Potluck 02.27.08 Thanks To Everyone

Peace is the way!

thanks to all the food handlers!

Call your rep's everyday!PLEASE

we want our troops home safely now

thx liz ARIZONA SAYS NO McCain

Czech Republic says No New Military Bases/Radar

70% of czech people SAY NO NEW MILITARY BASES or US RADAR!!

Counter Recruitment 02.26.08 Day# 3

www.couragetoresist.org

We are gonna make friends with these local recruiters !!

Typical Day in Dc Lobbying for PEACE

Human Needs Lobbyists on the Capitol Hill all day!

http://www.invisiblechildren.org/ Lobbying for Peace in Uganda!

Alicia, from Long Beach, CA meets Oversight Guru Henry Waxman as we hand deliver the letter petitioning the debarment of KBR over the gang rape of Jamie Lee Jones.

Governor Janet Napolitano & Noah Kroloff walked right into the peace team

from ARIZONA MARICOPA COUNTY RESIDENT!DIRKSEN BLDG

Before the hearing started i covered the failure of policy in IraQ

that is stretching our military with General Casey ! i had several minutes in

discussing Stop LOSS -PTSD TBI genereal concern for the troops with

reference to the SUICIDE rate and sexual misconduct that we are hearing

about lately!

My Code Pink Calling....

Sometime in early December I happened to open my email program to find a message asking for people to sign a pledge to have a peaceful holiday Season. I thought to myself... who wouldn't agree to do such a thing and how much easier could it be than to click on a link (provided) in the email? Once I clicked I was taken to a website where I signed my name to the pledge. There was a contest taking place there during the month of December and whoever happened to refer the most names pledging to engage in a number of suggested ways to keep the holidays peaceful would win a trip to Washington DC to stay in the "Pink House" where the women from Code Pink are headquartered just minutes from Congress.

My interest in the trip and contest was stimulated by a simple thought. "Wouldn't it be really cool if one of the tiniest communities in the US (The Methow Valley) was able to gather more peaceful participants than any other... even the largest of communities across America? Wouldn't that be a testament to the peaceful spirit of The Methow Valley?"Of course I would like to say... well gee... I never imagined our tiny little hamlet could do such a thing but in truth... I'm well aware that it only takes a spark to ignite a raging inferno. You learn that quickly when you live in a dry wilderness area surrounded by nothing but trees.... you can bet your astrals on that.

When I began personally calling people that I noticed had not responded to the initial call to action (they had a tally on the Code Pink website) I decided to call my buds Michelle Mondot and see if she would be interested in doing a little networking with her own friends and she responded with tremendous enthusiasm in the affirmative and also stated that she would LOVE to go with me if in fact we did win. Well folks... that was all it took because it was then that I knew "IT WAS ON".

I canvassed the Code Pink site daily... ok... actually... hourly at times to keep an eye on the numbers and who was doing what in terms of getting signatures on the pledge. Any time I saw someone inching up... Michelle and I would send out more requests to motivate those who we had not seen respond to previous requests. I have to admit... it was an ultimate networking success to say the least. KUDOS to all of us... and we all know who WE are eh?

So it is... Michelle and I departed for the other Washington (yep... we come from the big Washington... as in state) on February 23rd (thanks to all of you who signed the pledge) and spent the evening in Spokane Wa. so we would look and feel as fresh as daisies... well... I felt like a Rose but I'll have to ask Mich what she felt like... ha. I don't get out much obviously and I live in a town of less than 300 people and I believe half of them if not more are only part time residents. We were on our way to DC to meet the famously notorious Code Pink people who would be sharing with us how to apply activism in a results oriented manner among other things.

CULTURE SHOCK!!!! Whew... this place doesn't operate on what we so lovingly refer to as Methow time at all. NO... everything that takes place around here takes place FAST... and if you aren't fast... you will get left eating the dust these trailblazers make in their wake I tell ya. I'm still trying to get over my dizzy spell. These women might wear some funny lookin duds at times and make a lot of noise... but I can tell you one thing... they are both SERIOUS... and they KNOW THEIR STUFF. It is amazing watching and listening to them throw the facts out there at those less informed. I'M IMPRESSED.

Hopefully I'll be able to pump up the volume and keep up with them tomorrow since I haven't been feeling well (unfortunately) since the day Michelle and I left WA. I call myself the cellar dweller since I have spent most of my time here so far in the basement working on an AWESOME banner that reads Pro Peace *Pro Soldier. I was looking forward to showing it off but its raining and I don't think I used waterproof paint... rats! Maybe before I leave I'll get that opportunity. Before I get off here to prepare for tonights pot luck.... I'd like to throw a HOLLA out to my Cosmic Crew (do ya miss me guys and gals... I sure miss you and wish you were here)
So I'm off to engage in some real Democracy... wish me luck ya'll... Cosmic Rose (Rose Hughes) Methow Washington... USA.

Counter Recruitment with Love in Our Hearts

• we love the troops WE WANT OUR TROOPS HOME SaFELY NOW!


• NO poverty draft-LOVE not WAR!


• Make US safe BRING OUR TROOPS HOME SAFELY NOW!


• Protecting America is Educating our Children


• Security through PEACE!


• Budget PEACE not endless failed wars & occupation

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ 400 Fasters Join Leslie

Dear Friends,

Today is the 21st day of Leslie's Hungry for Justice? Impeach him FAST! to pressure Congressman John Conyers and the House Judiciary Committee to begin impeachment proceedings against Vice President Dick Cheney. 400 people from Vancouver, Washington to Kennebunkport, Maine, have joined the fast, with more signing on every day.

Unfortunately, Leslie's not feeling well. Last summer she was taken to the hospital for dehydration during her Lieberman fast and at the time she promised her son she would end her fasts before jeopardizing her health. We don't want to lose the momentum established over these past three weeks, so we're asking for your help. She would like to ceremoniously break bread in Congressman Conyers' office to end her fast and then pass on the leadership role to a successor. This person would continue the fast and visit Conyers' and other Judiciary Members' offices until the next successor takes over, and so on, and so on ... until Congressman Conyers begins impeachment hearings. If you would like to take on a leadership role for the fast, please let us know. If you can't come to DC, but you still want to participate in the fast for a day or longer, please sign up here: http://codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=3974.

The fast coincides with an exciting new development in New Hampshire, where the state legislature began hearings on House Resolution 24, calling for impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney. The hearings have been spearheaded by Representative Betty Hall, a 14-term legislator. If the impeachment resolution passes, New Hampshire would join the Vermont Senate and 91 cities in a grassroots call for accountability.

This past week Leslie visited all of the Democratic Judiciary members offices to set up appointments for Betty Hall and her to talk about supporting impeachment hearings and signing onto the Wexler letter. http://www.wexlerforcongress.com/news.asp?ItemID=230 "The call for impeachment continues to grow," says David Swanson of After Downing Street http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/fasting. "If we get just three more members of the Judiciary Committee to come out for impeachment hearings, that will represent a majority of Democrats on the Committee, which will really turn up the heat on Chairman Conyers. The Impeachment Fast and the new developments in New Hampshire are helping to build the momentum."

The following Judiciary Committee members are the most likely to sign onto the Wexler letter. Please call them ...

• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (202-225-3072)
• Rep. Melvin Watt (202-225-1510)
• Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (202-225-3816)
• Rep. Bobby Scott (202-225-8351, Mon.-Fri.)

Also, please continue to call Congressman Conyers (202-225-5126, Mon.-Fri.).

Thank you for your support!
Much Love,

Peace and Freedom,

Jes & Leslie

Just for fun ... photos of Leslie, Jes and our CodePink Sisters from DC's High Heeled Race: http://www.flickr.com/photos/codepinkalert/sets/72157603956429994/show/


Jes & Leslie ... A Journey for Peace and Freedom: http://www.jfpf.org/

Work PaRTY 02.23.08

CODEPINK prop party on a cold day in DC

We constantly need prop work completed to Keep the OUT of IRAQ NOW Message

on the mind of our ineffective Congress!!! Alicia Des Medea Andre putt putted all afternoon into late night hours painting stylizing & creating personalized designs for our upcoming Auction.

Oil Change Press Conference 02.22.08 IPS

HANDS OFF IRAQI OIL

It is criminal to allow US & British OIL companies i.e.EXXON, CHEVRON,BPSHELL

to divide up the natural resources and profit from OIL during an ILLEGAL Occupation!

IRAQ should control there own resources!!

far away from home

I arrived late wed night to the DC Code Pink house...busy and bustling with people at nearly 11:00 at night. I received a warm code pink crash course and was promptly set out on my own to write my name on the board, sign the book and meet people. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, acceptance and friendship, people from all walks of life were jovially horsing around, talking, cooking soup and preparing for bed; all at the same time. By the time I had finally made my way to bed, it was passing 2am.

I awoke at 8 to an empty room, everyone already wide awake and starting their day. There was a group of girls from NY getting ready to head back home, hustling and bustling about the house. It was nice to talk to everyone, see why they were here, what they had experienced here in DC, what they enjoyed about their trip...try and give myself a little insight into my week to come.

The house was quiet after the girls group left, just a few of the more regular Code Pink members left behind...with the weekend starting and congress out until next week, it was looking like a quiet few days of research and emailing anyone and everyone I could. But even in the quiet, the house was still exciting! Democracy now was blaring on the television from the front room; costumes and Code Pink paraphernalia in baskets, on banisters and shelves to explore; and pictures of times past everywhere. I was in beginner activist heaven.

As Willy Nelson wrapped up his last song, and Democracy Now came to a close, I headed for the kitchen to clean the last of my dishes. I then headed for the winding staircase and began to clime to the third floor, when I heard Desiree, the house leader, eagerly say, "Who's coming with me?" Go where? I want to go, I though. This is what I came for, what can I do? How can I help? What are we doing?

Apparently the ladies had been watching CSPAN and saw that, though congress was out, there was a State Commotion on International Religious Freedom taking place and someone needed to be there! Well I'm there! I ran shower less up the stairs, quickly throwing on my clothes for the day. I then raided the banister--pinked myself up, stuck a banner reading "DONT IRAQ IRAN" to my shirt and ran out the door behind Desiree. Yes! My first Code Pink action, I was so excited.

As we sat down, it was explained to me that we should always try to be seen by the cameras, make our presence known (how exciting, we were being televised on C-SPAN at that very moment, I don't think I have ever been on tv before). The Commission was meeting in reference to religious freedom and related human rights in Iran, a country Bush is increasingly becoming more hostile with, wanting to increase our empires resources and strength our power in the middle east. Even before arriving in DC, I have been hearing increasingly of America, or the Bush regime, looking for reasons to go to war with Iran, stomp them out as a power in the Middle East. Well today’s meeting seemed to me like a fishing expedition, just as we were fishing with Sadam and Iraq. Old habits die hard I guess.

After the first panel finished, two professional women speaking against military action and for diplomatic reasoning, gathered their belongings and departed, leaving 2 front row seats wide open, right in the line of the cameras. Geared in pink, I guarded the seats and waited for Desiree to rejoin me. Though, after comfortably seated, we were promptly asked to quietly cooperate and move back to our original spots...we were too visible apparently.

The commission meeting ran over, and when they finally did finish, there was time for questions and answers. I got to see the Code Pinkers (as several others had joined up with us through out the proceeding) in action, asking tough questions, letting people know that their actions were not going unnoticed...Go talk to someone, Desiree said. Scared, and not sure of what to ask or say, I began approaching people. Though I only spoke with maybe all of 2 of them, I still noticed the overwhelming resistances to what I thought were rather mild questions. We were then all interviewed by a website reporter and asked questions on our view of the proceeding. What did we think the answer was to the human rights situation in Iran, and what we felt would actually bring peaceful change. Every one had something different to offer, there are so many voices here for peace, so many different ideas of activism, from fasting to banner waving, it was inspiring. For my first action ever, it was quite an experience.

The rest of the day flew by, I went to my congress woman's office to request an audience; I sat in on A Cope Pink action planning meeting; and at the end of the night, to wind down, every one gathered around the television, Thai food in lap to enjoy the democratic debate in TX. Who could ask for a better vacation? I feel so lucky that I cam upon these women and men of action--I am honored that they have let me stay here, that they help me learn, and that they don't discriminate. I look forward to my days to come, with such an exciting slow day; I can only imagine what is to come. All I know is, I welcome it with open arms! Thank you Code Pink, for making this all possible!

Capitol Hill with Youth Leadership from NYC

02.19.08 Rayburn Building after lunch Photo Op---Youth Leadership in action

We are heading to Senator Chuck Schumer in the Hart-less bldg!

Young Leaders Join CODEPINK to Lobby 02.19.08

Lower East Side Girls Club have arrived Tuesday 02.19.08

at the CodePink Palace to lobby for dire funding needs!!

This will be a taste of how our power process works or how Process is stressed over solution based foresight! We are delighted to be the example of what a citizen of the world looks like ....through A CODEPINK LENS

This group Lower East Side Girls Club was founded 11 years ago out of necessity as there were 3 Boys Clubs in a 10 block radius and nothing for the girls??????????? Nothing for girls in NEW YORK CITY!

We have been long awaiting our young superstars to arrive........these young leaders have brought with a great batch of new energy & vision of the world!!YIPPPEEEEEE

We are looking for a few donors to lend support with any financial help possible to continue the Girls Club programs ---------please encourage friends neighbors to write a check to help out !!

Thanks to all the volunteers & teachers for making this trip reality!!

President day 2008 WHITEHOUSE

Banner....... still in the making .........

We don't really know what way to celebrate President's Day except to

denounce war, war mongering, and perpetual state of War & a basic fear

mongering through this bogus color coded alerts!

We demand a peace president & candidates that value peace more deeply

than they utilize the fear factor card in their deck of leverage

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ Leslie Meets with Congressman Conyers on Impeachment

Dear Friends, Impeachment Fasters and Supporters

I met with Congressman Conyers for over an hour on the 12th day of my fast, after many postponements. He asked me about my father, Ed Blankenheim, and I pulled out my copy of Freedom Riders, 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice. I showed him the picture of my dad bent over chocking after the Freedom Riders' bus was set on fire. "This could have easily killed everybody on the bus." he said. He paged through the book and continued to talk. "Look at this bus after they got through with it. Boy oh boy, so much violence ... and law enforcement was involved in so much of it ..."

"And they are now." I replied. "I've attended both of the Mukasey hearings. Apparently he believes the president is above the law. It seems he will do nothing to hold him or the members of this administration accountable. That's the reason I've come to speak with you today, why I'm fasting ... to plead with you to begin impeachment hearings."

I read him an excerpt from the book describing why my father joined the Freedom Riders: "Farmer had asked "to keep an eye out for potential Freedom Riders" and [Dave McReynolds] felt he had found a good prospect in Arizona. Blankenheim had seen enough of the South ... to be wary of directly challenging the region's racial shibboleths, and he knew full well that he "was being invited on a trip into the Deep South as part of a mixed-race bomb." After a little prodding from Farmer, though, he could not resist joining the Ride." "I was no less concerned about the danger of my commitment," my father later explained, "but all that I had seen in the South and all that I had learned from Dave stared me down. I had come too far and I couldn't turn back."

"This is how I feel ... we've come too far and I can't turn back. There are now 42 people who have joined the fast. We're desperate to hold this criminal administration accountable. We respect you, we honor you, and we're asking that you PLEASE start the impeachment hearings against Dick Cheney.

"Have you heard about the contempt of Congress charges we've issued to Miers and Bolton?" he replied. "If they don't comply, we'll challenge them in court. We're not depending on him (Mukasey) to comply. He'll do what Gonzalez did and not enforce it. We think this is a historic step forward."

"But if you held impeachment hearings executive privilege wouldn't apply. You could subpoena Cheney himself." I talked about the Watergate hearings and Vice President Agnew's decision to step down before he had to face an investigation and John Dean's crucial testimony which led to Nixon's resignation. Neither would have happened if there hadn't been open hearings. The Congressman reminded me he introduced the first impeachment resolution for Nixon. "And you could do that now. Bush and Cheney are far worse than Nixon ever was. Tell me what I need to do to reach you." I asked. He replied, "I think you've reached me."

I read him a statement from a dear friend, Gael Murphy: "We come to you with a heavy heart, overflowing with the sadness of the American people, and the state of our beloved country. The government's inability to deliver justice to its people, creating so much mistrust that it is destroying our inner fiber. It is time for a cleansing of all of the crimes, known and unknown. The war, the torture and the lies committed in our name and their consequences cannot be ignored or they will be repeated. When South Africa began to create its democracy it chose a path of truth and reconciliation to resolve conflicts left from the past. We desperately need such a process in this country to be able to move forward and to accomplish that which you devoted your entire career to achieve. Good policy is good politics. The Congress has a sworn duty to impeach if crimes are committed. The Constitution says Congress SHALL impeach. It is not a choice. Bringing Justice to the American people is the only successful road forward."

"Truth and reconciliation is what our country wants. The American people and the world need to see us hold these criminals accountable for all the suffering, the war, the shredding of our Constitution. Sir ... Bush and Cheney continue to threaten Iran, even after the N.I.E. came out with a report stating they have no active nuclear weapons program. They're just looking for an excuse. I'm so afraid Bush will attack Iran before he leaves office" ... and I started to cry. I showed him some of the beautiful photographs Jes and I had taken during our trip to Iran last May and I told him stories of the wonderful people we met there. He was silent.

His staff reminded him he had an appointment, so Congressman Conyers ended our talk by saying, "I see many people across the country and I have many friends who want me to take this action [of impeachment]. I think about it every day. It's a decision I've taken lots of advice on, but I have to decide. I'm deeply moved, but the decision I make I will have to live with and I will soon have to answer to my friends. They will either agree or disagree with what I do."

He signed my copy of his book Constitution in Crisis (see slide show photos below), we shook hands and then I hugged him. He told me, "I'm sympathetic to the issue you raise and feel your deep passion and belief."

I believe Congressman Conyers was touched by my plea, but he's not yet willing to start impeachment hearings. I will continue the fast.

Peace and Freedom,

Leslie and Jes

Leslie meets with Congressman Conyers ... a short flickr slide show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/codepinkalert/sets/72157603918137331/show/

The Folly of Attacking Iran: Lessons from History
Almost 60,000 people have viewed this YouTube on Iran:
http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/iran/video.html



Jes & Leslie ... A Journey for Peace and Freedom: http://www.jfpf.org/

Vagina Awards in Westminster Maryland 02.16.08

CODEPINK'S work was gifted with the Vagina Award for the courageous efforts over the past 5 years of this failure in IRAQ.............endless failure.............

Medea Benjamin was honored last night in Westminster Maryland at Carrolton Community College for the unrelenting peace & justice efforts!Medea graciously accepted the Vday award acknowledging the many women that have worked tirelessly through these past 5 disgusting years to wake Americans up to the disaster of Empire building policies that misdirect our human capital & resources !!

Thanks to all the voluteers and supporters

& the Police staff

We had a wonderful time!!

many thanks to Sylvia

Banner Drop Sunday 02.17.08 Union Station

• 
  

This a professional Banner Drop!

Union Station DC------------------------------- Tiger fromVenice Cali is my mentor--------------------

FUNK THE WAR ON K street DC

CODEPINK SAYS MAKE OUT NOT WAR!! we love you kids the troops but hate this illegal war of agression

Protect US Leave Iraq!!

art the Music and let's get our Dance on........Dance Party in the streets

Make Love Not War Kissin at the recruit center

CODEPINKers wish especially our Military a day filled with love ---
Happy Valentines Day 2008 Everyone - We Celebrated our vday with a song & dance celebration in the spirit of great LOVE outside the recruitment center in downtown DC!

Daniel in her beautiful pink coat joined us as we offered free hugs as an exercise in smiling for humanity and handed out plenty of bright pink stickers Make LOVE NOT WAR!

We had some Media!It was a cheerful exhibit of what CODEPINK does best promote peace through love and sweetness. Ellen & Jennifer pulled together a great song we sang it over and over and over .......Joan choreographed a dance skit and it came out smooth!!

Jes filmed every nanosecond.......The freepers group that protests us was there all 4 dedicated WAR MONGERS we bantered back forth and then even had some real dialogue ....jokingly we asked each of em' for hugs and kisses and one of my most ardent opponents on the streets smiled and GAVE UP A HARD hug --it was nice to see the shield come down.

We KISSe!!d Danced Sang Smiled and entertained countless !!!!! Support the Troops hate this illegal war!!!

After picking Des up at the Moultrie Courthouse, we continued our Valentines Day work by delivering personalized messages to Congress.

Above our pinkers deliver a loving message to Barbara Boxers' Legislative Assistant Sean. We were so proud of the grilling she gave Condi the day before that she earned this valentine:

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Pink is for Peace,

And we're honoring you!

Desi Ali-FAirooz FALSELY ARRESTED AGAIN

Read Liz's quote from this hearing:
http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USN13358233

02.13.08

CODEPINKDC in action-

Desiree Ali- Fairooz, Joan,Liz attended the Hearing in Senate Foreign Relations Committee as the topic was Defense Spending Budget for 2009!

Miss Condi Rice was in house to testify on behalf of the State Department. Condi stated that the State Department's budget was 1/14 of the DOD0 a disturbing reality........... we found this profoundly absurd in this day where we desperately need a core & stream a Diplomatic skillset & minded professionals to change the attitude of the world and partner up with US instead of despise US for FAILED Foreign Policies................and .............

encourage comunication through a new path of good neighbor sentiment!

Everytime Miss Condi made false statements like Iraq is a better place today becuase of US or Iraq is better due to our presence etc....

we would mumble and groan and beg the Secretary to TELL THE TRUTH

and put pink signs up with appropriate messaging in protest.

This hearing lasted only 3hours because Miss Condi had to leave early and wasn't aired on cspan live for the benefit of the Failed Bush Posse of Rogue Regime to save the State Dept any further embarrasment.At the conclusion our own dedicated former librarian- teacher & activist Desiree Ali-Fairooz was arrested as we were leaving the hearing room unexpectedly as we sat through 3 hours of lies and deceit...the police would never tell Us the charges suddenly they forgot how to speak up! There is no feasible reason Desiree was arrested SHE had NO STAY AWAY ORDER

We have been documenting everything for use against these intimidation tactics

Today Valentines day fe 14 2008 we must be in court to support our HOUSE MOMA

sorry i didn't change the seeting on my camera and photos are terrible

we tried to do ur best at the moment

The criminals go free and the WAR criminal walks away

this is not JUSTICE

Help US get this story out peacemakers are arrested falsely

Wake up America we need your help to right some of these unjust policies

Today it's dez ---tomorrow it could be you---

We need to get the word out Capitol Police are out of Control!!
After 24 hours in Police detention, Des was released "no papered" which translates as charges dropped. Capitol Police also lost Des' driver's license."I'm sorry" said one officer. "You'll have to write to the State of Texas and request a replacement." said Officer Adele Freda. Please call Capitol Police to lodge complaints!! Below is the text of Des' letter to the ACLU:

Legal Team
American Civil Liberties Union
1400 20th Street NW
Suite 119
Washington, DC 20036-5920


Dear Legal Team,

The American Civil Liberties Union leads the struggle to defend our nation’s freedoms particularly the ultimate civil liberty: the freedom of speech. You also work to defend us against unjust and discriminatory targeting on the part of police officials. Both of these personal freedoms have been jeopardized since my move to Washington, D.C.

I sincerely believe that I, and other members of CODEPINK, have been unfairly targeted by the United States Capitol Police. We have brought some of these problems to your attention in a prior meeting. With your help, I hope to bring suit against this agency for official misconduct in the discrimination and deliberate suppression of my work on Capitol Hill.

As an active member of CODEPINK: Women for Peace, I have lived and worked in Washington, D.C. for the past eleven months. The misconduct by Capitol Police stems from my persistent work as a citizen activist to end the occupation of Iraq, and the subsequent political “blowback” from congress members and possibly even from U.S. administration officials who do not want public dissent to their policies. My case is only one in a string of violations of this type committed against members of CODEPINK. Harassment on the part of the Capitol Police is so commonplace that we have nicknamed this treatment “pink profiling.”

Although my activism on Capitol Hill has resulted in two convictions for disorderly conduct, both of which are on appeal, this in no way warrants the Capitol Police to harass or arrest me at whim and without provocation.

When I approached Condoleeza Rice in the House Foreign Affairs Committee room prior to the beginning of a hearing on October 24, 2007 with “bloodied” hands I was arrested and initially charged with two counts of assault of a police officer and one count of disorderly conduct. As a condition of my release I was given a stay-away order from Capitol Hill and from Condoleeza Rice. Both assault charges and stay-away orders were subsequently dropped.

Despite the cancellation of the stay-away orders by Judge Mitchell-Rankin, Capitol Police have falsely arrested me on three occasions for what they claim as “probable cause” of contempt of court. These arrests occurred at the Senate Hart Building on November 16, 2007, the House Rayburn Building on December 19, 2007, and the Senate Dirksen Building on February 13, 2008. This last arrest I was held overnight only to be let go at arraignment “not papered”. I strongly believe these false arrests are a purposeful attempt to intimidate and deter me from further activism around Congress.

As a U.S. citizen, with her freedom of speech protected by the U.S. Constitution, it is reprehensible that the Capitol Police are suppressing my right to redress my grievances to my government. Every time that I am detained and falsely arrested equates to two days of lost work. For the aforementioned false arrests I wish to receive compensation, an apology and assurances that these improper detentions and arrests will cease.

We would also like your help in determining what measures we can take to challenge the stay-away orders that have kept many CODEPINK members from Congress including one member who has been prevented from visiting Capitol Hill since May 2007.

Confident that the ACLU can help US, I render this document to you.

Hopefully yours,

Desiree Fairooz
CODEPINK DC
712 5th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel 202-290-1301 house
202-423-3654 cell
Email: flacafina@aol.com

Semper Fi 8

What do Senators from South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Colorado, Georgia, Texas and Missouri have to do with the local politics of Berkeley, California? Why did these senators decide to punish the children of Berkeley public schools by stripping them of the funding for their organic nutrition program? What do Senators DeMint, Burr, Coburn, Allard, Chambliss, Cornyn and Bond have against research libraries? These are the questions we had for these senators who have sponsored a very punitive piece of legislation called the Semper Fi Act.

The Semper Fi Act, sponsored by Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina is a bill drawn up to punish the city of Berkeley in response to that city's designation of the Marine recruitment center as "uninvited and unwelcome intruders". His intent is to strip Berkeley of $2 million dollars in earmarks designated for school nutrition, university library and research and other programs and forward those funds to the Marines.

DeMint declares this move a punitive measure, "Actions have consequences. When the Berkeley City Council decided to insult the Marines in a time of war, it was a $2 million decision. Especially in a time of war, we cannot just allow cities to play insulting games at our troops' expense while continuing to shower them with congressional favors. "

Read Senator DeMint's press release here:

http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Print&PressRelease_id=efe9c9d2-c741-84dd-2aee-bdcccad26a06&suppresslayouts=true

So in solidarity with our sisters and brothers-in-peace in Berkeley, six CODEPINK'rs set out to educate the eight Republican senators who have forgotten democratic ideals, that our democracy is a federalist one and that the state and local entities have a right to decide how to run their cities.

We, Liz, Ellen, Manijeh, Leslie, Jes and I set out after preparing an educational flyer, "We're proud of Berkeley City Council's stand for peace! One side detailed the cost of the war to their respective state. The other side was our version of the flyer used in Berkeley but addressed to each Senator. In addition, we delivered a photo of a Marine from each of their states who was killed as a result of the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

At Senator Chambliss' office the Chief of Staff actually graced us with his presence and listened intently to our rebuke of the Semper Fi Act. Although he stood by his boss' actions we indicated our displeasure at the vindictiveness of attacking schoolchildren and students as a political ploy. Why attack children, our nation's future leaders? Should not the Senator rather subtract funding from Berkeley's recruiting office instead? But punishing innocent bystanders is a major part of the Republican party agenda.

We also spoke to Senator Coburn's Chief of Staff, who likened the Berkeley City Council's objection to the Marine recruiting station to a historical precedent. In the Nullification Crisis, Andrew Jackson called out the Navy to Charleston Harbor when South Carolina protested custom house tariffs. Congress passed the Force Bill which empowered Jackson to use military power to force states to obey all federal laws. We noted that it was hardly likely that the Navy would be sent to San Francisco Bay; we think his point was that Berkeley was getting off easy by only losing 2 million dollars.

We were glad to have had substantive discussions with high level staff; on many visits we didn't get past the interns and staff assistants. We met a large number of other delegations in the hallways - community colleges, health professionals, Native Americans, chamber of commerce. Many folks we met hadn't heard about the Berkeley peace initiatives, and were supportive. They agreed with us that the Semper Fi Act was a ridiculous, empty gesture by meddling outsiders. The afternoon we spent in the halls of Congress was a great opportunity to act in solidarity with our sisters and brothers at the vigil in Berkeley.

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ Hungry for Justice? Impeach Him FAST

Dear Friends,

Leslie has been strongly influenced by the Civil Rights Movement. �My father was one of the original Freedom Riders in 1961. I grew up hearing the incredible stories of people putting their bodies on the line for justice. I want to remind Congressman John Conyers of the time when the government told the people, "Be patient." and the country said "NO!" People are dying every day in Iraq, being tortured in our name, being denied habeas corpus...and Iran continues to be threatened ... "

Leslie began a fast on Rosa Parks' Birthday last Monday. She will be meeting with the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, John Conyers, this Tuesday to ask him to begin impeachment hearings against Dick Cheney.

She explains why: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/02/09/18478066.php

Twenty-five fasters have joined Leslie ... some for a day, some for a week...some for as long as it takes! "Our commitment to holding this shameful administration accountable gives us strength." says Leslie. She and Ellen Taylor, the first CodePinker to join Leslie in the fast, walked the halls of Congress to encourage Judiciary members and our representatives to sign the Wexler letter (being submitted this Friday) http://www.wexlerforcongress.com/news.asp?ItemID=230 asking for impeachment hearings against Dick Cheney. They left feeling hopeful.

Photos of Leslie and Ellen in Congress:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajourneyforpeaceandfreedom/sets/72157603859798387/show/

Chairman Conyers may not yet be convinced, but perhaps he now recognizes that the process itself has value beyond the outcome. It could start a tidal wave of hope and change that could sweep the country, much like the Watergate hearings, and bring about a much needed cleansing, just like our fast. Imagine ... What if the next Judiciary Committee hearing Chairman Conyers gaveled into order was the impeachment hearing of Vice-President Dick Cheney?

Chairman Conyers needs to hear from us RIGHT NOW! Send him a message of encouragement. Let him know that we care about the Constitution and we�re counting on him to continue investigating wrongdoings in the White House. Together we can convince him that only impeachment hearings will achieve that goal.

Join the Hungry for Justice? Impeach him FAST! campaign by replying to this email. Our numbers are growing each day. If you can't fast, commit to calling Chairman Conyers at 202-225-5126 as long as the fast continues. Make it part of your daily routine!
If you can, come to DC to deliver your message of hope and change in person. The CodePink House is waiting to welcome you!

There comes a time when silence is betrayal. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace and Freedom,

Jes & Leslie
(special thanks to Ellen Taylor, Gael Murphy, and Manijeh Saba for their support and ENORMOUS contributions)

After Downing Street ... Leslie, Ellen and Manijeh visit Congress
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/

Justice Dept. 'Cannot' Probe Waterboarding, Mukasey Says
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/08/6930/

David Gitlitz | Waterboarding and Inquistion
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/08/6928/

Judiciary Committee Should Move to Impeach Bush and Cheney by Elizabeth Holtzman
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/012808R.shtml

Sound the Alarm ... A MUST SEE!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVWlNQxjIsc

The Folly of Attacking Iran Tour:
http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/iran/

We're looking for a temporary bay area home for the Gandhi Puppet. He's collapsible to a height of about four feet. If you have space in your garage, please let us know. For those of you who don't know our friend, here are a few photos: http://www.jfpf.org/

POSADA CARRILES AND CODEPINK PART DEUX

Yesterday, CODEPINK's Miami Dream Team, Medea, Ann, Nancy, Tighe, Liz and I won a victory for free speech and assembly on the streets of Little Havana. We had returned to Florida as a follow-up to our January 12th action during which time we initiated CODEPINK's Terrorist Watch Campaign to expose the hypocrisy of our current government's "War on Terror".

Those of you who follow our blog may already be aware that we were physically attacked at this same location less than one month ago while attempting to reach out to the Cuban exile community. After becoming aware of the FBI's plan to alert communities through their MOST WANTED digital billboard campaign of terrorists and criminals needed to be brought to justice, CODEPINK launched our own MOST WANTED campaign. The fact is that our government claims to be hunting down the terrorists while harboring known terrorists in our own country.

Luis Posada Carriles, an "unrepentant criminal and admitted mastermind of terrorist plots and attacks" as the U.S. Justice Department calls him, lives and socializes on the streets of Miami. Carriles, responsible for the 1976 downing of a Cuban passenger plane with 73 people on board - the first act of aviation terrorism in the Western hemisphere, lives freely in Miami, eating lechon asado at the Versailles Restaurant, socializes at the Big Five Club, and exhibits his paintings at the Miami Art Museum.

Armed simply with postcards and a banner asking the FBI to put him on their most-wanted list, we were attacked by a violent mob of Posada supporters as our vehicle moved along Calle
Ocho.

The next day, after a pleasant dinner of moros y cristianos, milanesa and mojitos, the national drink of Cuba, we were pelted with eggs and water bottles as we left the Versailles restaurant.

Many mistakes happened on our first visit on the part of law enforcement agencies because even though we spoke to the FBI and local police ahead of time, when the moment came to hold our press conference the authorities admitted that they had not come prepared and could not guarantee our protection upon seeing the immediate and visceral reaction by the mob.

After complaints were filed and press informed we decided that we could not allow our freedoms be usurped and so would return to Miami, this time with plenty of police protection and city cooperation, to exercise our freedom of speech and assembly that was so blatantly denied us in January.

After "pinking" our truck and making detailed adjustments to our outfits, we departed from our tropical home-away from home enroute towards Calle Ocho. We approached Versailles a bit anxious but sang songs from the 60's era to brighten our mood.

Due to the tireless efforts of our pinker Tighe who came days early to work with Police Commander Milady Irizarry and Community Relations Supervisor Ada Rojas, we were able to have our day of democracy on the streets of Little Havana and both sides enjoyed their freedoms as exemplified here by the sound system and professionally made signs employed by the right-wing Cuban exiles.

Medea gave several radio, print news and TV interviews to Telemundo, Univision, Miami Herald and others.

Everybody's darling Lizzie poses with a cuban cigar as Posada Carriles. Note the Police officer in the street. There were at least 25 cops keeping order, 5 or so at each adjacent intersection and some working the crowds along with a bicycle cop and around 10 goodwill ambassadors provided by the community relations department.

As Posada's fans shouted expletives like "putas comunistas!", made lewd gestures from across the street and cranky, crotchety Mambistas cruised by giving us the middle finger salute with hands so arthritic that we felt sorry for them, we sang "All we are saying is give peace a chance."

Happily we realized that only 150 or so of Posada's followers showed up to the counter protest to which they had applied for a permit of up to 800 persons. The members of Alpha 66 and other Cuban exile groups consider him a hero for his anti-Castro actions and yet although their numbers are dwindling, continue to impose their views in Miami through fear and intimidation, the relics of a sordid history of U.S. policy in Latin America.

But no cause is so noble that it justifies killing civilians. It is time for some moral consistency in this war on terror. Whether Osama bin Laden or Luis Posada Carriles, we must bring all terrorists to justice.

Watch for further updates in our Terrorist Watch Campaign and keep abreast of new congressional developments as Congressman William Delahunt pursues the case for imprisoning Posada..
http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/110/fle111507.htm

For more details on Posada Carriles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Posada_Carriles

Miami 02.09.08 Versailles Restaurant

Tighe out PINK POLICE LAW

enforcement

Versailles Restaurant Free Speech

Ocho Loco Street - barriers protected

the terrorist supporters from the

CODEPINK PEACE TEAM

CODEPINK says yes to Peace & No to Terrorism!

Nancy Statue of Liberty-

Ann Wright wearing our message brilliantly

Stop protecting criminals like

(Arrest) Luis Posada Carriles - an alien terrorist living comfortably in Miami Florida USA

Dance Party 02.08.08 atthe local Goat Market

Dance Party at the local Market-Miami

Nancy is training in Belly Dancer USA

Tiger the electric Boogie Meister

We Peace Acitivtsts had a fabulous dance party after our RADIO MIAMI movie debut!

Miami 02.07.08

Tiger Slave driver

Medea Benjamin Part 2 Miami

2.6.8 Defense Approps 2009 unreal war spending

<----- this is the human cost of wars

CODEPINK everywhere says loud & clear

let's try security through PEACE!!Diplomacy through communication

and mutual understanding!! STOP FUNDING THE war MACHINE with OUR taxdollar$$$$$

The polls show the majority of people think( AMERICANS )

we should BRING OUR TROOPS HOME SAFELY NOW!! We have been in Iraq 5 years & we are much less safe as Anti American sentiment is growing worldwide!!

FUNDING THIS FAILED POLICY OF ENDLESS OCCUPATION IS WEAKENNG OUR NATIONAL SECURITY UNDERMINING OUR TROOPS IN THE FIELD.

Rolling in Style for Peace on K Street

Our stellar local CODEPINKDC supporter Jim P has been working

on wheels for the Peace Team to help in getting our props around more

effectively from action to action site!!Now we cover the capitol in a few minutes!!

There will be some interior design to take care of & some more attention to the exterior

our pink personalized touch! Sweet ride!!

here it is 02.05.08 primary tuesday the Peace Team covered K street with our Mega Phone

jay ellen did a great job getting our message out!!Lead US out of Iraq-be Presidential now

This was a practice preliminary run on the K street lobbyists strip here in DC --they (kstreet bandits) absolutely need our attention!!

from the PEACE TEAM DC!!

Thanks for the wonderful time in DC!

Dear Pink ladies,

I want to thank you all again for my wonderful experience at the CODEPINK house in January. I had so much fun joining you for the impeachment bannering, street theater and phone-a-thons. I think we got a lot of people's attention, too. It also meant a lot to me to be a part of the Code Pink presence in the house gallery, legislative hearings and other congressional meetings. I know that presence makes a difference, since members of Congress continue to cite Code Pink as a source of pressure to end the war!

Unquestionably my favorite event of the week was the anti-oil drilling action for which Ariel and I donned matching polar bear suits. We were well-received by members of Congress, the media and passers-by in the hearing, the halls of the congressional office buildings and the streets of Capitol Hill. (Magically, snow began falling during our action, contributing to the general excitement over polar bears on the Hill.) And I think our pointed signs got the message across well.

I also loved briefly being a part of the household. I very much enjoyed the group outing to Busboys & Poets, the weekly potluck and an appreciative environment for my vegan baking projects. I also admire how lovingly and efficiently the house is run by its residents.

But without a doubt, the best part of my visit to the Code Pink house was the inspiration I drew -- and will continue to draw -- from my sisters. One by one, I cornered each of the women in the house and got their stories: what they came from and why they came. The thing I found most amazing was that some of the women who had come for extended or recurring stays were not career organizers like me. Rather, they were women who left other lives out of sheer outrage at the actions of our government and went on to make themselves undeniable fixtures in a hostile environment.

I deeply respect the tireless dedication, urgent militancy and fearlessness with which Code Pink activists pursue peace, justice, and an end to Bush's insane war. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me join you.

With love and solidarity,
Bonnie

Maggie's CODEPINK DC experience 2008

Hi all,

There are not words enough to describe how rewarding my trip to the Pink House was! Everyone must go. My flight to BWI was only $199 for a round trip ticket. The fun began at the BWI train station when I asked a random gentleman if I was at the right track to ge to D.C. He smiled, told me I was, and then in fun said, "they won't let you in DC. You are one of those Pink ladies, aren't you? Bush doesn't want any more of you there." Every one knows the Pink Ladies! Once in DC I would be stopped on the street and asked for info about CodePink and for buttons.

Once your $6 train arrives in DC Liz, the hostess with the mostest, will meet you and take you to the Pink House. Liz was wonderful! It was like having your mother there checking on you all the time. The house is beautiful, and the food plentyful.

My first day was spent at Liz' trial. Oh my goodness. The officer that started the mess with Liz was not at the trial, and the two officers that were their testimony's seemed as if they had been in two different cities. Our sweet Liz was of course found innocent. What a nerve racking day that was!

The Pink Ladies are up at 7am every morning and are getting ready for their day at the Capitol. My second day was spent in a Senate Judiciary Committee, orange torture suits and all. What a sight Code Pink makes coming in. Our new Attorney General, Mukasey, was being questioned. Oh my goodness, I don't see how the Code Pink ladies have the patience to do this every day. Mukasey is worse that Gonzales. The next day was spent at an Armed Services committee. They were discussing how great we treat our soldiers. Everyone was in Pink that day. On my last day Liz took me to all my Congress men's offices, and more. We also had one meeting. While walking through the halls of Congress Liz knows all the congressmen, and they know her.

CODEPINK needs reinforcements, ladies and men! It is a mind altering experience, one everyone must do.

Maggie

---

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. __._,_.___

Ann debuts her book at Busboys & Poets in DC

CODEPINK sponsored retired Colonel Ann Wright's January 23rd appearance at Busboys and Poets in DC, where she spoke about her new book "Dissent: Voices of Conscience".

For more info visit www.voicesofconscience.com

photos by Arash Norouzi

Real Talk @ BusBoys Feb 2nd 2008

Jaime (maryland supporter) with Robert Parry 02.02.08 Saturday book signing event!

Ray Mcgovern Danielle Ellesberg Robert Parry

were speaking truth about the Power Structure

at BusBoys last night. Ray & Dan

always give us great hope!Thanks everyday

We had a CODEPINK contingent there in support!

Robert Parry was A REAL TREAT

as none of us had heard him speak.

He worked for mainstream media in the past and now writes books.

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ Liz is Acquitted!

Dear Friends,

Leslie and I have returned to the DC Code Pink House. Impeachment has become a high priority for us for many reasons. We are still very concerned about Iran. If Bush and Cheney push to launch an attack, Congress would do nothing to stop them. Impeachment proceedings need to begin NOW to keep Bush from doing any more damage. It is Congress's constitutional duty to hold this administration accountable for its "high crimes and misdemeanors". Leslie will be meeting with Conyers and Pelosi ... one way or another ... to insist they put Impeachment on the table. We'll keep you posted ...

We also returned so we could be witnesses at our friends' trials ... Liz Hourican and Desiree Fairooz. As you may remember, Desiree approached Condoleezza Rice in the hearing room for the House Foreign Affairs Committee with her "blood" soaked hands and told Rice, "The blood of millions of Iraqis is on your hands!" This CNN clip (preceded by a brief commercial) shows it all: http://www.cnn. com/video/ #/video/politics /2007/10/ 25/moos.code. pink.cnn As they took Desiree away, she kept shouting, "War Criminal!" Then, with one last burst of courage, she yelled,"Take her to the Hague!"

Desiree's action came as a complete surprise to everyone, including CodePink. Congressman Lantos, the chair of the committee hearing, ordered the capitol police to �Take them all out of here.� They dragged out Liz and then Lori. Leslie and I headed for the hallway when we heard Liz screaming. Here's the footage I took of the police brutalizing Liz (one of the hardest things I've ever done): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgkuYJnYP4U

Desiree's trial has been postponed until April 2. Her attorney was granted a continuance to give him time to subpoena Condoleezza Rice. Liz's trial proceeded as scheduled. She was charged with numerous offenses, but all of them were dropped except for the disorderly conduct. The police report accused her of : 1) kicking three officers (untrue). 2) yelling at the committee members (untrue). 3) shouting "war criminal" (untrue). 4) and holding onto furniture as she was being dragged out of the room (untrue). Leslie and I were in the witness room when the officers gave their testimony. Our testimony refuted every one of the accusations. The prosecuting attorney looked a little sheepish when he and the judge viewed the C-SPAN footage submitted as evidence. This collaborated our story and showed how the police were completely out of control, especially Mark Sullivan.

CodePink has a good relationship with the capitol police. We greet many of them by name and some of the officers have even told us how much they appreciate what we're doing. There is one exception, however ... Captain Mark Sullivan. You can see him in the CNN video (above) dragging Liz from the room. Just today he gave Desiree "the finger" as he drove by in a police car. He has also harassed Leslie and others in the past. A formal complaint has been filed.

Getting back to Liz's trial ... Each attorney gave their closing arguments. I felt sorry for the prosecuting attorney, but not too sorry. He knew his case was lost, but he did his best to dance around the officer's false reports. The judge expressed "reasonable doubt" on all counts and Liz was acquitted! We exploded into the hallway and congratulated Liz and her attorney. It was a good day for justice!!

Peace and Freedom,

Jes & Leslie

PS Lori's day in court will be March 17, just 6 days after my trial.


Slideshow of CodePink at the Mukasey hearing Wednesday:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/codepinkalert/sets/72157603821981310/show/

Code Pink's Blog:
http://codepinkdc.blogspot.com/

Iranian Couple Bicycling Around the World:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/01/25/intv.iran.couple.bikes.for.peace.cnn

Wexler's Petition for Impeaching Cheney:
http://www.wexlerwantshearings.com/

What do Fainting Goats and the Congressional Democratic Leadership have in common?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns1- TLuPQ1Q

Archives visit -The Constitution

My first visit to the Archives long overdue!


Leslie Dez Ella ella Ellen & Jes wore Arrest


BUSH ARREST! CHENEY ARREST! ARREST


CHENEY FIRST


t-shirts with great honor!!

The Constitution Declaration of Independence Bills of Rights are on display!
Come to DC in March!!Visit Archives

CODEPINK Florida and others host Col Ann Wright's Central Florida Book Tour

Central Florida Tour with Col. Ann Wright Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2008
CODEPINK Florida women Monica, Leslie, Deidra, Sheri, Lydia and 6 UCF women joined forces in putting together the most fantastic and fun book signing tour ever for the beloved Col. Ann Wright and her book "DISSENT - Voices of Conscience". Tons of Kudos also to Mike Fox, Jeannie Toth and Samm Simpson in the Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg area, Faith Fippenger in Sarasota, Michael Heaney for his contacts, Dr. Dennis Jett and Mabel at UF and John Bersia and Stephanie at UCF. Finally, a special thanks to Scott and Sherrie Camil, Veterans For Peace in Gainesville. Here’s what we did:
Ann touched down in Sarasota on Thursday, Jan 24th. Ann remarked that it was the "geriatric flight" - cracked her up. Faith Fippenger, Monica Spain and I met her and headed home to meet Marco Bell of Marco and Monica/CODEPINK Sarasota. Monica was the point person for the Sarasota News and Books event later that evening. Ann was introduced by Arnie Schmidz from the Southwest Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice. She gave the most wonderful talk. She autographed books at every event which was really special for all who attended. After a great talk we headed up the street to a wonderful Two Senoritas Restaurant, compliments of the CODEPINK Sarasota women (there were, by the way, a number of them at the event - you know who you are :-D)
We were up early, had a wonderful breakfast and Ann started her radio interviews. There were many, many radio interviews. Some in the car, some at homes, one in a fancy pancy resort parking lot in South Florida area and even in offices outside of speaking engagements. It was amazing to see how she juggled all of those calls.
Early Friday Marco got us packed and ready and off we went to meet Deidra Lynch and daughter Autumn Rain in Orlando. Our housing host was the amazing Leslie Klein, also CODEPINK Orlando. Deidra and Leslie were point persons for the events in Orlando on Friday. We landed at Leslie’s awesome place first where we rested and got ready for dinner. Deidra and Sheri Heitker had made reservations at the Thai House Restaurant and the meal was just delicious. We met retired military men and women and the veterans shared lots of stories. Joseph R. DuRocher and his wife Rosemary related their experiences and feelings when he sent his Naval Aviator Wings and his shoulder boards to President Bush with his letter protesting the war in Iraq. Check Ann’s web page at www.voicesofconscience.com for his letter. We were all glad to hear that the White House returned his honors intact with a letter of regret.
Deidra, Leslie and Sheri, all CODEPINK Orlando, had also made arrangements for Ann to speak at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Orlando. We were met there by a new college CODEPINK group of women from the University of Central Florida. They supported the Friday night event at the church and also the following Tuesday afternoon event at UCF. This totally awesome group of young women will be at the CODEPINK House during the March actions. Ann’s talk was great and she signed lots and lots of books there also.
We left Leslie’s on Saturday morning to head back down south to meet Mike Fox and his awesome gang in the Tampa/Clearwater/St. Pete area. We started with a well attended event on the University of South Florida campus. After about an hour of speaking and signing books Mike took us to their weekly protest across the street from the Veterans Hospital in Tampa. Lots of South Florida peacemaker activists were holding IMPEACH and Troops Out Now signs and banners. Mike had also arranged for a television interview with FOX NEWS and Ann was able to put the word out about her book at that action. We stayed for a while at the action, then headed to Jeannie Toth’s home for a 2 night stay. Jeannie has completely remodeled this place, practically on her own, Ann and I couldn’t believe it. Wonderful. Mike stayed close by and things ran smooth as silk. We ate some chilli, washed up and headed to the First Unitarian Church of Orlando to meet the amazing Samm Simpson. Samm introduced Ann but first the most amazing singer (he sang "Abraham, Martin and John") brought the mood of freedom into the room. Ann gave the most amazing talk that night. She talked about herself a little more on this talk - she is a true patriot and a real rabble rouser! Saturday was a really great day.
Sunday we were up early for a event at The Beach Theater, an alternative movie theater in a funky part of town.. It was the weekend of the arts fair and the weather was fantastic, even a little cool, always breezy. We watched part of "Why We Fight" and then Ann spoke to a moderate crowd of really interested activists. Mostly older women this day. Ann signed books and met new admirers. We headed right out to a luncheon/fund raising event at Ferg’s Restaurant. Again, Mike, Jeannie and Samm got a great group of heros and activists together. We had burgers, chicken, salad and drinks. Ann spoke for a short time and also got to do a newspaper interview with "Military Times" - a magazine that makes it to veterans everywhere. "DISSENT - Voices of Conscience" will now be on the "reading list" in that paper - a major step toward getting to those folks who aren’t "in the choir". Ann wants to get her message to everyone.
Our day wasn’t over then. Our next stop was a wonderful meal at Leo’s Restaurant where Samm was able to join with supporters and once again introduce Ann to those who attended. It was a long day and a very busy weekend but we sold tons of books. Mike Fox and company put together a fantastic weekend and we had a wonderful time. It was a long day - the food was wonderful.
After hot showers and a good night’s sleep we had a little time to just hang out with Jeannie on Monday morning. Ann started radio interviews, we had a good breakfast and then headed back up to Orlando to our hotel at the University of Central Florida. Ann did a couple of radio interviews on the way. My brain is so full of the most awesome talks and answers to questions. The University of Central Florida arranged for a beautiful room at the Raddison Hotel. We checked in, got organized and took off to meet the UCF CODEPINK women for dinner at Miss Saigon. Ann had wanted Vietnamese food and it was really good. It was great fun to get to know the UCF women better and talk more about their March ‘08 trip to the CODEPINK house in DC. We would see them again the next day on campus and cannot say enough good stuff about these awesome young women. Ann had one more radio interview that evening and then we watch the final, last, end of it, finis, over, been there/done that, hasta la vista, don’t let the door hit you in the ass State of the Union address by George W. Bush.
Early Tuesday, the next morning, Ann met Dr. David Houghton downstairs in the Raddison restaurant for an extensive interview. Dr. Houghton also introduced Ann to the group at the UCF event later that afternoon. After the interview we went over to UCF to meet John Bersia and his office. Ann was introduced to Harriet L. Elam-Thomas who was Diplomat/Ambassador-in-Residence at UCF (2003-2005). Harriet was truly looking forward to meeting Ann and they had much to share with one another. It was really an honor to see these fantastic women who’ve paved the way years ahead of my time. Soon after arriving John and his staff took us into downtown Orlando for a luncheon/forum with the Global Connections Foundation. They had their meeting, we had a nice lunch and Ann spoke briefly. After chatting and signing some books we were off once more for a talk at the University of Central Florida. We had a large student crowd and one very concerned war supporter. Ann spoke truth to power to his questions (we did have to finally say "Sir, do you have a question?" - he was going on and on and on.....) Ann mentioned she loves the conversations with those debaters and wished she had more time to talk with him. CODEPINK UCF was on the scene and Ann’s talk was perfect for the student crowd.
After just over an hour we were out the door headed to the University of Florida. Thanks to Michael Heaney from UF who is currently working in DC, we were able to get Ann into The University of Florida. The event was sponsored by Dr. Dennis Jett and his staff at the School of International Studies . The event was well attended, mostly older activists and lots of Veterans For Peace/Gainesville. It was a wonderful talk followed by snacks and drinks. A great crowd gathered for the book signing. We took some great pictures and I will post a small slide show of the entire trip asap. We have some really fantastic pictures to share.
Next we began what was for me the most amazing and truly life affirming time of this trip. Scott and Sherrie Camil met us just outside of the University of Florida event and guided us onto the campus for Ann’s talk. Scott Camil has written books, done numerous interviews and shares his story about being a Marine in Vietnam in "Winter Soldier". After the event at UF we followed Scott (at break speed by the way :-D) out to Scott and Sherrie’s place. Our final night in Florida was truly activist affirming. We were welcomed with open arms by local VFP and IVAW members and their spouses. The house rambles on and on and each room is a testament to the history of the anti-war movement beginning back in the 1970's. From that time to this day they are an organized "family" of people who, combined, are doing it all. Scott and Ann spent a lot of very personal time together. Scott loaded her up with books he’d written, gave us both copies of "Winter Soldier" and VFP t-shirts and he shared a new video in progress that really shows what was happening during the Vietnam war. I believe this effort/movie will travel our country to open the eyes of many who have no idea about what happened THEN and don’t really have a clue of what is happening (to our military and to civilians in Iraq) NOW either. Ann also signed tons of books. One woman we met is an attorney who is supporting soldiers whose PTSD claims have been denied as "pre-existing conditions", PRO BONO. She bought a copy of the book for all of her employees (and she has a lot of employees) and VFP Gainesville bought a stack for their area. It was not only a great way to end the tour financially, it was probably one of the most amazing nights of my entire activist life. It was the anti-war movement past, present and future. But, for me, most importantly it was the focus of "love" and the importance of that energy in Scott and Sherrie Camil’s house.. Love and communication are the fabric of the work they are doing in Gainesville, Florida. Scott told me they have been playing volley ball every single Sunday afternoon since 1979, rain, lightening, freezing cold....they play. Then they all shower up, eat a big meal and sit down to decide what they will do next week for peace. They share ideas, hammer out plans and do it as a family................sound like any place you know :-D?
Our last night in Florida was authentic and energizing. We should all have a house like this in our own cities and towns.
It was such an honor to represent CODEPINK Women For Peace all over Florida. The CODEPINK Florida women helped in a huge way with rooms, food, event locations and preparations, press, setting up tables and awesome food (CODEPINK Orlando had this fantastic sheet cake with the front of Ann’s book on it- and it was edible). This trip could not have happened without them. Thanks again to Mike Fox and his unwavering dedication to peace and justice here in Florida. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone who helped, lots of people helped.
Anyone who gets a chance to see Ann and get her book shouldn’t hesitate one second. A night you will remember and a book you can’t forget.
Peace Lydia