Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: NY Transfer News Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2001 4:55 AM Subject: [CubaNews] Thousands Rally for Peace in Portland, OR Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit Thousands Rally for Peace in Portland, Oregon [On Sunday, September 16, there was a massive rally in Portland Oregon. It was seriously under-reported by the mainstream media, who have also failed to cover many other demonstrations around the world against Bush's Crusade of Terror. There have been demonstrations for peace (or against the United States) in Germany, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and El Salvador as well as, unsurprisingly, in Pakistan. In San Salvador, American and Israeli flags were burned over the weekend in a student demonstration. ] source - Red Emma <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> THOUSANDS march for peace in downtown Portland Many thousands of people gathered on the South Park Blocks Sunday at noon to rally and march for peace. The event, put on by Portland Peaceful Response, had three themes: (1) to mourn the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attack; (2) to speak out against racist scapegoating; and (3) to demand that there be no more violence, including no military retaliation by our government. The crowd was the largest seen at any anti-war demonstration since the Gulf War ten years ago. A count taken at one street corner registered 2,630 people. Estimates of the total number of people ranged from 3,000 to 4,500. Attendees and speakers ran the gamut from members of the local Middle Eastern community, to Native American and Christian spiritual leaders, to teachers and union activists, to long-time peace activists, and many more. We all were very much heartened to see so many of our fellow Portlanders coming out and standing up for peace. As several speakers remarked from the stage, the media accounts saying 85% of Americans support war do not seem so believable now. There was no counter-demonstration, and I personally did not see any harassment or overt hostility from passers-by, although there may have been some. For a fuller account, with pictures, go to www.portland.indymedia.org (give them a few hours to get everything loaded up!) Look for us on tonight's news--just about every local station was there. Listen to KBOO 90.7 FM Monday morning at 7am for audio coverage. If there's nothing about this in Monday's Oregonian, call them up and ask them why. Above all, help spread the word. In this frightening and confusing time, those of us who support peace are not alone! Attendees at the rally signed a letter to President Bush, and were urged to make calls to our representatives in Congress. EVERY ONE of our Oregon congressional representatives voted for Friday's resolution authorizing use of force (basically, a new "Gulf of Tonkin" resolution authorizing the President to do whatever he wants). But they may change their tunes, if they hear from enough constituents. This could be the beginning of a long war, and it is not too late for our congress to change course and reconsider. We should tell them: NO declaration of war against Afghanistan; the PEOPLE of Afghanistan are not our enemy. The Capitol Switchboard number is 1-888-449-3511 or 202-224-3121. The White House comment line number is 202-456-1111 (not that HE's going to listen, but heck, we can try.) If/when the bombing starts, there is still a standing plan for an emergency protest action: 4-6 pm at Terry Schrunk Plaza (SW 3rd and Madison, across the street from the Federal Building). This will be the DAY OF the bombing, if it starts before 4pm; and the DAY AFTER, if it starts after 4pm. Portland Peaceful Response will continue to coordinate these actions. We can be reached at 503-223-1399 (voice mail) or portland911.tripod.com (website). ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ================================================================= ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://TOPICA.COM/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
