Click here to see a great video about CODEPINK's actions in DC created by and featured on the homepage of the Washington Post website!
CODEPINK women have been tirelessly working on the front lines in DC. We have been holding those elected in November responsible to enact the people's will: Bring the Troops Home and end the occupation of Iraq.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A love letter to the women of the CODEPINK DC House
by Nell Greenberg
Last week as I sat in the Oakland airport waiting for my flight to CODEPINK, DC I read an email from Howard Zinn that began: “We are not politicians, we are citizens. Let the politicians advocate half-way measures if they choose, but only after they have felt the full force of citizens who speak for what is right, not what is winnable.”
Zinn’s words gave me a blaring focus on what the role of a citizenry should always be, especially during a time of war. But it wasn’t until I got off the plane and met the inspiring women that reside in the new DC house, that I saw the embodiment of Howard Zinn’s stirring words. I have never encountered women who are more fearless in their resolve to “speak for what is right” even when it’s not immediately winnable.
How inspiring to be amongst you women who—despite how many times you were told by politicians to be pragmatic and respect the process or how many times you were pushed back by police who somehow think their weapons have more authority than your signs of peace—were unwavering in your commitment to a single, simple truth; our military escapade in Iraq is morally outrageous and must end now.
It is impossible not to feel disheartened by the cynicism and compromise imbedded in our political process. Despite the undeniable peace majority that made itself known in the last election, despite the number of young military men and women who have come forward against the war and those that are dying for it everyday, despite the resounding support to end a war that feeds an unsustainable oil addiction; we have been told that we must wait for justice and instead wade through the paperwork that comes with a politics of compromise.
But none of you women that I had the privilege to live with this last week were willing to compromise even one inch. And you held your position with all the impassioned, life-affirming force that is desperately missing inside the unfeeling walls of Congress. It is with that moving spirit and righteous spunk that you have taught me the real meaning of a citizen, a woman’s role in wartime.
And so I thank you for rejuvenating my hope that we really can inspire the change we want to see, and who better to do it than a band of wild women in pink!
All my love and utmost respect,
-Nell Greenberg
Oakland, CA
Last week as I sat in the Oakland airport waiting for my flight to CODEPINK, DC I read an email from Howard Zinn that began: “We are not politicians, we are citizens. Let the politicians advocate half-way measures if they choose, but only after they have felt the full force of citizens who speak for what is right, not what is winnable.”
Zinn’s words gave me a blaring focus on what the role of a citizenry should always be, especially during a time of war. But it wasn’t until I got off the plane and met the inspiring women that reside in the new DC house, that I saw the embodiment of Howard Zinn’s stirring words. I have never encountered women who are more fearless in their resolve to “speak for what is right” even when it’s not immediately winnable.
How inspiring to be amongst you women who—despite how many times you were told by politicians to be pragmatic and respect the process or how many times you were pushed back by police who somehow think their weapons have more authority than your signs of peace—were unwavering in your commitment to a single, simple truth; our military escapade in Iraq is morally outrageous and must end now.
It is impossible not to feel disheartened by the cynicism and compromise imbedded in our political process. Despite the undeniable peace majority that made itself known in the last election, despite the number of young military men and women who have come forward against the war and those that are dying for it everyday, despite the resounding support to end a war that feeds an unsustainable oil addiction; we have been told that we must wait for justice and instead wade through the paperwork that comes with a politics of compromise.
But none of you women that I had the privilege to live with this last week were willing to compromise even one inch. And you held your position with all the impassioned, life-affirming force that is desperately missing inside the unfeeling walls of Congress. It is with that moving spirit and righteous spunk that you have taught me the real meaning of a citizen, a woman’s role in wartime.
And so I thank you for rejuvenating my hope that we really can inspire the change we want to see, and who better to do it than a band of wild women in pink!
All my love and utmost respect,
-Nell Greenberg
Oakland, CA
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Peace Potluck
By Rae AbileahTonight we had our second weekly peace potluck at the CODEPINK activist house. The house was full of people from around town, visiting activists, and house residents. Desiree and Lydia made some amazing dishes to share, and we decided that we want to make an activist cookbook with all our recipes for delicious dishes and savory, potent actions for cange.
Here are some photos from the evening:
After the potluck, I would have thought that everyone would be exhausted from a full day of actions, cooking, and the potluck, but a group decided to head over to the radio and television awards to see Bush's comic speech and give the senators, media, and other guests a message to get out of Iraq! The actions just don't stop here in DC!!
NOW endorses Hillary for Prez
By Rae Abileah
Today was a sad day for us as we watched one of our closest allies in the women's movement, NOW, endorse Hillary Clinton for president. We are disappointed that our sisters have chosen to support a candidate by virtue of her being a woman, and not a candidate for peace. Here are some photos from our demonstration outside the women's museum where the endorsement was announced. We asked Hillary to "help us get out of Iraq NOW!" More info about this action coming soon.
Today was a sad day for us as we watched one of our closest allies in the women's movement, NOW, endorse Hillary Clinton for president. We are disappointed that our sisters have chosen to support a candidate by virtue of her being a woman, and not a candidate for peace. Here are some photos from our demonstration outside the women's museum where the endorsement was announced. We asked Hillary to "help us get out of Iraq NOW!" More info about this action coming soon.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sen. Casey Meets with CODEPINK PA
By Debi Richter
We had quite a day, we were able to speak with Specter's aide before the vote as well and then on to Casey's office---He is not quite where we want him right now, still buying some of the "support the troops" while withdrawing, etc. but we got some points acrosss to him, and Sam you'd be proud, I didn't let the Coalition for Peace Action folks take over, I moderated and led the discussion! I also interrupted Casey when he was being too vague for me to understand what the hell he was getting at...unfortunately the meeting was cut short because he had to run out and vote on the strike the language bill and of course we didn't want him to miss that, but he ended by saying he wants to meet with us again...and then we all stayed for quite a while w/ 3 of his aides and really got into some more great discussions..but the time we were done, we headed off to eat as it was really late...
Funny--I interrupted McCain during a taping of one of his commercials, I opened my shirt up, to show the code pink clearly and yelled out for him to stop funding the war...they were pissed...LOL, had to retake... I kinda sneaked around the handlers before they realized what I was doing, egged on my everyone in our group...
I don't know how you ladies do it day after day, I'm whipped! Lots of preparation went into this meeting, but it was worth it..his aides actually told us to continue making noise and keep coming back with more...I think they are more on board then he is...
For more info about this local group check out:
PHILLY DELAWARE RIVER AREA CODE PINK
http://phildelcodepink.50megs.com/
We had quite a day, we were able to speak with Specter's aide before the vote as well and then on to Casey's office---He is not quite where we want him right now, still buying some of the "support the troops" while withdrawing, etc. but we got some points acrosss to him, and Sam you'd be proud, I didn't let the Coalition for Peace Action folks take over, I moderated and led the discussion! I also interrupted Casey when he was being too vague for me to understand what the hell he was getting at...unfortunately the meeting was cut short because he had to run out and vote on the strike the language bill and of course we didn't want him to miss that, but he ended by saying he wants to meet with us again...and then we all stayed for quite a while w/ 3 of his aides and really got into some more great discussions..but the time we were done, we headed off to eat as it was really late...
Funny--I interrupted McCain during a taping of one of his commercials, I opened my shirt up, to show the code pink clearly and yelled out for him to stop funding the war...they were pissed...LOL, had to retake... I kinda sneaked around the handlers before they realized what I was doing, egged on my everyone in our group...
I don't know how you ladies do it day after day, I'm whipped! Lots of preparation went into this meeting, but it was worth it..his aides actually told us to continue making noise and keep coming back with more...I think they are more on board then he is...
For more info about this local group check out:
PHILLY DELAWARE RIVER AREA CODE PINK
http://phildelcodepink.50megs.com/
Monday, March 26, 2007
Join us in DC at the CODEPINK Activist House!
In this photo are the women who stayed at the house during the first week--they're pointing to the space in the middle and asking... will you join us?
The CODEPINK DC presence is making national (and international!) news, spreading the message that Congress should listen to the people and not buy Bush's War, and that women (and our allies) can lead the way for peace! The house has a peace room, five bedrooms, and many inspiring pink photos and banners. Join us for a long weekend, a week, or longer!
Click here to find out more about the house and apply to live here.
AFL-CIO Conference: Lieberman blows kisses to CODEPINK
CODEPINKers Desiree and Tighe were outside the AFL-CIO construction and trade conference at the DC Hilton and where they unfurled a Don't Buy Bush's War banner and chanted "No More War!". When Lieberman got out of his car he blew kisses at the CODEPINKers. Tighe talked with him about the number of deaths in this war and the reasons it must end, and how his continued support of war is not going to support our troops.
Murtha showed up and shook CODEPINK activists' hands and said, "Great job, thanks for what you're doing."
Murtha showed up and shook CODEPINK activists' hands and said, "Great job, thanks for what you're doing."
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