CODEPINK DC in Action: Don't Buy Bush's War!: March 2008

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Yeah team!! Liz Arizona, Joan, Cher, Eric, Chris, Ann Wilcox, Jes & I arrived hours before the "presidential pitch".

Although only Ann and Chris had tickets, all of us participated in rabble-rousing street theater outside the Metro station entrance to the stadium.

We interacted with probably a couple of thousand baseball fans. Above is a one who came with his very own sign. In addition to the regular folk arrived several famous people AND one infamous: CNN's Wolf Blitzer

Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher

Senator Byron Dorgin

, former Mayor Anthony Williams,

and none other than war criminal Colin Powell!

Liz wore the Bush head in prison garb for the entire three hours before the game and must have had her photo taken a thousand times! Note the Induction into the Hall of Shame certificate in Bush's hands.

Cher and Gael later joined us and wore the Condi head, too.
Joan and I, as Pink Police held BOO BUSH signs and called out to the crowds:

HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!! STEP RIGHT UP FOR YOUR ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY, A FREE PHOTO WITH THE WAR CRIMINAL OF YOUR CHOICE! MAKE YOUR OPENING DAY GAME EXPERIENCE EXTRA MEMORABLE WITH A PICTURE WITH YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST WAR CRIMINAL DUBYA BEFORE WE TAKE HIM TO THE

HAGUE!

"He was greeted by plenty of loud jeers, but also determined cheers, as if the fans in both camps were trying to outduel each other." Yahoo Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-bush-baseball&prov=ap&type=lgns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWkII4pFsVw

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rdp3bk-igA0

Des

Chain Gang took the show away from the CRIMiNAL

The Nationals hosted the first game of the season

in the new stadium with a gorgeous view of the waterfront!

CODEPINK DC PEACE FORCE was out in ususal street theater mode

to ensure the attendees would make NOISE when the decider

threw the first symbolic pitch!MIssion Accomplished BUSH was greeted with

LOUD BOO like sounds instead of cheers from the crowds! RIGHT ON TEAM

There were many prominent WAR MONGERS & others in attendance Colin Powell,
Wolf Blitzer & family,Congresswoman Tauscher,Senator Byron Dorgan

we made certain to greet each one with a personalized message!

03.30.08 SHAME on BUSH

Join CODEPINK DC & many other activists as we

BOO BUSH at the 1st game of the season
in the new stadium!

BUSH is not welcome here in DC -

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Chain Gang looking for Karl Rove @ Gw in DC

Chain Gang was in all out action mode today looking to present a FOX Glamour Award & A supboena to the most effective liar in the Bush Cabinet! Karl Rove still has his framer of fiction function within the power circles in DC!Rove is a well known manufacturer of BS in the halls of Power----------and we the people were ready to SPEAK TRUTH to LIAR himself

Karl try jumping into REALITY

you are an untrustworthy person and need mental HELP

WE the PEOPLE don't believe yur LIES

and you definitely need serious counseling and mental

oversight!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Impeachment for PEACE!

Impeachment is in the Constitution
for a reason! Impeach for PEACE & Security!

The Bush Regime of fear factor tactics
seem to be ramping up the rhetoric to AirStrike Iran! There are many signals indicating this could be coming soon-IMPEACHMENT hearings will put a STOP to this evil empire

Call Conyers 202.225.5126
Conyers wife in Michigan seems more progressive give her a call

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Great Action in DC some photos to remember

Someone lead us out of IRAQ NOW......5 years have past without a plan

YO BASTA

BRING the TROOPS HOME SAFELY!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Culver City Resident Travels to DC to Protest Iraq War

Cost of war drives people into the streets with
colorful costumes & message of peace

WASHINGTON D.C. – Culver City peace activist Paulette
Navarro traveled to DC this week for creative protests
on the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq. As a
social worker at a local hospital in Inglewood,
Paulette has seen funding for health and social
services diminish significantly while over 1.2
trillion dollars have been spent on death and
destruction caused by the war, and 4000 US soldiers
and one million Iraquis have died. Outraged, Navarro
became an organizer with the Culver City Peace and
Justice group and is active with the Los Angeles peace
movement, gathering signatures on impeachment
petitions and educating the public on the war and
decreased social funding, and protesting military
recruitment..

Navarro, wanting to bring her activism to a higher
level, decided to take precious time away from work
and family to participate in the "5 Years Too Many"
demonstrations in Washington, D.C. She joined
protestors from 50 states and abroad who converged in
the nation's capitol to demand an end to the war. About 15
people from local Los Angeles area groups she belongs to helped
Navarro with her trip expenses, feeling that she was
representing them in the Capitol.

"We are seeing that Americans are willing to go the
distance, skip work and even spend precious time away
from their families to deliver the message to the
war-profiteers, the federal agencies that have
destroyed our Constitution and the Congress that we
are tired of their support for this war - we want them
to work for peace!" says Navarro. Navarro feels that she made a difference in
participating in the days of actions in Washington
D.C., and in addition she returns with renewed energy,
invigorated and inspired to continue the work of ending the war
and bringing peace to our country and the world.

On March 18th, Navarro marched with the peace group
CODEPINK in an event called "Restore the Constitution"
to shed a light on the assault on our nation's
Constitution by the Administration. From the National
Archives to the Justice Department and the IRS
Building, a group of 300 protesters, some of them
dressed in colonial attire, carried the Preamble of
the Constitution written on a huge banner.

On March 19, the day the war started, Navarro
joined CODEPINK and the larger peace
coalition - under the umbrella of United for Peace and
Justice - to participate in the March of the Dead,
a procession of people wearing black and
skull-like masks, which prompted people to imagine how
it would be if the dead civilians and military personel were to
return to seek justice in D.C. The same day, in front
of the White House, Navarro witnessed a waterboarding
demonstration, a torture technique used on prisoners. This convinced her that
one cannot stand idly by when torture is being
committed in our name and with our money.

Several groups of demonstrators staged demonstrations
in front of the so called "war profiteers":
corporations that are financially benefiting
from continuing the war. A mock "War Profiteer Award"
was given to the company that profited the most from
the war.

There was more than 640 events throughout the United
States to mark the fifth anniversary of the war.

Navarro quotes the historian Howard Zinn who wrote in
his book "A Power Governments Cannot Suppress," that
every significant social change in this country
happened not by the government but by a large movement
of people demanding change; and that is why she says,
"there is currently an urgency to increase the numbers
of people in the peace movement to build a critical
mass of people to create change."

Friday, March 21, 2008

Phoenix CODEPINK on 5th Anniversary of Iraq Invasion

Phoenix, Arizona: On this 5th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq nearly 600 protesters gather at Arizona Senator John McCain's Phoenix Office. The evening ended with the a candlelight vigil and the reading of the over 100 names of Arizona military persons lost in this occupation.

Monday, March 17, 2008

WAKE up TAke BAck America 03.17.08

Sunday, March 16, 2008

CODEPINK says WAR is not GREEN

CODEPINK activists on the streets celebrating

the St. Patty's Day Parade with a message of peace

& our concern for the environment!

WAR is devastating our planet....all wars harm the future generations

We have one Mother Earth take care of the planet!!

Winter Soldier too place today at the National Labor College just outside of DC. Hundreds of Iraq Veterans Against the War will be here the next three days, as well as large numbers of allies, Vets for Peace, and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This is a chance for the world to hear about the war from the warriors' perspectives--how the illegal and immoral occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan are affecting not only the civilian populations of these countries, but teh also the courageious soldiers that have been co-opted and used by a corrupt and imperial government.

Poignant testimony as humorous anecdotes of GI resistance against the Vietnam War started off the four days of hearings Thursday evening. The mood is somber yet celebratory as warriors who know battle personally gather to jam the gears of the machine--to exhort their brothers and sisters in the military to join them in their resistance. I am humbled and privileged to witnexx the testimony in perso

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ Jes is Acquitted!

Dear Friends,

The trial lasted two days and the jurors finished deliberating in a little over an hour. They were smiling as they walked into the courtroom. The foreperson handed the verdict to Judge Rigsby and he, too, smiled as he read: "To the charge of unlawful conduct on capitol grounds we find the defendant NOT GUILTY!

By the end of the trial I don't think one person in that courtroom wanted a conviction. Even the prosecuting attorney gave a half-hearted closing argument. My attorney, Mark Loudon-Brown, did a FABULOUS job. His passionate closing made Leslie cry. He's in the Graduate Fellowship Program of Georgetown Law and this was his first jury trial. He was supervised by the "legendary" DC defense lawyer, John Copacino. It was a privilege to work with them both. Mark's colleagues attended the trial to give him moral support. After the trial both John and Mark had an opportunity to talk with the jurors and they congratulated him on how well he presented his case. So did the judge ...

Judge Rigsby is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves and also serves as a judge on JAG (Judge Advocate General's Corps). He has been in the armed forces for 28 years. He baited Mark with the issue of recusal, but Mark knew the judge wouldn't disqualify himself, so he didn't bite. Protesters and lawyers alike shudder when they hear they've been assigned to Rigsby's court. Luckily for me, however, he's from California and we got along amazingly well. I'm guessing he was relieved by the verdict, because he knew I wasn't willing to accept probation or a fine if I was found guilty, so he would have been forced to give me jail time. Judges assign probation and fines to protesters without a second thought and I wanted to get at least that ...

Two video segments were shown to the jury. The first, a YouTube that's been posted before: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBujJVKrzCY and the second a C-SPAN clip. These were shown by the prosecuting attorney. Yup, there I was shouting, "Shame on you Senator, shame on you! I'm from California ...", but the jury understood I wasn't trying to disrupt the hearing; I just wanted to let Senator Feinstein know she was not representing me with her Mukasey vote. I was happy with my testimony. Leslie was there as a second witness if I needed her, but I didn't. At one point Mark asked me,"Mr. Richardson, why did you speak out that day?" I answered," Because I don't want our children growing up in a country that condones torture."

Meanwhile, three other courtrooms were processing protesters and a few blocks away Desiree and a CodePink contingency were letting Condoleezza Rice know how they felt about her bloody hands: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/13/world/americas/13rice.html?_r=1&scp=27&sq=thursday%2C+march+13%2C+2008&st=nyt&oref=slogin

I have a question for Ethan Levisohn, the prosecuting attorney: You chose to pursue this case. Do you think you made a wise decision? Taxpayers paid for a two day trial ... a judge, a courtroom reporter, two assistants for the judge, a court appointed attorney, you and your assistant, and two officers waiting to testify. Fifty-two lives were interrupted for jury selection ... fourteen stayed. Maybe next time you'll remember it's THE PEOPLE who pay your salary and we're not as willing to give up our first amendment rights as you might think we are.

Peace and Freedom,

Jes & Leslie

Six Signs the US May Be Headed for War in Iran
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/13/7676/

It's the "Oh Shit!" Moment on Iran
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/12/7638/

Esquire article: The Man Between War and Peace"
http://www.esquire.com/features/fox-fallon

CodePink's Restore the Constitution Day on March 18
http://www.codepinkalert.org/calendar.php?id=2236

RESIST in March
http://www.resistinmarch.org/

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

If you would like to be added to The Gandhi Peace Brigade Group List,
please let me know: jes_richardson@yahoo.com Thank you. Jes

03.14.08 Counter Recruitment-March down H street

CODEPINK Peace Team delivered Winter Soldier Fliers and Posters to the recruiters friday afternoon- though no one came to the door to receive our gifts!

We Demand Peace & Want Our Troops out of harm's way Now!

Support Winter Soldier whatever way possible!

www.ivaw.org

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Pink Police Stop Loss Congress today

Troops out of Iraq Bring them home safely now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop loss Congress not out troops!!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Gandhi Peace Brigade/ Jes' Trial on Torture & Leslie's Rolling Fast

Dear Friends,

President George W. Bush has vetoed legislation passed by Congress that would have banned the CIA from using waterboarding and other controversial interrogation techniques. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/08/7563/ This country, as represented by our president, now condones torture in the eyes of the world.

My trial for speaking out on torture is tomorrow (Tuesday). In November, 2007, I was charged with "unlawful conduct on capitol grounds" for telling Senator Dianne Feinstein I disapproved of her vote to confirm Mukasey as our next Attorney General. He refused to define waterboarding as torture. When she finished explaining her position, I said,"Shame on you Senator! Shame on you! I'm from California ..." Here's what happened: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBujJVKrzCY Hopefully, the jury will find me not guilty. The maximum, but unlikely, sentence the judge can give me for a guilty verdict is six months in jail. If the next Gandhi Peace Brigade newsletter is a little late, you'll know why.

Ellen Taylor is now on the 21st day of a rolling fast to encourage Congressman John Conyers to begin impeachment hearings against Vice President Cheney. She needs a successor for the Hungry for Justice? Impeach him FAST! If you would like to carry the Impeachment torch for this rolling fast, even if it's just for a few days, please respond to this email. Leslie and Ellen need your help to keep this going. If you don't want to lead the fast, but you would still like to participate, please sign up here: http://codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=3974

These two AMAZING WOMEN have led and maintained this fast, with the support of over 500 other fasters. They have also been talking with Congress members about reviving the "Nixon Flooding Plan" http://www.impeachbush.tv/nixonplan/. Thank you Marcia Meyers, Michael Greenman, Carl McCargo, and Barbara Ellis of the We the People National Coalition for researching and introducing this comprehensive plan ... and David Swanson for your networking http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/taxonomy/term/17.

This plan explains how the impeachment of Richard Nixon in 1974 provides an excellent model for the impeachment of our administration today. Members of Congress submitted nearly 100 resolutions calling for impeachment or related investigations of Richard Nixon. The House Judiciary Committee voted on Articles of Impeachment but Nixon resigned before the full House could vote on them. There has been some interest from several members of the house, but they claim they need to hear from their constituents before they can act. Please contact your Representative and ask them to "flood Congress with Impeachment resolutions".

Also continue to call Congressman Conyers (202-225-5126) and ask him to begin impeachment hearings against Vice President Cheney!

Leslie and I are deeply concerned the Bush Administration is planning to attack Iran http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/030708R.shtml. This would be devastating to Iran, the United States, and the world. We feel impeachment hearings will stop them. Please do whatever you can to promote these hearings.

Peace and Freedom,

Jes & Leslie

Leslie and Ellen's article in the DC paper Politico:
Code Pink Seeks Fast Exit For Bush
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/05/7474/

Betsy Hartmann | The Election That Might Not Happen
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/06/7525/

A Lion's Hug of Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3D9NEoa9tw

Louis Armstrong Wants Cheney Impeached
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=louisarmstrong

Iran Wants Ban on Nuclear Weaponshttp://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23322497-5005961,00.htmlJes & Leslie ... A Journey for Peace and Freedom: http://www.jfpf.org/