Use Iraq Moratorium Friday to stop war on Iran
Friday, July 18, is Iraq Moratorium day #11.
It is a day, as is the Third Friday of every month, on which individuals and groups across the country take some action to call for the end to the war and occupation of Iraq.
As usual, Wisconsin is a hotbed of activity, with events scheduled across the state.
The number of listed events on the Iraq Moratorium national website, IraqMoratorium.org, is approaching 100, with more still being added.Since it began in September, more than 1,000 events in 41 states and 235 communities have taken place under the Iraq Moratorium banner.
Participants either take part in a group action or do something individually — wear an armband or button; write, call or email their Congressional representatives; put up a yard sign, or donate to a group working to stop the war. Group actions include rallies, marches, vigils, speakers, films and other activities.
There are lots of ideas and organizing tools on the website, as well as reports, photos and videos from around the country.
This month, many peace groups, including Peace Action-Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, are asking people to contact Congress members on Iraq Moratorium day and ask them to stop a new proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 362, which essentially calls for a blockade of Iran and is steamrolling its way through the House.
HCR 362 is a dangerous bill calling for severe sanctions—far beyond those proposed by the Bush administration—and could be interpreted as an act of war under international law. It would further alienate Iran and could trigger retaliation against our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, blockage of oil shipments through the straits of Hormuz, and potential involvement of other nations in the region. If we want catastrophe in the Middle East, deeper recession and gas at $6 per gallon, this would do it.
United for Peace and Justice, the nation’s largest antiwar coalition (and an endorser of the Iraq Moratorium) has designed July 19-21 as days of action to stop a war with Iran. Details here.
On Monday, July 21, Peace Action has organized a lobbying march beginnning at 10 a.m. at Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s office, 219 N. Milwaukee St. After meeting with her staff the group will walk to Senator Feingold’s office, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., meeting with Feingold’s staff, and then walk to Senator Kohl’s office, 310 W. Wisconsin Ave.
A delegation of four or five people is preparing to go inside the offices to meet with staff people. We need a large contingent to walk and have a presence outside the offices with “No War on Iran” signs. Please join this effort if you can.
The whole concept of the Moratorium is to do something to interrupt business as usual — to stop what you’re doing on Friday, interrupt your normal routine, and do one thing, whatever it may be, to end this senseless, bloody war — and prevent another one.
Will you do something?