Hutchison
C. Saxby Chambliss
Chuck Hagel
Lamar Alexander

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

By Susan O.

US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Meeting
June 12, 2007

This was an open meeting on Intelligence and Terrorism Ideology Report, with three outside experts giving their opinion and answering questions from the Senators. This hearing did not cover intelligence sources inside our own government (is there any? I wonder.) It was an open hearing. There were five Code Pinkers there when it started, and I think nine by the ending. The chairman was Senator Rockefeller and the vice-chair was Senator Bond. The focus was on Islamic terrorists, with no mention of Christian terrorists or any other kind. Timothy McVeigh just does not rate. The opening comments from Senator Rockefeller said that he is concerned that the progress in capturing and killing terrorists has been undermined and that the rate of terrorism has metastasized since Afghanistan. He would be correct in his perceptions.

Rockefeller commented on two recent studies. The first one reported that we are not “winning” this war on terrorism, indeed terrorism is spreading. This report was from the State Department Annual Country Reports on Terrorism, done in conjunction with the National Counterterrorism Center. There has been a 25% increase in attacks and a 40% increase in deaths from terrorism just from 2005. (They obviously define terrorism as violence by non-state actors, and do not include violence by establish militaries or even militias or private security contractors that they happen to like. For example, the shootings by Blackwater personnel in Iraq of unarmed civilians would not be considered terrorism.)

The second report said that Muslim Americans are diverse in their attitudes and mostly assimilated into our society. They reject Islamic extremism for the most part, but there is a minority (13%) that agrees that suicide bombings of civilians to protect Islam can be justified, at least sometimes. And about 53% agree that it has been harder to be a Muslim since 9/11. Only 25% believe that the US war on terror is a sincere effort to reduce terrorism.

Then Senator Rockefeller went on to explain that he felt we needed to understand as much as we could about what causes an individual to get involved in violent terrorism.

This meeting DID NOT cover what behaviors and actions and the amazing amount of violence that the US authorities are taking to inspire people to respond with more violence. It was all about what cultural or social factors might inspire other people to become violent. It was rather like “we” had NOTHING TO DO with the growing amount of suicide bombings around the world, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rockefeller commented that it is hard to understand why they would want to kill innocent civilians without a hint of irony.

Vice-chair Senator Bond started out by blaming the media. He felt that they were encouraging more terrorism by not reporting what the US military says was happening in Iraq. He said we have to focus on ideology front and convince them we have good intentions (like hell we do) and to back it up with specifics which he said we are not doing enough of. Well, he’s right on the last one. However, if we stop bombing and invading their countries, THAT may go a long way towards fighting the ideology front, in my opinion.

The first speaker was Stephen Ulph from the Jamestown Foundation. He said his purpose was to research and map out the ideology from inception to acting out and that the ideology struggle is the heart of jihadist culture. He said on our side, those who are fighting jihadists think they are fighting individuals when they are actually fighting an ideology. He said his research showed that the majority of materials on jihadist chat forums and sites are under “doctrinal” or “cultural” sections. They are not under news commentary or audio-visual propaganda. He did not define what constitutes “propaganda” in his views, nor did he comment on what may be driving people to look at these doctrinal or cultural sections.

From his hand out about the jihadists organize and train recruits into being radicals:

>They show how the mujahideen attract the uncommitted broad armchair sympathizer, detach him from his social and intellectual environment, undermine his self-image hitherto as an observant Muslim, introduce what the ideologues claims is “real Islam”, re-script history in terms of a perennial conflict, centralize jihad as his Islamic identity, train him not only militarily but also socially and psychologically for jihad and doctrinally defend the behavior of the mujahideen against criticism.<

Sound awfully close to me to “basic training” in our military. This speaker says that this ideology and its propagation have been going on for decades, and all of this is open source information. He said that this is being fought for the minds of the Muslim youths.

He did not speak to what motives or causes might be behind this behavior at all. I personally feel that violence is always wrong. I also feel there is no excuse for violence, but there are explanations. His presentation focused on how the jihadists were promoting violence, not on why they might be inspired to do so. But in his handouts, he did advocate for taking sides and fighting the jihadists teachings and attempts to recruit Muslim youths. He feels we need to tackle the production process that goes into making jihadists. He said in his handout that we need “to protect ourselves from the slow erosion of our commonly held values which alone can safeguard our peace and our freedom”. He is referring to the erosion by the jihadists, not by Homeland Security and the Military Commissions Act, which came from our own Congress, not from Islamic jihadists.

The second speaker was Kim Cragin from the Rand Corporation. Her topic was “understanding terrorist ideology”. Her area of research is to look at what motivates individuals to become terrorists as well as what influences communities to sympathize with terrorist groups. Her handout states that there is variation in what motivates individuals and groups across countries and communities. She attempted to answer two questions – how have al Qaeda reached out, and how has communities responded?

The current al Qaeda had its founding in the war in Afghanistan, where Arab fighters were recruited to fight Soviet forces there. (No mention was made of US support and arms for those fighters.) One aspect of this was publication of al Jihad magazine, and other publications, that said it was a religious duty to support the Afghan jihad. The same people who were behind this effort also tried to indoctrinate them in what some refer to as the violent Salafi jihadi movement, which formed the core of the development of Islamic terrorism in the later 1980’s. Most Salafi leaders are not violent – but all feel that a lack of Islamic law is the basis of society’s problems like poverty and corruption.

One component of their philosophy is that they believe only God can make laws, and that any humans or governments who do so are “infidels” and therefore true Muslims should wage jihad against them. However, these same groups do not have the solutions to today’s problems faced by today’s governments. (I would add – neither do the current governments, although I suppose it is possible they could do a worse job than they are currently doing.) The developing terrorists were also concerned with the significance of regional factors, such as the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia, which seems to be the basis of the anti-Americanism that developed in the 1990’s from this group.

This speaker pointed out that Hamas has come out strongly against al Qaeda, because of their attacks on Hamas for participating in an election and because al Qaeda has harmed many civilians. Hamas, no doubt, feels the same way towards Israel and the USA for harming so many civilians. I have NOT found any concern on their part about the Israeli civilians that they have harmed. And I have NOT found any REAL concern on the part of Israel or the USA for the civilians that they have harmed. Each group is extremely concerned about the harm inflicted by someone else, particularly when it is harming someone of their own group. As to concern for the harm they are inflicting – well, that mainly seems to be absent.

This speaker said that al Qaeda has tried to keep the various fractions together across the Muslim world in the Middle East and in northern Africa, with various degrees of success. The main points for cohesion to al Qaeda are anti-Americanism and corruption in local governments.

This speaker claimed that ideology, politics and poverty all serve as motivators to terrorism to varying degrees. She also mentions in her handout that the process of radicalization of Islamic terrorists is similar to the process of recruitment of students into cults here in the USA. She based this on the research of Phillip Zimbardo who did the Stanford prison experiment. The Stanford prison experiment demonstrated what happens to human behavior under certain conditions, and how the “system” can produce abusive and cruel behavior in otherwise normal people.

This speaker also states in her handouts that political and economic grievances are what justifies the use of violence to resolve problems for these groups. That is also true for our country.


The third and final speaker was Daniel Kimmage of Radio Free Europe. He spoke about Sunni insurgents in Iraq, and they will have a full report published later this month. He spoke about the terrorist ideology, and the several factors they have identified. This includes the legitimacy of violence; license to target opponents (Muslim or non-Muslim); a global struggle between faith and unbelief; a backwards looking utopia; license to target Muslims who have strayed; and the need to target the USA, Israel, and “apostate” rulers in the Muslim world. The bush/cheney administration and many of our elected officials also share many of these values. Unfortunately.

This speaker says the number of al Qaeda is small, but their violence against civilians and their exploitation of media has made them more of an international prominence. He also stated that terrorism springs from “social and economic problems, misgovernment, and an ideology that presents itself as a panacea”. And that the US became a target because of “the perception that it supports and uses corrupt Arab regimes”. This would be a perception rooted in reality, in my opinion.

This speaker talks about the man fissures within the overall jihadist ideology. He also points out that many Iraqi insurgents are not al Qaeda, but conflict in Iraq is a boost to al Qaeda globally. (And the longer we stay, the more this will increase, in my opinion.) Iraq’s fighting is attracting foreigners to join in, but Iraq is viewed by al Qaeda as only part of the global struggle.

This ended the presentation from the speakers, and I have no links to their works, but if I had more time, I am sure that goggling their names or corporations would yield more information. Next, we had statements and questions from our Senators. Some were good, but many of the questions reflected a shallow world view, in my opinion.

Senator Rockefeller started by saying there are multiple groups attacking in Iraq (over 30) but US forces say 90% of the attacks are from al Qaeda. One speaker on the panel said that al Qaeda in Iraq has really good media. Rockefeller wanted to know why we did not understand Iraq better……. I am not sure what there is to understand in ruining a culture and all its infrastructure and letting chaos and violence reign. I don’t know what there is to understand about kicking in doors in the middle of the night or killing people randomly out on the street because they get too close to the US military. I think any sane person would feel inclined to resist this, and unfortunately, a lot of people would choose violent resistance. I am not sure what there is to understand about the fact that the US military is there to control the area and the resources, and this is not a good idea for the Iraqi people. I gather that Senator Rockefeller will never understand these things unless he experiences them directly.

Senator Bond made the observation that there has been hostility since Israel was created (gee, I wonder why?) and he asked if we did not have a presence in Iraq, would they still hate us? One panel member answered that the Salafis feel that the US is the spear heading the drive to squelch Muslim identity and pillage their resources, and they use this as a basis for fighting us. He added that al Qaeda feels that attacks on US troops were a great recruiting tool. There was no indication from anyone that bombing their babies to death would impact on the feelings of Muslims. And also no indication that the reason behind the videos of attacks on US troops are popular is because the Muslims have felt impotent and humiliated, and seeing these videos give them reason to cheer. Now, I think it is horrible that humans celebrate the harming of other humans, but I certainly remember the hoopla on our TVs during the start of the bombing of Iraq. It was like all the pundits and military analysts thought our country was so clever to bomb some country that had never attacked us. There was precious little coverage of the civilians killed and injured or the feelings of grief and rage that we engendered.

Another panel member feel that Iraq is being used as an example by the al Qaeda terrorists of the US turning Muslim against Muslim (and this was true in Lebanon also). This, he claimed, is being used as a recruiting tool. The way he said it implied that the poor Muslims over there are just mis-interpreting reality, rather than seeing things as they actually are.

Senator Bayh asked if our actions in Iraq are an intelligent move (my answer: NO) and are we creating more terrorists (my answer: YES)? I nearly shouted out my answers, because these folks (our US Senators) are really in need of help. One of the panelists answered that our presence there is a magnet and recruiting tool --- BUT, WHO KNOWS – maybe if we leave it will get worse. (Hey, if we stay it is SURE TO GET WORSE!! SO LET’S STAY!! Oh dear God, this is stupidity run amuck!!)

They discussed what percentage of the Muslim world is extremist, with no solid answers from the panel, but one person said it was a fraction of a percent.

Senator Werner made the comment that he did not understand Muslims killing Muslims in Iraq. I suppose that Werner does not understand why British citizens fought other British citizens in the American Revolutionary War – nor does he understand the American Civil War – I could go on – but several of us felt that Werner took the prize for stupid statements.

They discussed if calling it a GWOT was a good idea – decided it was not – and then discussed why suicide bombings are used. One panelists explained to them that they don’t have an Air Force or other weapons, and the suicide bombings are effective.

Senator Nelson (FL) asked about the Israel Palestine conflict and the answer he got from a panelist was that the underlying assumption is that Israel and the US pretty much act the same. He then asked if foreign language literacy is a significant factor, and the response was it did not help. He then asked what causes them to become jihadists? And Stephen Ulph said that the jihadists are focused on themselves and their own ideology, which seemed to imply that we westerners had nothing to do with it. A follow up question should have been then – why are they attacking us more than other people? Of course, that question was never asked. The underlying assumptions from all of our Senators are that our actions, all of them, are good and benign, always. So there is no reason to look at what we might be doing, or notice or count the dead civilians along the way.

Senator Hatch raised the question about the possibility of Christians being targeted in Lebanon. One panelist answered that the real targets of the Islamic jihadis was Shi’a Muslims rather than Christians. I decided to get up and follow Senator Hatch out of the room to tell him that Christians in Palestine and Iraq are either being killed or leaving their countries as refugees. He agreed with that, but when I said that was due to Israeli and American policies, he disagreed. I then mentioned how the committee meeting did not look at all at what the US was doing to inspire terrorism, and that bombing babies had a large part to do with why we are so hated around the world. I could have added that kicking in doors and terrorizing people also had a large part to do with this – and that our actions are certainly terrorist actions in their own right.

Senator Feingold spoke and he asked if the extended presence of Ethiopian troops in Samolia would encourage al Qaeda there? There was no clear answer from the panel on this. He also questioned how can US policy or strategic influence address the problem of al Qaeda? Maybe the Senator could talk to Rep. Ron Paul.

Senator Whitehouse asked about the word “crusade” and if that was helpful (the panel said it was not) and then said that we should call them “criminals” not “warriors”. He felt we had given them too much credit and too much publicity.

Senator Bond said that the Philippines are doing well and the people there want more educational and cultural exchanges. He asked “what are the things we can do to appeal to broad Muslim groups to show we are not ogres?” The answer from the panel was to do research, fund and promote moderate to do work for us and to focus on groups that are sympathetic to al Qaeda and make political, social and economic progress with them.

Senator Bayh said that anti-Americanism sentiment is Muslim lands is so high that moderates are not able to speak up in support of the USA and to counter the argument that the USA is trying to divide Muslim against Muslim.

There was no discussion on how this anti-American sentiment is routed in reality, and that we would need to seriously change our behaviors to achieve a different reality. There was no discussion on the fact that we need to stop acting like ogres before we will be released from being looked on as ogres. There was no discussion on how what the USA considers “moderates” in the Muslim world are corrupt governments who do not allow personal freedom, free elections, and who regularly engage in human rights abuses. The ones they call “moderates” really means that they are compliant with US elites and the bush/cheney administration goals and agendas. There was no discussion on the fact that the US and Israel have been arming Fatah and thereby increasing the fighting between Palestinians – and furthering the reality that the US is trying to turn Muslim against Muslim.

As one of the Code Pink women was leaving, she stated loudly that we need to get out of Iraq because that is making terrorism worse. We also need to get out of Iraq because our troops are in a position were they are forced to act like terrorists themselves. This awareness has not reached our Senator’s consciousness, with the possible exception of Senator Feingold.

What Would Maria Do? Code Pink Knows

As an online activist, I am usually behind a laptop screen, but I also venture into the 'hood to do some educating on the Hill, with Code Pink, Backbone Patrol, and other groups.

Lately I noticed that women are often criticized online for speaking truth to power. Without getting too deeply into Lacanian/Derridan critical theory, let me just say that such a reaction is hardly shocking. However, when I was nominated for the Maria Leavey Award I thought, well, maybe, if I win, I will have an opportunity to address the realities of women speaking out.

Then I saw my competition: young, active, on their way up the progressive ladder. One works in Africa. I do laundry. One helps poor people with legal problems. I make dinner for activists. Another works on health care issues. I write docu-dramas. So I knew my moment at Take Back America was not to be.

I made a video anyway. I interviewed some righteous women and pulled out my photos from the past four years, and wrote myself a story to go with it: Democracy Cell Project

Here's the video:



I want the video to be shared, and not just at the grasstops gathering known as Take Back America. I hope that by listening to the words and seeing the images of women acting up and speaking out and creating and performing, we will see how to work together to end immorality, greed, war, and injustice.

So here's my Mom response to all the one-up-manship, petty bickering, name-calling, and criticism of women making peace: CUT THE CRAP.

We have a planet to save. Pass it on.

A Sunday of Promise

Kit Kimberly

Sunday was a great day in the Pink House—it started with the gorgeous two-page story and photos about CodePink in the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/09/AR2007060901488.html) followed by the arrival of new trainees for the Peace Surge Summer Training sessions. Mila, a new intern from Pennsylvania, drove down with her mom and a car full of supplies for the house—thanks for that, Carol! She, Libby, and Ena (our other intern) immediately hit the Peace Room to make banners for the march to End the Occupation of Palestine. I'm trying to get out the blog from the day before, frequently stopping to help the new folks find rooms, beds, sheets, and get ready for the day’s events. I’ve got these bulbs—pink lilies, begonias and caladiums to plant around the house so we’ll be in the Pink for the summer, but I just never seem to get around to planting them—Sunday is no exception.

By quarter to 2, all pinked out, we hit the streets on our way to the Capitol building for the rally. Crowds mill around the streets—it’s also Gay Pride weekend; and we follow a group of Arab-American women whom we know must be going to the rally also. Out on the lawn in front of the Capitol, the array of signs and diversity of the crowd is really heart-warming. Our “CodePink says NO to Occupation” banner glitters in the sunshine, and serves as a beacon for supporters and friends from all over—Bob and Mary from NC, whom I met yesterday at “Taming the Corporations” are there, as well as friends from United for Peace and Justice, Washington Peace Center, and all the other folks we work with. An older African American couple hold a wooden sign calling for peace in Sudan, Somalia and Chechnya on one side, Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel in the other. We sign them up to our CodePink Alert sheet, and really hope to see them again. OK, the rally goes on a bit too long—we’re wilting in the humidity; a few of us take a brief sabbatical over to the Gay Pride activities, where a live band rocks out with Heart’s “Barracuda” (now there’s a song from my youth). But the hip hop boys get us dancing on the lawn before we pull out to march to the White House.

Again, the diversity and the solidarity of the group marching is inspiring—we make an effort to thank the police, who do an excellent job in preventing any possible conflicts with counter-protestors. With our banner we march for awhile behind a line of brave, somber Hasidic rabbis, several of whom hold their own banner calling for an end to violence in Israel with one hand, and the Torah in the other. One carries a sign reminding that the Torah does not call for an Israeli state.

And what kind of march would it be without music? One young man with his guitar hooked up to a rolling amp, another with a beautiful drum, and we fulfill Emma Goldman’s call for dancing at the revolution. Interspersed with peace songs we chant for an end to occupation of Palestine and Iraq. Hot and sticky though we are, it’s fabulous to see people of all creeds, ethnicities, ages and orientations walking in solidarity through our capital city. Photojournalists Nick and Eileen grab a few photos and I get a word or two with them—we agree about the frightening state of the world; but also that today is a cause for optimism.

Exhausted, hot and dirty, we return to the Pink House for a cold dinner of finger-foods and left-overs, and start our Pachamama “Awakening the Dream” training with three amazing women. We learn about the Achuar people of Ecuador who, in their dream of protecting their own way of life, also dreamt that the people of the North must also have a new dream. We learn of the damage and potential devastation to come: climate change, toxification of the Earth, the sixth great extinction that is virtually underway; the mistaken assumptions that have led us down this unsustainable path; and ways to challenge those assumptions—both personally and societally—in order to create this new dream of an “environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence”. Tears are shed, connections made (even between those of us who thought we knew each other) and commitments found to awaken this new dream—and the symposium ends with a laugh, as a pugnacious wombat with attitude tells us, “Ya gotta learn to live with it—one planet, one people. We ain’t goin’ nowhere cuz there’s nowhere else to go.” Somehow, his cockiness provides just the right lift, and we end the day feeling full of optimism for the week to come.
But tomorrow, I gotta get those damned bulbs in the ground!

Meetings with aides of NC elected officials

By Susan O.

June 11, 2007- These legislative visits were arranged through END THE OCCUPATION website.

Senator Burr’s office

This was listed on the contact website as a meeting at 8:30, but the actual meeting was due to start at 9 AM. I did this so that the group would have a chance to meet ahead of time to discuss issues and strategies. Unfortunately, I got a little lost on the way to the meeting and got there at 8:45. I contacted Bob at 8:30 to say I was running late, and he said Mary was still parking the car. There were five other people there for the meeting, so Kevin Hernandez, the aide to Senator Burr went ahead and started meeting with the other people, since they thought the meeting started at 8:30. Bob, Mary and I were there at 9 AM and when we found out that Mr. Hernandez was already in a meeting, we asked to join them, since I was pretty sure that it was the meeting that I had scheduled.

This was unfortunate that it worked out this way, and I will not list a prior meeting time without instructions again. I apologize to the whole group for this miscommunication.

So, I was considerably late for the meeting and Cheri will be providing the group with talking points and will be writing a letter to Mr. Hernandez. I will follow up also, but she has a more complete report than I do. This is my notes from the part of the meeting I attended. (I have not received a report from her, but if I do, I will update this blog post.)

There were a total of eight people there: Cheri, Bob, Mary, Miriam, Dick, myself and two others whose names I do not have at this time. I told Mr. Hernandez that I would get some documentation to him on the US funding and arms going to Fatah in Palestine. I spoke about the Israeli Committee Against House Demolition, and how four local church groups in the Asheville area are raising funds to rebuild one house each. I covered how the media was not an honest and fair broker in the Israel and Palestinian issues, and I offered to get him a copy of the DVD put out by “If Americans Knew”.

The group told me that they had covered the cluster bomb issues and discussed legislation around this. They also told me that they covered the appointment of a special envoy to the Middle East proposal. They had also covered Iraq and related issues. Cheri will be doing a fuller report on the meeting. I pointed out to Mr. Hernandez that you make peace with your enemies, not your friends, and that we needed to remember that many of those who support checkpoints and walls are very, very fearful people, and that needs to be addressed. The Israelis have a right to live without fear and violent actions directed at them. I also discussed how the US government was shutting out Hamas, in spite of their professed belief in “democracy”. The Hamas government was democratically elected in free and fair elections.

The meeting at Senator Dole’s office was with her aide Mr. Arjun Mody. Present were Bob, Mary, Mariam, Dick, Cheri, myself and Beth. Beth had gone to the training that morning provided by United for Peace and Justice on lobbying. Beth had also just returned from a visit to the West Bank, organized by Fellowship of Reconciliation. Beth lives near me, and I already knew her. She has been interested, as her husband has been, for a long time in Palestinian issues.

We started by listening to Mr. Mody tell us what Senator Dole’s positions on Israel and Palestine are. She supports a two state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. She supports maintaining the territorial integrity of Israel, and that she feels terrorists have taken over the Hamas government.

We had some discussion around Senator Feinstein’s bill (S. 594) which is the Cluster Munitions Civilians Protection Act of 2007. The group felt that US aid to Israel should be contingent on the stopping the use of cluster bombs, and we talked about how the cluster bombs used in Lebanon were marked “made in the USA” and how that just increases hatred towards America without any benefit to us at all. The issue of cluster bombs related to the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act. We discussed how we feel that the US government has not held Israel accountable for their actions, and this increases the world’s perception that of our favoritism of Israel. We need to be a fair and honest broker, and felt the appointment of an envoy for Middle East peace might help us in this direction, even though under the Bush administration this would not be likely. However, as many Middle East experts have stated, we have to start working for peace now, not after an election in 2008.

We felt the money we give to Israel should be contingent on abiding by UN resolutions, stopping building settlements in the West Bank, stop withholding tax payments to the Palestinians and to stop building the wall inside the 1967 Green line. We also felt that citizens of Israel are much better informed on these issues than people in the USA, due to the poor coverage of our media.

We discussed Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions (ICHAD) and how they have their USA base in North Carolina. I told him about local church groups are working on raising funds for rebuilding some homes this 40^th year of occupation. The ICHAD intends to rebuild all homes demolished by the Israeli government this year.

I discussed the website “Remember These Children” and expressed the opinion that all the adults who participated in killing of either Israeli or Palestinian children should be in prison. This is a horror that must be stopped. I also discussed how desperate people will do desperate things, and presented the examples of Iraqi children building bombs to support their families and an Afghan father who said that he would join the Taliban because his children are starving.

I said that the US government was arming and funding Fatah, and I said I would bring him some documentation on this by the end of the week.

Beth told about the checkpoints that cut off Palestinians off from healthcare and their olive groves. They are building settlements over the aquifer, and often the wall cuts in to keep access to water on the Israeli side. Often times the 30 foot high wall completely surrounds a Palestinian town that is completely inside of the West Bank.

Miriam went on to say that we have to change the politics in the area to make the future possible for Palestinian and Israeli children. We need to dialogue to achieve peace.

The final meeting was with Mr. Sean O’Brien, the aide from Rep. Shuler’s office. Beth and I attended this meeting, and it was the most positive meeting of the day. We voiced our support for HR 143, the appointment of an envoy for Middle East peace. We voiced our support for HR 1755, which limits the sale, use and transfer of cluster munitions. Mr. O’Brien said that the main reason (the US does not support the limitations of cluster bombs) is that South Korea is defended by landmines, which is another form of cluster bombs. We also discussed Iraq and that we do not support further funding for the occupation of Iraq. I want the US troops to come home NOW.

I said I would get him information on the US funding of Fatah in Palestine later this week, and I gave him a copy of the DVD from “If Americans Knew”. Beth told him about her travels in the West Bank, especially Bethlehem and the effects of the wall on life and the livelihood of Palestinians. I gave Mr. O’Brien a small wooden pin of a peace dove, which was made in Bethlehem out of olive trees that had been bulldozed by Israeli authorities by US-made bulldozers. We discussed Rachel Corrie and left information on her stands. (We actually did this at all three offices.) Beth said she will get him an updated map on the Israeli settlements and the building of the Israeli wall in the West Bank. She will mail this to him.

At all three of the offices I visited today, I left a pile of postcards about the Iraq occupation. There were over 150 postcards in the stack and they all asked that the occupation of Iraq be ended. These were printed by the WNC Peace Coalition and gathered in the last couple of months from locals.

AFTERWARDS, Beth and I went to the FCNL building and took a short tour. It is a beautiful building. It is located just across from the Senate office buildings.

More information on the website End The Occupation. Also, I have reports on my blog about their rally and march on June 10, 2007.

++++++++

Follow-up letter to Dole (similar letters to Burr and Shuler):

June 14, 2007

Dear Mr. Mody,

Thank you for meeting with our group on Monday concerning Israeli and Palestinian issues. I know that Cheri will be writing a more formal letter that will cover the talking points we presented and actions that we would like Senator Dole to take, but I wanted to take a minute to say thank you also.

I do hope we can make positive, concrete steps to secure the stability of the area in non-violent means. This is why I think sending more arms to Fatah is an extremely poor idea, since this will lead to more bloodshed and violence in the area, and that will make any settlement between Israel and Palestine much more difficult. It does, however, produce more profits for arms manufacturers in the USA, which I think is the real point of sending more arms over there. This is shameful.

I have enclosed a few articles on the sending of arms to Fatah. There is more information on the web. There was one incident where Hamas intercepted a shipment to Fatah from the US authorities, but this was not an arms shipment. It was other material support.

A presenter at the US Senate Committee on Intelligence meeting on June 12, 2007 told the Senators that the Hamas government has denounced al Qaeda and it’s terrorists tactics. The Hamas government does not want to be associated with bin Laden or al Qaeda at all, per her research and report.

Thank you again for meeting with us. I have included a pin of a peace dove made in Bethlehem from an olive tree. This tree was bulldozed by the Israeli authorities by US-made bulldozers that we sent to Israel. I found it very touching that the Palestinians took this act of violence and destruction and turned it into a symbol of peace.

Sincerely, Susan

FOLLOW UP: I did deliver information on the fact that US authorities are arming and funding Fatah in Palestine. This was on June 14, and done when I dropped off the thank you letters. By the time I delivered this information, it was pretty well known in the corporate media. I have ordered more copies of “If Americans Knew” and will be sharing these with Beth and others in the community.

CODEPINK Strikes Again: Targets Senate Re Gonzales No Confidence Vote and Joseph Lieberman for His Call to Bomb Iran

CODEPINK was out in full peaceful force on Capitol Hill today at the following two fantastic actions:

Senate No Confidence on Gonzales Vote
Starting at 10am, CODEPINK visited every Senate office handing them copies of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales dressed in a “pink slip” with a message "Pink Slip Gonzales: Vote No Confidence." Check out the great graphic that Phillip, a current DC house resident who came to DC from NYC for the Peace Surge, created for us to give to senators:
We went through the Senate office buildings dressed in orange Guantanamo-style jumpsuit and pink slips. CODEPINK also held its daily vigil outside the Justice Department at 12 noon calling for Gonzales to resign.


Senator Joe Lieberman: Don't Bomb Iran!
Outraged by Lieberman’s comments on CBS on Sunday about wanting to bomb Iran, CODEPINK went to his office at 1:30pm to demand that he retract his call for a military attack on Iran. We sung a new version of "Don't Bomb Iran" and met with the office scheduler. We'll be back and will keep up a presence until Lieberman meets with up. Leslie Angeline, an activist from California who recently traveled to Iran on a Global Exchange delegation, is beginning a hunger strike to ask Lieberman to meet with her and rescind his comment about attacking Iran. More about Leslie in an upcoming blog! Check out photos from the office visit below:

CODEPINK Says: End the Occupation!

CODEPINK joined End the Occupation, United for Peace and Justice, and many other groups and individuals for a rally outside Congress and a march calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In the morning CODEPINKers attended the ADC (Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, www.adc.org) national conference, and participated in a teach-in panel on Palestine. There they met the ambassador of the PLO, Afif Safieh. Here's a group photo:

Live Blooging from Code Pink House

By Susan O.

Hi there from Code Pink house in Washington DC! I arrived yesterday, and this place is great. It is well set up for socializing, and an even better set up for activism. The hallway has white boards with events listed every day, and another white board for all those staying at the house and how to contact them. There are bumper stickers and materials stacked along the wall. The house has a wireless router, and it is common to see a half dozen women with laptops typing away in the living room. There is a common dining area and kitchen, and the basement has space for a large meeting or to work on banners or other projects.

The upstairs has bedrooms, where 3 to 5 can sleep per room. There was an article today in the Washington Post on the CODE PINK HOUSE and the activists that live there:

Protesting for Peace with a Vivid Hue and Cry

Medea Benjamin, one of the founders of the women's peace group Code Pink, wears pink every single day, and sleeps in it, too. Her shoulder bag, her wallet and her cellphone are all pink. When she visits Washington from San Francisco to lobby Congress against the war in Iraq, she stays in Code Pink's new group house on Capitol Hill, where nearly everyone wears pink, where her bedspread and her pillow and her bedroom curtains are pink, as are the drinking cups in the kitchen and the flowers that grow out back.

……..The rent, $2,200 a month, is paid by member contributions. The chairs are donated, the forks are donated. The women come for a week or months at a time, and when the house is crowded, they sleep three or four to a room, many in bunk beds.

In the basement, where the group holds strategy meetings and pink fabric swathes the exposed pipes, there are rules posted in the perfect handwriting of a former schoolteacher. They include "Come on time!" and "If you hear 'Pink,' listen." During one meeting of about 20 people, Elizabeth Barger, 71, who wears pink and purple ribbons in her long gray braids, stretches out her bare feet. Another woman wears a pink police officer costume, complete with cap and badge. Soft guitar music wafts in, perhaps from the front lawn.

The above is a picture of Desiree, the house-mama, and Ena, who is one of the interns here this summer. Desiree did the house orientation, and Ena happens to be my room mate. She also happens to be a good cook. Dinner was great!

What I really like about this house is the “activism at your fingertips” feel to the place. I feel awful about what this country has been doing for the past six years (well, longer, but I have felt much worse since cheney started running things into the ground) and the best way for me to feel better fast is to DO SOMETHING.

Already, I have done a blog post on Iraq Today (the wireless works great) and posted on my personal blog the letter I will be handing out to the Dems that caved on Monday. I arranged an interview on the local low power FM station with myself and Medea Benjamin, and we did that at 9 this morning. That will be broadcast on WPVM on the show “Making Progress” on Monday evening, and again on Tuesday at 1 PM.

And this afternoon, I am headed to the Rally and March to end the occupation of Palestine and to find a just peace in the Middle East. AND, there is something you can do to support this from your home. All you need is a telephone. This came from the Progressive Democrats of America emails:

Lobby Day for Israeli/Palestinian Peace and End to Occupation

The Iraq War is only one piece of the violent puzzle in the Middle East. We believe the road to peace in the Middle East must include Israel and Palestine. As long as unrest continues there, peace throughout the region will elude us. On June 10 and 11, people around the world are joining together in a Day of Action to mark the 40th year of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. Please support the national lobby day on June 11.

Tens of thousands will march in Washington D.C. on June 10, and hundreds of activists will be lobbying Congress on June 11. Add your voice to theirs! Call your representative in support of H. Res 143, in support of a special US envoy for Middle East Peace. To reach the Capitol switchboard dial 1-202-224-3121 or CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-597-0909. This is the best way to show support for the Arab League’s recent peace proposal, which the US and Israel have been slow to endorse.

And from a Code Pink email:

On June 10 and 11, people around the world are joining together in a global Day of Action as " The World Says No to Israeli Occupation " to mark the 40th year of Israel's illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Tens of thousands will march in Washington D.C. on June 10 -- hundreds will stay to lobby Congress on June11.

If you can't join us in Washington, please call in!

Participate in a National Call-in day on June 11. Hundreds of activists will lobby Congress on June 11, please add your voice to theirs. Call your representative and two senators. To reach the Capital switchboard dial 1-202-224-3121 or CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-597-0909.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with dole, burr and Shuler – and stopping by some more US Representatives offices. I will be blogging on further actions that will be taken this week, mainly on my own blog but also on the Code Pink Blog.

Please join me in being active, and consider coming to Code Pink House this summer to pursue more action to stop war and violence and injustice everywhere.

Web site for Code Pink

Web site for End the Occupation

Update of photos from the rally on my blog, Dancewater.

Learning to Walk the Walk: Taking Responsibility

by Kit Kimberly

This weekend, in addition to the first incoming group for the CodePink Peace Surge Summer Trainings, Gay Pride parade and End the Occupation of Palestine march, is the Taming the Giant Corporation conference, sponsored by Ralph Nader. It began Friday, and CodePink has a table with T-shirts, information and a sign-up sheet. Friday night, I told Medea I’d like to staff the table on Saturday; “Great,” she said, “it starts at 9.”

I am up by 7:30, writing and catching up on email, waiting for Medea and whomever else is going to the conference. At about 9:15 I find her in the kitchen. “You slept late,” I say, smiling—goddess knows, she deserves it if anyone does. “Yeah, well, I thought you were going to be at the table at the conference,” she says, clearly annoyed. “There’s no one there now.”

Oops. I hadn’t realized that I was expected to go by myself—it sounds childish; but it gives me a bit of insight into yet another difference between the CodePink mentality and that of much of the rest of US society. At CodePink, the driving forces are personal responsibility and “ownership”—not as in the kind of possessing and controlling that the Nader conference challenges, but as in taking an idea, an action, a belief, and going with it whether or not others are involved. It’s kind of the opposite of the lemming mentality that seems to have affected so many people and institutions in this country—most notably (and dangerously) the US congress. At the last Democratic debate, John Edwards challenged the two presidential front-runners, Clinton and Obama, on their late, though correct, nay-votes on the Iraq supplemental funding bill. Senator Dodd, Edwards said, showed the kind of leadership Congress needs by announcing what his vote would be and challenging others to vote with him. Clinton and Obama (though he didn’t call them by name until pressured by Wolf Blitzer) waited until the last minute, then quietly cast their no votes. I agree with Edwards that this kind of opportunism is not what we need in this country right now; we need leadership and people willing to stand up for and defend their beliefs—whether people agree with us or not.

So rather than apologize and bow and scrape to Medea, I just throw myself together as quickly as possible and dash out the door behind her and Liz. We catch the X2; the bus isn’t crowded and we’re quiet, Medea reading the paper, Liz scoping the landscape, I trying to figure out how to recover from my screw up. As we approach Lafayette Park, however, a sight grabs our attention and that of everyone on the bus: Beside a tent under a lush green canopy of trees stands a man by a bicycle… as I admire his bare chest and well-muscled arms, my gaze moves naturally down his body to his equally toned and attractive …naked!?! buttocks; as we get closer, I realize he is completely nude. Well, except for a condom on his reasonably well-endowed (ie, certainly visible) member. The other passengers pick up on the sight and there is a sudden, massive migration to the right side of the bus—it lurches heavily; if it were a boat, it would capsize. I note one or two other naked men milling around the park and another coming out of a smallish white tent with a logo saying USA. The bus stops and everyone gets off except us—whether this is actually their stop or they're going to satisfy their prurient curiosity, I don’t know. I chuckle to myself—having lived for many years in Europe, I find the US shock and fascination with nudity rather silly; but even I have to admit, this is a surprise. Whether it’s part of Gay Pride or some other event, we never find out.

We get off the bus at the end of the line and decide to walk the six blocks or so to 15th and P. I am uncharacteristically quiet, still recovering from Medea’s unspoken reprimand and trying to digest what it really means to be a fully-participating member of a movement rather than a follower of someone else’s ideology. I walk and listen to the two of them—Medea with her years of experience, a founder of Global Exchange, CodePink, and world-renown activist; Liz, who left her life and family behind to come to DC to stop the war, who spends every waking moment (and she hardly sleeps) researching, making banners, organizing, promoting, cheering others on—and perhaps most importantly, reaching out to every single person she comes into contact with, “Hi, I’m Liz. What’s your name?” and involving them in some way. They are two walking, talking embodiments of what I believe democracy should look like; I am content to shut up and listen.

We come to large stone building, modest in décor, and notice a row of black luxury cars and limousines parked in front. The drivers are dignified black men in sharp uniforms; Liz pops up, “Hello, Sir, what’s going on here?”

“Here we have the vice president of Guinea, who is visiting Washington for diplomatic purposes,” he tells her politely. Liz looks confused, but Medea immediately clarifies, asking, “Guinea Conakry?” clarifying a distinction I couldn’t even have imagined existed. The driver smiles broadly and immediately warms to her. This is how these women are so successful—they have been all over the world; they have an understanding and appreciation for different cultures (and cultural differences) that probably couldn’t be matched by combining the knowledge of half of Congress. I, who have for a number of years been one of (if not the) smartest persons in the room on matters of cross-cultural understanding and political realities, feel like a complete baby. Why aren’t these women running the world?

As we continue to the conference, Medea and Liz talk about pro-peace (versus anti-war) tactics. Liz’s primary goal is to get people active, on whatever level: “I ask them, ‘Do you call your senator? Do you take part in actions? Do you do anything besides complain?’ I try to work with them, but if they won’t do anything …” At 9:30 in the morning, the air is still moist and cool, but promises to be a typical DC summer day—clingily warm and humid.

Word in the house from people at the conference yesterday was that it was kind of boring, and people didn’t seem to be much into CodePink’s table and activities. But I find a pink sheet full of signatures and email addresses from interested folks; and the speaking hall is packed with eager listeners. In addition to the CodePink table, there are Fair Trade, Public Citizen, Coop America, WTO watchers and critics, and many others. (The CodePink table, with its bright pink shirts, buttons, stickers, books, and colorful staffers, is of course the most eye-catching one in the room.)

Ralph Nader is a long-time hero of mine—in the 80s, my first activist job was as a campus organizer with PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), a Nader-created organization, and I have been a fan ever since (yes, I voted for Nader in 2000, and make no apologies about it). He introduces the speakers—researchers, experts and policy makers from every area of corporate watch and pro-sustainability movements. At breaks, people come out into the reception area for coffee and bagels, and have a look at the tables. We get plenty of interest at the CodePink table—a mother and son pair, Mary and Bob from my home state of North Carolina. I’m thrilled to hear their accent and listen to their critiques of John Edwards—and sell them a T-shirt and couple of buttons. Billy, who works on Capitol Hill, stops by to express his admiration for CodePink’s direct tactics and his frustration with working “within the system.” He reckons it’s nearly time for him to come over to the activist side. Participants from other participating groups stop by also, to find out more about CodePink—many want T-shirts (note: we need more men’s sizes) and all sign up for the CodePink Alerts. Even though I have to leave early—around noon—we’ve already filled two complete sign up sheets. And my guilt at not being there right at 9 am is assuaged by noting that none of the other tables are constantly staffed (indeed, the Coop America table next to us has no staffer the whole time I’m there); and Sarah, a CodePink local, has been there keeping an eye on things since the conference opened this morning.

Still, I’ve learnt my lesson about ownership and responsibility—I’m not sure how to apply it all the time yet, but I will certainly take a more active stance in doing so. So thanks again to Medea, Liz, Desiree and all the other CodePink women for helping me grow and understand a little more, a little better, every day.

CODEPINK, Scooter and Pink Profiling

Medea Benjamin

It’s great being back at the CODEPINK house in DC and jumping back into the thick of the anti-war rabble-rousing.

On Tuesday we started out bright and early at the Court House where Scooter Libby was going to be sentenced. There were a group of about 10 of us, and I decided to go inside while the others stayed outside with dozens of press teams from all the major tv networks. Trying to court the press, we had brought them a platter of Danish and coffee for the press. They unfurled our big banner that had two columns: One said “Done” and included the names of Libby, Rummy and Wolfie; the other said “To Do”, with Rove, Condi, Dick and Rummie. It’s our checklist for some of the mega-liars who should all be behind bars.

I went through security with no problem, went up to the fifth floor where the courtroom was, and waltzed into the room before the judge arrived. It was an electric atmosphere—Scooter’s family in the first row, then several rows of press, then the public. I’m starting to recognize the faces of the press—Dana Milbank from the Washington Post seems to be warming up to us—he must have seen our Danish platter and coffee downstairs and asked me why I didn’t bring them up. Nina Totenberg from NPR is never very warm and fuzzy, but she was wearing a pink and white checkered dress with a pink jacket, which I took as a friendly sign. I recognized Michael Izikoff, the Newsweek writer who provoked riots when he wrote that a Guantanamo guard flushed the Koran down the toilet. I wanted to talk to him, but his ear seemed attached to his Blackberry every time I approached him.

I got one of the last open seats. As I was sitting there minding my own business and reading the Washington Post while waiting for the hearing the start, the bailiff singled me out: “You can’t be here in that shirt,” he said. I asked him what he didn’t like about my sleeveless CODEPINK: Women for Peace t-shirt. “Is it that my bra is sticking out?” I asked, somewhat seriously. I thought perhaps there was some courtroom decorum that didn’t allow sleeveless shirts. But no, it was the CODEPINK: Women for Peace that was the threat to our justice system. He tried to get me to leave, but I luckily had another shirt in my purse (I have started carrying them around for precisely such instances) and quickly put it over my offensive CODEPINK shirt.

The bailiff left, but came back a minute later. “I was told to tell you, ma'am, that if you speak out or anything like that, I’m gonna have to take you out,” he said sternly. I wondered if he meant “take me out” and shoot me, or “take me out” and arrest me or what, but I just smiled and assured him I was simply there to witness the sentencing.

Meanwhile, downstairs, the CODEPINK ladies were having a harder time. Pink profiling has become a daily occurrence for us! Three of them tried to get into the courthouse to go to the bathroom but were stopped at the front entrance. The guard was on the walkie-talkie with his supervisor, who was saying, “If they’re wearing pink shirts, they cannot come in.” It even included plain pink shirts with no writing on them! The women were amazed. They yelled and screamed that this was a violation of their rights, that it was ridiculous, that it couldn’t possibly be legal to keep people out for wearing a particular color, but they got nowhere. They demanded to speak to the supervisor but he was no better. “You can’t come in with those shirts,” he insisted, “You’ll have to take them off to get in.” So they did. They stripped to their bras! But even that didn’t work, as they were accused of indecent exposure!

Meanwhile, back upstairs, the judge finally ruled to give Libby a sentence of 30 months and $250,000. I thought that was great, and ran downstairs to tell the folks, who were already chanting, “Libby got 30 months for his crime, now Cheney and Bush should be doing time.”

The press was gathered in full force in front of the courthouse waiting to catch Libby, but he snuck out the side entrance. Liz and I dashed around the side and managed to “catch him” as he was running to his car. We yelled that we were glad he was going to jail for his lies, that he should take Dick Cheney with him, that the whole lot of them were a bunch of liars, that thanks to their lies, soldiers and Iraqis were dying.

See:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-070605libby-ipix,1,577419.ipipicture?coll=chi-news-hed

Some people told me later that they thought we were too harsh on the poor guy, that they felt sorry for him taking the fall for Rove and Cheney and Bush; that he has a wife and young kids. I didn’t feel sorry for him. I feel sorry for the millions of Iraqis whose lives have been so utterly destroyed by these guys….

The Power of Pink

by Kit Kimberly

The day at the Pink House begins, as always, in a flurry of activity. Liz, Medea, Desiree, Ena, and visitors Anne and Barbara head off to congress for hearings; Eileen is here adjusting the wireless and connecting the downstairs computers to an Ethernet (because the pipes block their access to the wireless internet).

I am blogging frantically from the night before, and trying to catch up with media and training tasks that I agreed to do, when Liz bounces back into the house and says, “C’mon, we’re off to justice.” We catch a cab—Mustapha, the driver, is a Pink friend and he and Liz have a detailed discussion about the Iraqi oil laws—to 9th and Constitution, where we will maintain a lunchtime vigil today and until Gonzales either resigns or is fired. There’s a concrete platform on the corner, and David Barrow—dressed in an orange jumpsuit with a black hood over his head—kneels in handcuffs while Desiree and I stand behind him with a pink banner: “Women Against Torture.” Passers-by stopped at red lights often ask what it symbolizes; “The US government is torturing people at Guantanamo Bay,” we tell them. Most nod and look sober, then give us the thumbs up or a peace sign; a few turn red-faced with indignation, yell something about traitors, and give us the “one-fingered salute.” I am particularly amused by the man in the black luxury car, sealed up in his air-con, expensive black suit, who drives by with his middle finger raised serenely. What a pathetic, empty gesture, I think. It’s that kind of insularity that has created all the problems in this country.

Next to us on the sidewalk is an open sewer vent where men are working; it sends hot steam into the air, which blows our way, adding to the already considerable midday heat. David is still as a stone (from artist model training, he says) but Desiree and I move around uncomfortably, trying to escape the heat. Two guys in uniforms come and close the vent—we strike up a conversation. They ask what we’re doing, we tell them. One asks a lot of questions; the other nods—he knows already. I say, “Whew, that was hot—thanks for closing that.”

“Yeah, we saw that you were getting really hot, so I called my boss and he said we could close it,” he tells me. I had no idea he was closing the vent for our benefit, and am suddenly, tearfully grateful. There is solidarity in the most unexpected places. Liz, who is walking around with the bullhorn calling, “Resign, resign, resign, Mr. Attorney General,” catches the worker as he pulls down the yellow caution tape. “Can we have that?” she asks with her characteristic chutzpah. “It could come in handy.” He grins knowingly at her and, shaking his head in amusement, hands it over.

The weather today is perfect, the air perfumed with heady late spring. Back home for a couple of hours—after a late night and an early rising (impossible to sleep in around here)— I’m groggy as I try to finish a blog, and slide into a nap in the well-fanned air of my 2nd floor bedroom. Liz (again) wakens me with a shout and demand, “We’re going, we’re out of here, we’re gonna have fun, fun, fun!” and I’m up, pushing my hair into a clasp, pulling shoes on—“Are we walking? What shoes do I need?” I ask as I stumble downstairs half awake. Medea is petite and elegant in a flowing blouse, but Liz and Barbara have on jeans so I reckon my pink sweatshirt is acceptable. I’m still yawning (it’s 5 pm; I must’ve slept for awhile) as we race-walk down 5th Street toward Union Station. “Where’re we going?” I ask again. To a reception for Nancy Pelosi’s 20th anniversary in congress. WHAT? I’m not DRESSED, I think. Ah well.

We get there and the reception area is being closed off and wait staff carry chairs from all directions. Barbara (using the harmless, white-haired granny disguise—little do they know, ha ha!) asks what’s going on and when it’s going to start. We find out that it will be a couple of hours before anything significant happens, so we decide to join Desiree and others at the Hilary Clinton event in Central Lot. The (current) leading contender for President of the United States is speaking in a parking lot? Not only that, sharing the bill with her is an American Idol finalist—not even the winner, mind you. I sigh in disgust. This is how the US people choose their elected representatives—just like they choose a TV-created celebrity. What a sad, sad state of affairs.

To add insult to injury, we arrive to find Des and a local Pinkler, Brenda, on the sidewalk outside the blocked off event. “They saw the pink and wouldn’t let us in,” Des tells us, and describes the nearly foaming-at-the-mouth rant the “I support Hill” campaign went into at the sight of her. “I recognize you,” the site manager had accused. “Are you here to sing more songs?” he asked in a nasty tone. And Code Pink was banned, just like that. It was a ticketed event, and we all had tickets—hmm, remind you of any other presidential campaign events? Like, oh, I don’t know, the REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION and debates of 2004? HELLO! When Hillary Clinton begins using the same tactics to shut down dissent and free speech as the law-breakers and war-criminals currently occupying the White House, things have come to a pretty pass. I recall the old adage, “Those who use the tools of the oppressors become themselves the oppressors,” and realize that, Democrat, woman or not, Ms. Rodham the feminist justice advocate has morphed into MRS. CLINTON, the powermonger.

It makes me sad to think that I cannot support the first woman candidate for president who has any serious chance of getting the nomination. As far as her ability to win, well, I think she is the Republican party’s wet-dream (in a totally non-sexual context, of course). They can stir up so much shit about Hillary—plus play on the not-by-a-long-shot dead white male fear of powerful women. Completely apart from my disgust at her lack of integrity and support for the war (and notable refusal to say she was wrong), she has such a tarnished, dirty past … well, it’s not like almost any national candidate doesn’t, and I don’t believe personal history should play into electability … but if the Bush administration falls because of corruption, lies and lack of rule of law, I really can’t see that Mrs. Clinton is much of a step up.

Somewhat perversely pleased at having so much power the Clinton campaign is afraid of us, we return to Union Station for Nancy Pelosi’s party and find it in full swing. As members of congress that we know—and some we don’t—head for the red carpet, we approach them. This is Democrat territory, so most greet us with warmth and sincere (sounding, anyway) thanks for our work. I feel horribly underdressed in my ratty sweatshirt covered in Code Pink buttons—although I’m proud of the 3497 armband (the number of US dead in Iraq through today) as the well-dressed representatives, aides and lobbyists shake our hands; but there are no snide remarks or even disapproving glances. They seem genuinely impressed with our presence. Again, I am amazed at the apparent power of a few women dressed in pink. Medea has removed her elegant blouse and replaced it with a short “Troops Home Now” t-shirt, which she clearly wears with pride. Desiree tells the attendees, “Enjoy the reception,” but to us says, “yes, while our troops subsist on single rations a day and tainted water.” Yet these are the halls of power where we must make friends and allies—and it’s clear that we have them.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards (resplendent in a nubby-fabricked, pearl-buttoned pink suit—we all need one of those!) and lobbyists from transport and environmental groups seek us out to chat. Most humbling for me is the group of California representatives—Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters and Lynn Woolsey—who are smiling and welcoming and fun and glad to see us. So many people thank us for what we’re doing, it’s a bit overwhelming. By eight o’clock, the wait staff (there must be 100 of them, snaking across the marble foyer in a never-ending stream) are carrying out the dinner plates, and Barbara and I decide to go home for dinner. We leave Medea, Desiree and Liz, energized to the max—this is their element—and schmoozing til the end. Back at the Pink House, my head is full of stories and experience, and I hurry to write it all down. It is impossible to capture, however, this infusion of faith and optimism brought on by the Power of Pink.

A Small Woman with a Huge Heart

by Kit Kimberly

Hashmeya Muhsin Hussein is a small woman. A full headscarf frames her pale oval face, which might get lost amongst the people surrounding her—until she smiles. Her smile is full of warmth and compassion and gratitude for “the US people” whom, she and the Iraqi people know, mean them no harm. “It is not your fault,” she tells us at Tuesday night’s potluck dinner at the Pink House. Desiree, Medea and others immediately tear up. As Hashmeya explains through her translator that she and her compatriots understand that it is the government of the US, not the people, who attack, invade and occupy her country, we cast covert glances at each other. When Hashmeya finishes, Medea thanks her for her graciousness, then says, “But if we know what is happening to the Iraqi people, if we know and we do nothing, then we are responsible.” Everyone in the room nods. We feel complicit. Just by living in this rich country, this international bully, with our luxuries of multi-million dollar political campaigns that begin two years before the actual elections; and corruption from local to national levels that not only ignores the suffering of 2/3rds of the world, but also does nothing to alleviate the violence, poverty and fear in our own country, we are complicit. That’s why we’re at Code Pink.

But our evening with Hasmeya, her translator, friend, and Denice Lombard of US Labor Against the War, is neither gloomy nor depressing. Under the backyard umbrella in the warm summer evening, she tells us her story and answers our questions. We learn of the factions in Iraq—the corruption in government; whom Hashmeya trusts and whom she does not; what Iraqi government officials do to protest corruption and bring about a fair and democratic society; her heroes, the people who work for justice, like Jamal al-Din, an Imam who is in parliament, a religious man who nevertheless is working hard for a separation of “mosque and state”, as it is translated for our benefit. It is intense—at one point her translator asks Hashmeya a question in English, answers us in Arabic but we all laugh and he shrugs: “It’s been a long day.”

Indeed it has—a long day, a long war. Hashmeya is at the beginning of a month-long tour of Iraqi labor leaders who have come to meet with US union leaders. Guests of US Labor Against the War, Hashmeya and her colleague Faleh Abood Umara have come to the US to speak to people about US government pressure for a new Iraqi Oil law that will turn more than 70% of the profits from Iraqi oil over to private multinational oil companies and contractors. (for more information, see http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?list=type&type=103)

Hashmeya is the first woman to be elected a national union leader in Iraq. Head of the Women Workers’ Bureau and a member of the Iraqi Women’s Association, she and her 7-year old son receive death threats. Her simple, gentle sincerity are clear indications of why her people trust her: “I am a Muslim. I care for the poor. I fear God. I work for justice. This is what Islam means to me,” she says to us, a group of 15 US people with hardly any idea of what her life is like. Yet her trust in us is extraordinary; I am humbled by it. Having spoken on the steps of Bearing Point (the company chosen by USAID to rewrite the Iraqi Oil Law) at 5 pm, marched to the White House, and come to the Pink House to answer a barrage of questions and meet dozens of new people—all through translators, done in a language she doesn’t speak—she should be exhausted. But it is she who has the strength for our pitiable state, our guilt, our lack of faith, our despair. As she leaves the house, after dark, it is she who offers the comfort of warm hand-grasps and multiple cheek kisses. Though we are part of the “superpower”, and she from the underdog nation, yet it is she who gives us strength to continue our struggle for justice, both in Iraq and at home.

"When did you Wake Up?"

My last missive mentioned wake up calls and the greater population of Americans “hitting the snooze” when it comes to the war. People often ask, “When did you realize you wanted to be an activist?” or “What makes you do this? Why are you here?” And believe me there are times when I ask myself much the same thing. But I have a different answer for myself than I do to everyone else.
When asked about “When?” I say, “Before the invasion.” I was a military journalist and yes, in a way that is an oxymoron. While you are active duty military you do not have the luxury of free speech or free press to the degree that civilian Americans have those rights. However, my experience in the military, covering base news and writing tons of feature stories about service members, their families and their missions, brought their stories close to my heart, which answers the question of “why?” It also gave me a perspective on how the military controls and spins information. I know what I have seen and written, and I know what was allowed to be aired or printed. I have also worked as a civilian journalist, my recruiter should be glad to know that I actually took my military skills directly into the “real world” job market. He might not be so excited to find out that the combination of my military and civilian experience made me hyper-aware of the lies and spin tactics used in and on major media in the run-up to the Iraq War. I have friends that served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm and a few who were still active duty for this war. I was never really asleep, but making a conscious choice to act is a different matter.
When I question myself, “What makes you do this? Why are you here?” I usually stick on… If I don’t, who will? If I don’t will more die? If I don’t will my children have to continue the fight or keep paying for it? If we won’t say what we think is right, aren’t we complicit? I participated in the strengthening of the American Military Machine. I already bear responsibility in a way. Speaking out, standing up, supporting the truth and the troops is an act of ablution, cleansing for me.
Although I believe that I was never asleep, my own wake-up call, my self-affirmation of intention, came in the form of a poem in January, 2003. When was yours?

Living in a New World
By Lori Perdue
1-19-03

I’m living in a New World
Gotta have a new life
Tired of crawling through
This universe of strife
Wanna tell the man
He can’t pigeonhole me as wife
Cause I’m living in a New World
And I’m gonna have new life

I’m living in a New World
Gotta redefine sin
Need to shape my mind to giving and heart to love
And stop seeking only for the win
Wanna to stand up for the truth and
Not let the terror soak into my skin
Cause I’m living in a New World and
I’m gonna redefine sin

I’m living in a New World
Gotta practice a new idea of right
We watched the towers fall
And in our anguish we lost sight
Wanna let the world know
We must be justified to fight
Cause I’m living in a New World
And I’m gonna practice a new idea of right

I’m living in a New World
Gotta search and hope and live for peace
We find ways to deal with the loss
And live our lives everyday with the grief
Wanna say that while we will never forget
Violence leads us into a cycle without release
Cause I’m living in a New World
And I’m gonna search and hope and live for peace.

Cycling for Peace, Oil Independence

Dear Pink Sisters,
My name is Michele Darr and I am an activist and mother of 6 children
riding my bicycle across the United States with my partner and 3 of my
youngest children; my 11 year old daughter, Tala, and my 20 month old
twins Willow and Grace; as a demonstration of a lifestyle free of oil
dependency. We began our quest from Portland, OR on March 17th, 2007,
and are projected to arrive in Washington DC the first week of
September. Supported by Veterans for Peace, CODE PINK and others, we
planned our route to take us through the southern United States
including Crawford, Texas to pay homage at Camp Casey. In the wake of
Cindy Sheehan's announcement to America, we decided to craft an open
letter to George Bush prior to our arrival, declaring our intention to
keep Cindy's torch burning brightly. Thank you, Sisters, for all of the
support and love you have continued to give us throughout our Journey.
May there be Peace in our Time,
Michele and the Catalysts of HOPE(Healing Our People and Earth)

Dear George W Bush:

We wish to acknowledge some of the truths you have presented about the war
and occupation of Iraq. When you told us that the troops are fighting to
preserve the American way of life, you spoke truth. You were also right on
when you said that Americans are addicted to oil. Inspired by heros and
heroines such as Brian Willson; double amputee and Vietnam Veteran; and
Cindy Sheehan; warrior and outspoken mother of fallen US soldier Casey
Sheehan; we are on a mission to help transform the cycle of oil
dependency, so that US soldiers won't be compelled to fight or die any
more for our voracious, out of control, oil consumptive habits. This is
our tribute to the country we love, this is our sacred tour of duty.

The Catalysts of H.O.P.E.(Healing Our People and Earth) began riding our
bicycles across the United States for Peace and Sustainability on
17-Mar-07 in Portland, OR. All the way down the west coast and beginning
to travel across the south, we and our message have been supported by
Americans from all walks of life. We've had as many as 15 riders at one
time, but our core has consisted of two adults, an 11-yr-old, and
20-mo-old twins. We're a traveling family, dedicated to recognizing and
reconciling our complicity in perpetuating a system that allows US;
1/16th of the world population; to consume over 1/4 of the Earths
resources, and to produce nearly 1/2 of the waste. Our wanton lifestyle
choices and disregard for the repercussions that
those choices will have on the futures of our children and generations to
come are combining to create a state of perpetual war, terror, poverty,
resource depletion, and ultimately threaten our very survival as a
species. By being the change we wish to see in the world and encouraging
others to do likewise in their own manner, we're striving to reclaim the
soul of our nation and heal the damaged ties with each other and with the
world outside of our borders.

These past 2 months have been tremendously eye-opening for us. By trusting
in and relying on the kindness and concern of our fellow citizens in this
great country, again and again we've witnessed the genuine goodness and
concern people innately have for one another, especially children.
Through countless conversations with Americans of nearly every stripe,
political affiliation and ethnicity, we have also found that our shared
vulnerability as human beings on this fragile, endangered planet have left
many of us overwhelmed and unsure of what part we have to play in the
outcome of the course we are now on. Many have bought into the notion
that they are too insignificant to have any impact on the seemingly
insurmountable problems we face as a country, and instead have lamentably
invested precious resources; especially time; into fleeting, transient
material gain, thereby further isolating themselves from the very networks
of support that could make the shift to sustainable community possible;
family, friends, neighbors, and co-inhabitants of a small planet with
limited resources. Therefore, the challenge before us is to take heart
from successful people's movements from around the world (e.g.:
http://www.sarvodaya.org) and to restore the collective belief in the
power of humanity to transcend our perceived differences and unite for the
common good.

We are appealing to the very best in your human nature, Mr. Bush, as we
absolutely do not accept that any human being is a lost cause or is beyond
redemption. The movement towards reconciliation and peace is living,
breathing proof that another world is possible. We expect to bicycle into
Crawford, Texas, on the last weekend in June and would welcome the
opportunity to discuss our experiences on this journey and on our past
journeys throughout America, the Middle East, and Africa. We will also be
in Washington, DC during the second half of September, further providing
excellent opportunities to communicate with our elected officials. We've
got a lot to talk about.

May
there
be
Peace
in
Our
Time,
The
Catalysts
of
HOPE

Supported by organizations such as Veterans for Peace, CODE PINK,
Sarvodaya USA, Whitefeather Portland Catholic Worker, Oregon Peaceworks,
and many others, The Catalysts of HOPE (Healing Our People & Earth) are
continuing to trek across America and welcome any and all dreamers to join
us in whatever capacity each determines appropriate.
(http://www.catalystsofhope.org)

As you come to know the seriousness of our situation----the war, the
racism, the poverty in the world-----you come to realize it is not going
to be changed just by words or demonstrations. It's a question of risking
your life. It's question of living your life in drastically different
ways. - Dorothy Day

Today at the Pink House

by Kit Kimberly

A Code Pinker came yesterday from Lynchburg to stay in the house and go to her arraignment for her arrest in the Mother's Day events. Because of several miscommunications—mostly from Greyhound bus and Union Station employees—I missed picking her up at the station and she had to make her own way to the house. This was difficult because she is sight-impaired (which she did not tell me when I offered to pick her up) and, she told us, having a deaf taxi driver didn't help!

Constance is an amazingly competent young woman and very "switched on" (as my Australian friends would say) to a broad, long-term peace agenda. She also happens to be black (we had a discussion, as I have had with one of my oldest friends who also happens to be black, about African-American, and they agree that while it's a lovely, dignified, culturally accurate label, they're just as happy being called black).

We and Pinkers Desiree, Ena (new intern) and Corby (short-term from California, here for Gonzales actions) attended a wonderful networking meeting last night, organized by OneWorld.net (http://us.oneworld.net/section/us/networking/dc). In addition to meeting members of other nonprofits and NGOs and learning about their work in order to provide mutual support and build coalitions, the gathering also hosted a presentation of the newly released Global Peace Index. It ranks nations as to their progress towards peace based on 24 indicators that fall into three categories: Measures of ongoing domestic and international conflict; measures of safety and security in countries; and measures of militarization. According to the Peace Index, the USA ranks 96, only one position above Iran, and far below Bosnia, Serbia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia. This ranking merely exaggerates the irony of the US forcing democracy on any society, let alone the one we threw into anarchist chaos and civil war. If fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity, isn't using the military to enforce democracy like rape?

After some highly productive networking, we went to hear Iraq Veterans talking about their experiences and their suggestions for the peace movement. Facilitated by Rev. Yearwood of the HipHop Caucus. Participants included Tassi McKee, Appeal for Redress; Adam Kokesh, IVAW; Geoff Millard, IVAW; and Nate Wildermuth, Conscientious Objector. Each gave her or his personal story with the military and how they joined the peace movement, then Rev. Yearwood put forth a series of questions that they tried to answer: Where are we with the peace movement? What's next? How successful are we? What can we do to make it more effective? The Reverend then asked for a show of hands as to how we, the audience felt about the movement: Did we feel that we are 1) Where we want to be with the movement? 2) About halfway to where we want to be? or 3) Nowhere near where we want to be. I was depressed to see that only one person thinks we are where we want to be; fewer than half feel that we're halfway there; and the majority think that we're not even close. I find this sort of negativity to be unproductive and, if not kept in check, can lead to burnout; I've written about this on my personal blog at http://www.femifesta.blogspot.com/.

At the preceding networking meeting, there was a lot of hope and optimism, a feeling that the movement not just to stop the war (and, as Constance pointed out, an anti-war movement is not the same as a peace movement) but also to create a more just world, is on its way. Obviously, it's essential to have people who are completely dedicated to stopping the occupation and bringing the troops home; but I see those with such a single-minded pursuit—to which every setback or non-victory is devastating—get more depressed every day. Part of the reason I love Code Pink is because of the beauty and the joy and, to a certain extent, the absurdity and surrealism we bring to the movement. Human endeavor is often so ridiculous, if you can't laugh, you'll despair. So I take this moment to remind people to look for the good, celebrate the positive—the solidarity, the beauty, the joy of getting to know so many amazing people and the privilege of getting to work with them. To paraphrase Emma Goldman, if you can't dance, what's the point of the revolution? Every day you are active and in cooperation with others—not just physically, that you know and see and touch, but also around the globe, thanks to technology—is a day to celebrate. As Arundhati Roy says, "We be many, and they be few."