1/28/12
January Newsletter: 4 More Years To Truly Move Forward!
In 2013 the peace and justice community has a full plate. This current
newsletter is a reflection of the multi-issue agenda we face as we work to
turn our nation from war to peaceful co-existence in the global community. Of
all the issues we struggle with every day the one that has captured the
attention of most everyone around the country is the anemic economy and what
to do to fix it. The _Jobs Not Wars Petition Campaign_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=qOYLqnltjtotBcEEqB8MQ7LWIvroRsMY)
is an
important part of the answer to this crisis. We in the peace community
understand that war is stealing resources and starving our nation. The
petition is close to reaching the goal of 50,000 signatures and we ask you to
reach out to your friends and family to ask them to sign on. We are taking the
signatures to Congress before their President’s Day weekend break in the
middle of February.
In his inauguration speech President Obama made many great pronouncements
that would lead us to believe his agenda for the next four years will be
more progressive, moving his policies closer to what we would like to see.
His statement that, “A decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery
has begun.” would be wonderful if it were true. Yes technically a recovery
has begun, but we know millions continue to be out of work with many having
given up looking for jobs because there are none to be found. We know that
there are continued threats of budget cuts which will lead to more layoffs
and more unemployment. We know that Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and
a host of services to assist working and poor people are under attack by
both major parties.
We also know that the war in Afghanistan may technically come to an end,
but what of drone warfare and air campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
What about covert operations around the world including in Iran? What about
the support of war and oppression in areas of conflict such as Gaza? Speeches
are nice but we demand real action. We demand real change and we demand
real peace and justice.
Of all the words in his speech perhaps this phrase holds the most truth, “
You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course.”
He got that right. It’s up to us to set a course of peace and justice. Let’
s do it in 2013.
In the Struggle,
Michael McPhearson
National Coordinator
____________________________________
Member Group Updates
____________________________________
Greater New Haven Peace Council
Over the last half year and into the coming spring, the Greater New Haven
Peace Council is bringing the message of peace and social justice to our
schools and schools around the world and to the voters and of New Haven.
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=LzqM/Z+ybWbAkfKEAcJrvbLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_ (mip://01e13218/default.html#top)
Code Pink
On February 7, the Senate Intelligence Committee with hold hearings for
the nomination of John Brennan as head of the CIA. We urge you to sign on to
the letter below that we'll be delivering to the Committee urging them to
reject his nomination. While we don't expect to a rejection (it's very rare
that the Senate fails to confirm a cabinet position), we will use this
opportunity to call on Congress to rein in the drones.
You can sign on either as an individual with organizational affiliation
for ID only or as an organization. Please email [email protected] with
the way you'd like to be identified.
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=liPI+66l212/iTAiq7FzILLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_ (mip://01e13218/default.html#top)
School of the Americas Watch
Join the School of Americas Watch and thousands of united activists from
across the United States and abroad as we return once again to Washington to
carry the message of global unity and anti-militarization to the White
House. Last year on April 16th, thirteen activists were arrested at our
peaceful convergence as they stood in defense of unity and justice. This
year,
from April 8th through the 10th we will be back in Washington, bringing to
President Obama and members of Congress the renewed spirit of our
strengthened resolve to close the School of Americas/WHINSEC. Show your
support,
and join our chorus of voices in solidarity with all people who have been
bullied by the forces of U.S. imperialism.
We will come to the Capitol in defense of a global right to dignity and
livelihood, and carry this message to the streets with passion and faith!
Also join us on the 7th of April for a School of Americas Watch Social to
meet with others who have been inspired by the movement of the masses toward a
common future free of oppression. Remember that resistance requires
dedication, and dedication requires love.
With love as our ammunition, we know we will win! For more information on
SOA Watch's April Days of Action, or to learn how to get your community
mobilized. _Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=5NrVo4VVpzUSqsA+HoBS+bLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_ (mip://01e13218/default.html#top)
Nevada Desert Experience
The Sacred Peace Walk (SPW) is Nevada Desert Experience's premier event.
This 65-mile, annual pilgrimage to the Nevada Test Site (the NTS, now
officially the Nevada National Security Site) begins on March 23rd with an
orientation in Las Vegas and preparation for our six-day walk starting on
March
24th (Sunday). The Walkers arrive at Peace Camp on Thursday, March 28th
after a day walking in Vegas and three days in the desert. In between is a day
of reflection at the Sekhmet Temple, vigils against drones at Creech Air
Force Base, and a "Peace-over" Seder. The SPW concludes on "Good Friday," as
we greet the sunrise with the Western Shoshone and conclude with a Good
Friday liturgy and procession to the entrance to the NTS later in the
morning. A fuller schedule, maps, registration and background information are
available from the _peace walk webpag_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=DVocS9oCDLbGv50E/31BEbLWIvroRsMY)
e. For images and
reflections from 2012 SPW participants check out the Summer Desert Voices.
We walk in the footsteps of a long legacy of peace walkers and spiritual
leaders to draw attention to the nuclear dangers that continue to threaten
our sacred planet and the community of life. Please join us in transforming
fears into compassion and apathy into action. As one repeat walker put it
last year, "The Sacred Peace Walk reminds us that prayer is an active
process to engage in, not a passive wish to indulge in. If you’re not careful,
you
’ll get sunburns, blisters, and life changing experiences."
Contact Jim Haber, NDE Coordinator, at 702-646-4814 or
[email protected]. _Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=dm3E+OuP4eHnuyZ1caWxObLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=9LSSoDMSGwfFylDhqRcKz7LWIvroRsMY)
____________________________________
Upcoming Events
____________________________________
Stop the Frack Attack Summit
This past summer, over 5,000 people converged on Washington, DC under the
banner of “Stop the Frack Attack.” We lobbied, learned, strategized, and
formed relationships to build a strong network of activists working against
dirty and unsafe fracking. Now it's time to take the next step towards
build a sustainable movement to stop fracking. Join us for our first National
Summit in Dallas, TX March 2-4.
Scholarships Available! _
Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=WympY2dx6F+D8rklxt+MhrLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=/TpOYBaDbwJZMh16c0Gxq7LWIvroRsMY)
Foward on Climate Rally Feb 17th!
On Sunday, February 17, thousands of Americans will head to Washington,
D.C. to make Forward on Climate the largest climate rally in history. Join
this historic event to make your voice heard and help the president start his
second term with strong climate action. 1. _
Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=M4zb14W1EHK8ZjwKUeGu5bLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=uX01018Z2NvJzqIO7374brLWIvroRsMY)
Expose AIPAC mobilization in DC on March 2-5, 2012
This past year, AIPAC has provided cover for Israel to continue war crimes
against Gaza with impunity, ensured the continuation of weapons transfers
to Israel and pushed for war on Iran. We need you to join us in Washington
D.C. to show the growing opposition to AIPAC’s influence and US complicity
in the oppression of Palestinians.
Last year we united under the banner of “Occupy AIPAC”, linking the
actions of the Israeli Lobby and the Occupy protest movement against corporate
lobbies. This year, we will unite under the banner of Expose AIPAC to show
how AIPAC stands in the way of a foreign policy that could lead to a just
peace in the Middle East.
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=aVE2I2cEjp8uu4YRu0ge27LWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BUpQokUnmnYksl8Q91uYErLWIvroRsMY)
____________________________________
Opinion's from UFPJ Supporters
____________________________________
Service to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-Should Not Support War
By Michael McPhearson
I am a veteran. Sitting in the sands of Iraq in 1991, I remember how
wonderful it felt to receive expressions of support from home. I once received
a
letter from an elementary school class and it made me feel good to know
that people back home cared about me, and wanted me to safely return home.
Citizens coming together to think about service members and take action to
support them is a good thing, but not in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=3/181Yax5/bEH6cbQUJ7U7LWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Qc0CYq5Ea9qwBCve5zgIDbLWIvroRsMY)
Making Green A Threat Again
By Scott Parkin
The energy was there. It was an overcast spring morning in April 2011 in
the nation’s capita1. Thousands had shown up to take action on climate
change. The earlier march led us to the Chamber of Commerce, BP’s Washington
D.C. offices, the American Petroleum Institute and other office buildings
associated with oil spills, coal mining, carbon emissions and more. We heard
speakers. We saw street theater. It was all very tame and managed. It lacked
confrontation.
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=VnzPZK+5m00+4htntv/XALLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=bmgxx9rVSb5vpisAMhRaU7LWIvroRsMY)
Nixon Went to China, Who Will Go to Iran?
By David Swarnson
Iranians are now beginning to die for lack of medicines kept out by
U.S.-imposed sanctions. I recently questioned (and videoed) former U.S.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright about her notorious defense of sanctions
that
killed over a half million young Iraqi children. She said she'd been
wrong to say what she'd said. She did not comment on the appropriateness of
what she'd done. I asked her if what we were doing to Iran was also wrong,
and she replied, "No, absolutely not."
So, somehow it is good and proper for us to be killing Iranian children --
although perhaps not to be talking about it
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=YAQHBuN/4Gd3xlk53BACYbLWIvroRsMY)
_Back to top_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=20ntEheGvOMcHyxCUzPiErLWIvroRsMY)
_Donate to UFPJ_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=4u1yH+uFCamtJA0hN4BQx7LWIvroRsMY)
- help us continue this critical work
Get Involved with UFPJ
* _Legislative Working Group
_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=F93cx7LwWVIKow0fwyfuTrLWIvroRsMY)
* _Afghanistan Working Group
_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KydHzTk/yp9AqbCDTLbCXLLWIvroRsMY)
* _Disarmament/Redefining Security Working Group_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nJY1x/SIGKfOd/EjyhWwhLL
WIvroRsMY)
_Click here for a list of UFPJ Member Groups_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=3LZJZ9+s34uFN6TN/31JObLWIvroRsMY)
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=rdimzE8l7Ouqq7wyc9Z/r7LWIvroRsMY)
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=DMdei6ls7yRxXc6jJwY4CLLWIvroRsMY)
Greater New Haven Peace Council
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Yr0rQnNDEih6pmceLfbzJrLWIvroRsMY)
Code Pink
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=3tQyNQ33290Cm3dRmHkHvrLWIvroRsMY)
SOA Watch
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6JzrbH6Ls/mxEOkl8iUQ0LLWIvroRsMY)
Nevada Desert Experience
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=holjQi9T+CVckhOF++BEDLLWIvroRsMY)
Stop the Frack Attack Summit
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=+K419+8QTouMZSphwWnJRLLWIvroRsMY)
Foward on the Climate March
_
Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=VjbknFnelt/X6io/0NUgv7LWIvroRsMY)
Expose AIPAC
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=z6d7IWFXzaqlYZpeTvrwi7LWIvroRsMY)
Service to Honor MLK's
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KDlNEACKiJKGWn03Nw4frLLWIvroRsMY)
Making Green a Threat Again
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=kSzWAekXEYeLw03tRD7SBrLWIvroRsMY)
Nixon went to China, Who will go to Iran?
_Read More_
(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=DglE5sMlbvzJRQTGlrSyVLLWIvroRsMY)
to submit items for future newsletters,
please send a short, nationally relevant paragraph to [email protected]
You have received this email through your subscription to UFPJ's national
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Donations to United for Peace and Justice are tax exempt to the extent
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If you would like to make a donation by check, please make it payable to
"FOR" and write "UFPJ" in the memo line. Mail to: P.O. Box 607, Times
Square Station, New York, NY 10108.
============================================================================
==
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(http://www.immigrantsolidarity.org/)
Action LA Network _http://www.ActionLA.org_ (http://www.actionla.org/)
Peace NO War Network _http://www.PeaceNOWar.net_
(http://www.peacenowar.net/)
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