MTMcPhearson, Author at United For Peace and Justice

Check for Stop U.S. Attack on Syria Rallies in Your Area

MTMcPhearson — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 17:48:44 +0000

Here’s a list of Actions around the country that are taking place this week to oppose a US strike against Syria.

To add your action click here.

ARIZONA
Flagstaff, AZ
Tue. Sept 3, 4 pm
Flagstaf City Hall Lawn

Tucson, AZ
Friday, Sep 13, 5:00pm
See FB event for details
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/events/670210282990459/?ref=3

CALIFORNIA

Costa Mesa, CA
Day of
Gather from 5:00PM – 7:00PM
at 3300 Bristol
Initiated by Orange County Peace & Freedom Party
Contact: 714-956-5037

Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3 PM
Rally & March – Begins at Westwood Federal Building (11000 Wilshire Blvd)
Contact: 323-306-6240, iacenterla@peoplesmail.net

Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, September 8th, Rally, the day before the U.S. Congress returns from recess on Monday September 9th to debate military intervention in Syria. The event will take place at 2 PM at the intersection of Highland and Hollywood. There is a metrolink station at this location. Parking may be a challenge, so starting at Pershing Square and taking the metro red line may be preferable, and will only take a few minutes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/404701396296159/

Los Angeles, CA
Monday, Sept 9^th at 3 PM
Tell Pres. Obama – No War!
Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa St (Southwest corner of Figueroa & Pico Blvd)

9/5 Syria Protest w/ UFPJ Member Groups in Toronto

Contact: 323-306-6240, iacenterla@peoplesmail.net

Los Angeles, CA
Day of 5 PM
Westwood federal Building (11000 Wilshire Blvd)
Contact 323-306-6240 socialjusticecenter@gmail.com

Old Town Eureka, CA
Unity for International World Peace
Saturday, September 21, 2013; September is World Peace Month & Sept 21 is synchronized worldwide for one hour at midnight GMT.
Training for flashmob meditation, yoga and celebration dancing for world peace. Meet at Gazebo on 2nd Street in Old Town Eureka, CA, bring yoga/meditation cushions/mats to your comfort level. We will flash mob style trickle into Gazebo area and fill up the area and we will chant, OM and toning with Dijeree Doo and also live surprise band will engage for our celebration dancing.

Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, Sept 4 4 – 5 PM
15^th & L Streets
Contact: 916-456-4596, regers@earthlink.net

Sacramento, CA
Day after
Gather at 5:30PM
in front of the Sacramento Federal Building
at the corner of 5th and I Sts. in downtown
Contact jmackler@lmi.net

San Francisco, CA
Saturday, Sept 7 at noon
Assemble at Embarcadero (Chelsea Manning) Plaza
Contact: 510-268-9429, jeffmacklerantiwarnews@riseup.net

San Francisco, CA
Day of or day after depending on the time
Gather at 5:00PM (weekday) or 12:00PM (weekend)
at Powell & Market Sts.
Contact: jmackler@lmi.net

San Francisco, CA
Code Pink Sponsored Peace Day San Francisco;
Saturday, September 21; Gather at 12:00PM; UN Plaza
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151700856954775&set=a.10151289632729775.493743.86378969774&type=1&theater

San Jose, CA
Actions planned All week through Monday, September 9, 2013 in San Jose
Contact: 408-297-2299; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-Day-San-Francisco-Sept-21-Saturday-UN-PLAZA/282637718413661?ref=br_tf

Thursday, September 5, 4-5 pm: ;Office of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren; 635 North First Street, Suite B San Jose, CA 95112
Tell Congresswoman Lofgren to take a stand against U.S. military action!

Friday, September 6, 5-6 pm: ; Friday Peace Vigil
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Corner of San Fernando and Fourth Streets, San Jose, CA

Saturday, September 8, 11:30 am – 2 pm
Sunday, September 9, 11:30 am – 2 pm
Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevards; San Jose / Santa Clara, CA

Monday, September 10, 5-6 pm
South end of César Chávez Plaza; Market and San Carlos Streets; San Jose, CA

Vista, CA
Day of or day after an attack at noon
East Vista Way and South Santa Fe
Contact: 760-630-5891, rbroska@yahoo.com

COLORADO

Denver, CO
Monday, Sept. 9, 5 PM
West slope of Denver Capitol Bldg.
Contact: 719-243-5238, patrickjayis@gmail.com

CONNECTICUT

Hartford, CT
Friday, Sept. 6, 3 – PM
Back of the Old State House (facing the highway – 90 State House Sq.)
Contact: 203-934-2761

New Haven, CT
Sunday, Sept. 8 6 PM
New Haven Green, corner Chapel & College
Contact 203-389-9547, gmhpeacecouncil@gmail.com

New Haven, CT
Day of – if before 12 noon / Day after – if after 12 noon
Gather at 5:30PM
at 141 Church St.
Contact ANSWER in New Haven at 203-903-4480 or ct@answercoalition.org

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Washington, D.C.
Saturday, Sept. 7, noon
White House
Also, there will be a 24/7 vigil at the White House all next week
Contact: (202) 265-1948 · info@internationalanswer.org · www.internationalanswer.org

Washington, D.C.
Monday, Sept. 9
DETAILS: Opening Rally – in front of the White House led by Syrian-Americans
1600 Pennsylvania -10am to 12 noon; March at noon to Congress
-End Rally 1pm to ____ at Upper Senate Park – 200 New Jersey Ave., NW, – corner of Constitution & New Jersey Ave., NW.
-Bus drop off in morning is at the White House.
-Bus Pick-up after end rally is at Bus Depot at Union Station (enter at 1st and H St, NW, at the Rear of Union Station).Contact: kmatar@umet.org

Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC
Code Pink is calling for actions the next two weeks. SeeCodePink Actions

FLORIDA

Jacksonville/Gainesville, FL
Coordinated actions the first week of September initiated by People’s Opposition to War, Imperialism, and Racism
Contact: powirsouthflorida@gmail.com AND http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peoples-Opposition-to-War-Imperialism-and-Racism/353495848102369
Including Thursday 9/5 call-in day to Rep. Corrine Brown, Rep. Ander Crenshaw by Jacksonville Against the War on Syria –http://www.facebook.com/events/1409937592557953/

Melbourne, FL
Emergency Rally – No War with Syria: Friday, September 6, 2013;
5:00 to 6:30 PM at the “Peace Corner” – 1700 west New Haven, Melbourne (just West of the Melbourne Square Mall)
Sponsored by the Peace Coalition of Brevard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/665553156789270/

Saint Petersburg/Tampa, FL
No war with Syria: Saturday, September 7, 2013;
Gather at 6:00PM at Gandy Blvd. and Dale Mabry Hwy.
Initiated by St. Pete for Peace and Syrian American Forum& supported by Uhuru Solidarity Movement, PDA, The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, Veterans for Peace, Nature Coast Coaliton for Peace & Justice, Peace & Freedom Party of Florida, The Refuge, Catholic Worker Pinellas, and more.
Contact: info@stpeteforpeace.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/163062233888875/

GEORGIA

Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Say NO War on Syria
Saturday, Sept 7, 2013; 1:00 PM
CNN; 190 Marietta Sr, NW
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/654629494556803/

ILLINOIS
Chicago, IL
Saturday, Sept 7 at noon
Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St
Contact 773-301-0109

Chicago, IL
Day of if before 12 noon / Day after if after 12 noon
Gather at 5:00PM
at Federal Plaza
Contact: joeiosbaker@gmail.com

INDIANA
Bloomington, IN
Wednesday, Sept 4, 5 PM
Monroe County Courthouse Sq. Corner of Kirkwood Ave. and Walnut St.
Contact: 812-720-0437

Fort Wayne, IN
Friday, Sept 6 at noon
Federal Bldg
Contact 260-609-8803, dl2001@comcast.net

West Lafayette, IN
Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5 PM
Purdue Memorial Mall, W. State St. & Marsteller St.
Contact: 765-463-4705, rosefam2856@gmail.com

IOWA

Des Moines, IO
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013; 8 PM
Nollen Plaza
Contact 515-681-799

KANSAS

Lawrence, KS
Sat. Sept. 7, noon till 1:00;
Southeast corner of 9th and Massachusetts St; Lawrence, Ks.
Called by: Lawrence Kansas Coalition for Peace and Justice
(Monthly meetings on 2nd Sunday of each month, 3:30 – 5:00, meeting room in The Community Mercantile)

MARYLAND

Baltimore, MD
Say No War on Syria; Jobs and Education! Hands off Syria!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013; 4 p.m.
Gather at McKelden Square, downtown Baltimore, Light & Pratt Sts.
March to Senator Ben Cardin’s office, 100 S Charles St. (If going after 5 PM, go to 100 S Charles St.)
Called by Baltimore People’s Power Assembly & regional Balto/D.C. IAC. Call: 443-221-3775.

Massachusetts

Boston, MA
Saturday, Sept. 7 1 PM
Park St. Station
Contact: Marilyn@alumni.neu.edu

Boston, MA
On day of attack or day after (if the attack is announce after noon)
5 PM at Park Street
Contact: justicewithpeace.org

MICHIGAN

Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday, Sept. 7 at noon
Federal Bldg.
Contact: 734-662-6036, carrollz@umich.edu

Detroit, MI
Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 PM
Gathering at Grand Circus Park, Woodward Ave at W. Adams St. followed by march to Hart Plaza, Woodward Ave. at E. Jefferson Ave.
Contact: Michigan Emergency Comm. Against War & Injustice: MECAWI.org

MINNESOTA

Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, Sept 3 at 4:30 PM
Sen Klobuchar’s office (1200 Washington Ave. S.
Contact www.antiwarcommittee.org, info@antiwarcommittee.org

Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, Sept. 7, 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Hiawatha and Lake Street
Contact: 612-522-1861, minnesotapeaceaction@gmail.com

MISSISSIPPI

Biloxi, MS
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013; starts at NOON; near Biloxi Lighthouse
We will be peacefully protesting the intervention in Syria. Bring signs have fun speak out! Spread the word to your Democratic, Independent, GOP and Tea Party friends and family! This should be an easy cause for everyone to unite on.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1377548835799162/1377607949126584/?ref=notif¬if_t=plan_mall_activity

Gulport, MS
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013; Meet at Beach Road at Bilox Lighthouse
Sponsored by S. MS United for Peace:https://www.facebook.com/events/1377548835799162/

MISSOURI

Kansas City, MO
Saturday, Sept. 7, Noon
J.C. Nichols Fountain at The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri
Contact: 816 478 3267

St. Louis, MO
Tuesday, Sept. 3 4:30 – 5:30 PM
In Front of Sen. Claire McCaskill’s office (5850 Delmar Blvd.)
Contact: staff@insteadofwar.org

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque, NM
Friday, September 6; Gather at 5:00 PM
at UNM Bookstore, Central & Cornell
Contact 505-268-2488 or abq@answercoalition.org

Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, September 7; Gather at 12:00PM
at Central & Tulane
Contact 505-268-2488 or abq@answercoalition.org

NEW JERSEY

Rio Grande, NJ
Peace vigil
Contact: 609-770-7575, mary.reader@comcast.net

Highland Park, NJ
Saturday, Sept. &, 11:30 – 12:30
Just north of the Albany Street Bridge, Rt 27N, corner of Raritan & S. Adelaide Ave.

Highland Park, NJ
Day after an attack at 6 PM
Just north of the Albany St Bridge, Rt. 27 N, corner of Raritan & S. Adelaide
Contact: 732-967-9370, Noendlesswar@gmail.com

NEW YORK

Albany, NY

Wednesday, Sept. 4 noon – 1 PM
Front of Capital on Eagle St.
Contact: 518-463-5907

Buffalo, NY
Saturday, Sept. 7 1 PM
Buffalo City Hall
65 Niagara Sq.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/519189644834926/

Delmar, NY
Monday, Sept 9, 5 – 6 PM
Four corners (Delaware & Kenwood)
Contact 518-281-1968

New York City, NY
Wednesday, Sept. 4 9 am
Rally at French embassy while French Parliament is meeting on Syria action
Contact: Democrats.com

New York City, NY
Saturday 7, 1 – 4 PM
Times Square – 42nd St & 7th Ave
Contact iacenter@iacenter.org, 212-633-6646

New York City, NY
Sunday, Sept, 8, noon to 6 PM
Zuccotti Park
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/419261201527200/?ref=22
Contact: 347-294-6283, owsspawg@gmail.com

New York City, NY
Blacks Against War on Syria
Rally, Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 4:30 PM,
Harlem State Office Building.
We Join the Rallying Cry—Not in Our Name

Rhinebeck, NY
Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 4 – 5 PM
Meet at the traffic light in Rhinebeck
Contact: fnagel@earthlink.net

Rochester, NY
Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 am – 6 PM and
Sunday, Sept. 8 from 10 am – 5 PM
Across the street from the Memorial Art Gallery, flyer distribution
Contact: jb.papillonweb@gmail.com

Staten Island, NY
Tuesday, Sept 3, 5:30
67 Olympia Blvd in front of the Crystal Room

Staten Island, NY
Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 PM
In front of congressman Grinn’s office (265 New Dorp Ln)

White Plains, NY
Sept 6 – Sept 7 – 24 hour encampment
Contact 914-449-6514, wespacfoundation@gmail.com

White Plains, NY
Day after an attack
Call for details
Contact 914-449-6514 wespacfoundation@gmail.com wespac.org

NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville, NC
Saturday, September 7, 2013; 12:00 Noon at Vance Monument (Downtown Asheville)
Asheville Antiwar Committee; https://www.facebook.com/events/299156080226733/ &facebook.com/ashevilleawc

Asheville, NC
Thursday, September 12
Gather at 4:00PM; at Vance monument
Contact: asheville@defendwomensrights.org

Charlotte, NC
Rally September 7, 2013; 6:30 pm
Marshall Park, near MLK Blvd. in Charlotte
Called by A Coalition of Concerned Americans Against Military Intervention in Syria
Contact jibrilhough@hotmail.com

Raleigh, NC
Saturday, September 7; 12 Noon; Terry Sanford Federal Building
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/events/366294746834402/

OHIO

Cleveland, OH
Actions all week. Initial supporting groups: AFSC, Al-Awda, Cleveland Peace Action, League to Abolish War, Veterans for Peace – Chapter 39 NEOH, Women Speak Out for Peace & Justice.
For more information: Cleveland Peace Action – 216-231-4245 or go to
facebook.com/events/189565244558575/?suggestsessionid=6f6e3e694469302a743bf3db7a93a11a/

Thurs. Sept. 5, 2013 11:00 AM @ Rep. Tim Ryan’s office 1030 Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 44310

Thurs. Sept. 5th, 1:00 PM @ Rep. Marcia Fudge’s office
4834 Richmond Road, Warrensville 44128

Fri. Sept. 6th, 4:00 PM @ Senator Rob Portman’s office
Federal Building 1240 E. 9th St. Cleveland 44199
We will then walk to Senator Sherrod Brown’s office 1301 East 9th St., Cleveland 44114

Mon., Sept. 9th, 3:00 pm @ Rep. David Joyce’s office
1 Victoria Place, Painesville, 44077

PENNSYLVANIA
Chambersburg, PA
Day after and attack at 4:30
Contact 717-264-0957, alanna@earthrights.net

Lewisburg, PA
Saturday, Sept. 7 at noon
3^rd and Market St.
Contact jcooper@bucknell.edu

Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, Sept. 7, noon
Cedar Park, 50^th and Baltimore
Contact: ppaphilly@gmail.com; phillyIAC@gmail.com

Philadelphia, PA
Day after
Gather at 4:30PM
on the Northwest corner of 15th and Market Sts.
Contact 610-554-1818

SOUTH CAROLINA

Hilton Head, SC
Day after
Gather at 4:00 PM
at Rt. 278 & Beach City Rd. (park in HH Library lot)
Initiated by Hilton Head for Peace
Contact fintaylor@hargray.com, 843-681-4010

TEXAS

Austin, TX
Initiated by Occupy Austin
Contact 504-239-2764

Dallas, TX
The day after an attack
Earle Cabell Federal Bldg. fro 4 – 6 PM
Contact 214-660-7676

Houston, TX
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2 PM
Contact: 281-733-8324

UTAH

Salt Lake City
Saturday, Sept 7, at 2 PM
459 N Main St.
Contact: http://www.utahagainstwar.org, UtahAgainstWar@gmail.com

Salt Lake City
If an attack is made on Syria before Noon, the Protest will be the day of, at 5:00PM
If an attack is made after Noon, the Protest will be the day after, at 5:00PM
At the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, SLC, UT
Contace 801-574-0992, deOliveira@gmail.com

VERMONT

Burlington, VT
Day of an attack at 6 PM
The top of Church St.
Contact 802-363-4243, ronj1955@gmail.com

VIRGINIA

Richmond, VA
Day of
Gather at 5:00PM
at Richmond Federal Courthouse (701 E. Broad St.)
Contact 804-644-5834 or DefendersFJE@hotmail.com

WASHINGTON

Seattle, WA
Saturday, Sept. 7, noon
Westlake 4^th and Pine
Contact: 206-568-1661

Seattle, WA
Day after attack
Gather at 5:00PM
at Westlake and Pine
Initiated by the ANSWER Coalition
Contact 206-568-1661 to confirm

WEST VIRGINIA

Huntington
Rally at Marshall Unversity Thursday, September 4th, 2013
Called by Students for Appalachian Socialism
https://www.facebook.com/marxleninmao2112

WISCONSIN

Milwaukee, WI
Thursday, Sept 5^th 4:30-6:15 PM
Channel 4 TV – 720 E. Capitol Dr.
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/events/324568441021047/ http://tinyurl.com/mm8qosm

Here is a list of National and International Actions for Syria on Facebook:

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

CANADA:
MONTREAL: https://www.facebook.com/events/157490327790506/
TORONTO: https://www.facebook.com/events/283938335079083/
QUEBEC: https://www.facebook.com/events/283938335079083/
WINNIPEG: https://www.facebook.com/groups/193748280802346/
CALGARY: https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-war-with-Syria-Calgary/411054519004959
VANCOUVER: https://www.facebook.com/events/470724056368676/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/226157700867181/

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

UNITED KINGDOM:
LONDON: https://www.facebook.com/events/163267130532010/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/517932798285947/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/166493376874529/
BRISTOL: https://www.facebook.com/events/1405111359705804/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/355334327932258/
MANCHESTER: https://www.facebook.com/events/295006980638445/
GLASGOW: https://www.facebook.com/events/634686443221967/
ABERDEEN: https://www.facebook.com/groups/512395222179358/

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

EUROPE:
DUBLIN: https://www.facebook.com/events/425245360927349/
ROME: https://www.facebook.com/events/632887376745280/
HAMBURG: https://www.facebook.com/events/354172311383614/
WARSAW: https://www.facebook.com/events/158726467662694/
ATHENS: https://www.facebook.com/events/160811104116473/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/203267516509152/?ref=br_tf

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

MIDDLE EAST:
CAIRO: https://www.facebook.com/events/1410433225844415/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/663966683614600/ &https://www.facebook.com/nowarwithsyriarallycairo
DAMASCUS: https://www.facebook.com/events/356462654485311/
HOMS: https://www.facebook.com/events/177634505753462/?ref=br_tf &https://www.facebook.com/events/563439243723473/
MUSCAT: https://www.facebook.com/events/1409882829234501/

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

PAKISTAN/INDIA:
LAHORE: https://www.facebook.com/events/397207983735282/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/428104097308472/
NEW DELHI: https://www.facebook.com/events/164198087106748/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/581230435252214/
MUMBAI: https://www.facebook.com/events/397383013724329/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/498335756921282/ &https://www.facebook.com/events/176880859166192/

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

SOUTHEAST ASIA:
KUALA LUMPUR: https://www.facebook.com/events/232039643614378/
MANILA: https://www.facebook.com/events/181700298678930/

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NEW ZEALAND:
AUCKLAND: https://www.facebook.com/events/355644597900610/

The post Check for Stop U.S. Attack on Syria Rallies in Your Area appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Act Now to Stop U.S. War with Syria

MTMcPhearson — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 13:07:09 +0000

Once again the President is leading a rush into war. He is demanding Congress give him speedy authorization to launch attacks, on Syria this time, to punish and deter chemical weapons use. Once again, the case for going to war is sketchy, and the U.S. government is short-circuiting United Nations inspections that might provide answers. We need to make our voices heard every way we can – at the offices of our Congress members, in letters, emails, petitions, in letters to the editor and in the streets.

Over the next week, Congress will be voting on the decision to attack Syria. We must use every peaceful, non-violent means available to stop the rush to war. It is critical we contact our elected representatives now before the momentum for war is irreversible.

Learn the facts: click here for a compilation of resources on the crisis in Syria
Contact your Representative through phone and email, and visit their offices if you can. Find your Representative and their contact information here, or call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Let the UFPJ legislative working group know what results you get with your calls and visits; contact the UFPJ legislative working group conveners at rustiandgael@unitedforpeace.org
Sign the Petition, Tell Congress: Don’t Bomb Syria
Participate in a local action or plan one of your own – click here for lists of current actions being planned, or click here to register your action on the UFPJ website. Organize a peaceful protest, march, vigil in your local communities (city hall, federal building, etc) anytime this week, call for “NO attacks on Syria!”
Join the No War with Syria Thunderclap. Speak in one powerful voice to Congress on September 9 as they meet to vote on military action in Syria!

The use of chemical weapons is monstrous, and a violation of international law. UFPJ condemns the use of chemical weapons by any party and calls for all countries to cooperate in finding out what happened in Syria, and in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for any chemical weapons use. However, there is no basis in international law for the United States to decide for itself who the guilty parties are, and to punish them by a military assault that will kill many innocents along with those presumed guilty. It will also risk a far wider war. Even before the first missile has been launched, the war caucus in Congress has been pushing President Obama for a more open-ended military campaign aimed at toppling the Syrian government.

The alternative is not “doing nothing.” Instead, the United States should be cooperating with the rest of the world through mechanisms provided by the United Nations and the Chemical Weapons Convention, to find out what has happened and to formulate a truly international response. This is not merely an option, it is a legal requirement. Under the circumstances here, where Syria has not attacked any other country, no country may decide for itself to use military force. The U.S. government also should exert its considerable power and influence in other ways that lessen, rather than increase the intensity of conflict and the risk of wider war. The U.S. should join with Russia and other powers that provide support to the warring sides to press for a cease-fire and negotiations. All parties should stop the flow of weapons not only to Syria but into the region, and should commit to a Middle East ban on all nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

Those who advocate going to war against Syria know that their case is weak, and that the majority of the American people are against another war of choice. Most Americans want an end to endless war making that drains resources from their communities and sends our children across the world to kill the children of others, serving the purposes only of a rich and powerful few. The artificial urgency of those who campaign for war is a sign of weakness. They want to commit the country to war before the American people have time to learn the facts and organize ourselves in opposition. Congress is split, with members knowing that another war is unpopular and risky. Polls show that Americans reject a military attack on Syria by a two-to-one majority. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

The post Act Now to Stop U.S. War with Syria appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Syria Resources

MTMcPhearson — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 02:02:49 +0000

Regarding the facts:

Talking Points from Phyllis Bennis, Director, New Internationalism Project Institute for Policy Studlies

Tom Hayden – A Call for Forceful Diplomacy http://www.pdamerica.org/component/k2/item/1809-tom-hayden-a-call-for-forceful-diplomacy

9 Ways America Has Fueled the Bloody Civil War in Syria: America has undermined opportunities for ceasefire in Syria and a peaceful political transition. AlterNet- by Nicolas J.S. Davies

McClatchy News Service, “To some, US case for Syrian gas attack, strike has too many holes,” http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/09/02/201027/to-some-us-case-for-syrian-gas.html#.Uid-LFcpg_g

Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, “Which Syrian Chemical Attack Account Is More Credible?” http://www.fair.org/blog/2013/09/01/which-syrian-chemical-attack-account-is-more-credible/

International Law:

Oona A. Hathaway and Scott J. Shapiro “On Syria, a U.N. Vote Isn’t Optional,” New York Times Op Ed, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/04/opinion/on-syria-a-un-vote-isnt-optional.html

“The Rush to Bomb Syria: Undermining International Law and Risking Wider War,” Western States Legal Foundation Briefing Paper, http://wslfweb.org/docs/wslfsyriabrief1.pdf

What Makes America So Prone to Intervention?: A conversation with Stanley Hauerwas, pacifist theologian, on Syria and why “humanitarianism” is a red herring.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/09/what-makes-america-so-prone-to-intervention/279393/

Faith Group Statements Opposing Military Action in Syria—Not Exhaustive:

Letter from Trappist Nuns in Syria: “Blood Fills our Streets, our eyes, our hearts” (http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/2538/a_letter_from_trappist_nuns_in_syria_blood_fills_our_streets_our_eyes_our_heart.aspx#.UiOiqGSDR7P).

Pope Francis: violence begets violence http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/09/03/syria-pope-francis-war-begets-war-violence-begets-violence-calls-for-peace-for-syria/

Pax Christi International: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/29/statement-dialogue-is-the-only-way-towards-an-end-of-the-violence-in-syria/

Pax Christi USA: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/31/syria-war-is-still-a-defeat-for-humanity/ (links to US Bishops and Pope’s statements on web site)

US Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/news/2013/13-157.cfm

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas: www.sistersofmercy.org

NETWORK: National Catholic Social Justice Lobby: www.networklobby.org

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns and action items from CMSM, incl. Syrian bishop speaking out against U.S. Military Action: http://maryknollogc.org/alerts/urge-congress-dont-attack-syria

NCR Article: What moral theologians say about getting involved in Syria http://ncronline.org/news/global/what-moral-theologians-say-about-getting-involved-syria

Sojourners: http://sojo.net/blogs/2013/08/29/syria-we-must-use-moral-compass-guide-our-moral-outrage

Pax Christi USA: http://paxchristiusa.org/2013/08/31/syria-war-is-still-a-defeat-for-humanity/ (links to US Bishops and Pope’s statements on web site)

Mennonite Church USA: http://www.mennoniteusa.org/?s=syria&x=0&y=0 and http://washingtonmemo.org/category/issues/middle-east-issues/

United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ: http://globalministries.org/news/mee/churches-address-president.html and http://www.ucc.org/news/syria-refugees-08022013.html

Presbyterians (PCUSA): http://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/8/30/stated-clerk-issues-statement-wake-escalating-viol/

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Talking Points: Potential consequences – The Day Of U.S. Military Strike on Syria (Why Not Attack)

MTMcPhearson — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:55:09 +0000

Military strike would be illegal – UN Charter allows military force only if immediate self-defense (Art 51), not applicable, the U.S. not attacked by Syria; or if Security Council agrees (Chapter VII, Art 42) – not going to happen – Russian veto, probably Chinese, maybe even Britain. Might not even get 9 positive votes. “Kosovo precedent” still illegal – can’t use NATO, “coalition of willing,” etc to substitute for Security Council permission.

Military strike would be immoral – Pentagon officials have confirmed what logic tells us all: every use of military force threatens civilian lives, specifically that cruise missiles not completely accurate. More than 100,000 Syrians have been killed in this civil war so far. U.S. cruise missile strikes won’t protect any Syrian civilians from further threat. Low-ranking conscript troops and civilians almost certain to be injured or killed by cruise missile strikes. Reports out of Syria indicate military offices and troops being moved into populated areas – not a surprise given the nature of the Syrian regime. But the knowledge makes those contemplating military force even more culpable for “collateral” damage.

Military strike would be dangerous – threatens further destabilization in the region. Could result in greater anti-American sentiment and potentially individual or terrorist attacks. Could mean retaliation from Syria and/or its allies. Could exacerbate all five wars currently being fought in Syria – civil war, sectarian (Sunni-Shi’a) war, regional (Saudi-Iran) power war, global U.S-Russia war, U.S./Israel-Iran war over nuclear policy.

Potential consequences – The Day After

What if Syria retaliates –

Syria’s neighborhood is a “target-rich” environment

Direct attack on a U.S. warship off Syrian coast, missile attack on U.S. troops in region, attack (directly or by proxies) on U.S. bases in neighboring countries (CentCom HQ in Qatar, drone base in Saudi, for instance?)

Attack on Israel

Attack on U.S. or Israeli civilian or military plane or other facilities

If Iran joins Syria in retaliation –

All of the above, plus the oil weapon

Iran could shut the crowded, already-militarized and already-tense Strait of Hormuz

Iran could sink a tanker in the Strait, shutting it for weeks or longer; huge oil crisis

All of that possible before breakfast.

US response to retaliation – what would U.S. do?

Announce we had only planned a small-scale, one-off military strike, no boots on the ground, no regime change, no escalation…. And therefore we will not respond? Doubtful.

Threat then of escalation, boots on the ground (to protect U.S. interests inside Syria, perhaps inside Israel, more troops to Saudi or Qatar, Jordan or Turkey….)

So What Should the U.S. Do Instead?

First thing, stop false dichotomy of it’s either military force or nothing. The use of chemical weapons is a war crime, it is indeed what Secretary Kerry called a “moral obscenity.” Whoever used such a weapon should be held accountable. So what do we do about it?
Do no harm. Don’t kill more people in the name of enforcing an international norm.
Recognize that the use of chemical weapons by anyone is a war crime, and that international law requires international enforcement. No one country, not even the most powerful, has the right to act as unilateral cop. Move to support international jurisdiction and enforcement, including calling for a second UN investigation to follow-up the current weapons inspection team, this one to determine who was responsible for the attack.
Convene meeting of States Parties to Chemical Weapons Convention – all 189 signatories have obligation to respond to violations, they should meet and decide collectively on what to do, as called for in the terms of the treaty. (U.S. a member, Syria is not.)
Recommend that whoever is found responsible be brought to justice in The Hague at the International Criminal Court, understanding that timing of such indictments might require adjustment to take into account ceasefire negotiations in Syria.
President Obama can distinguish himself powerfully from his unilateralist predecessor by announcing an immediate campaign not only to get the Senate to ratify the International Criminal Court, but to strengthen the Court and provide it with serious global enforcement capacity.
Send international human rights monitors in huge numbers to remain on the ground (understanding the risk they take) and provide objective information on potential war crimes
Move urgently towards a ceasefire and arms embargo in Syria. Russia must stop, and must push Iran to stop arming and funding the Syrian regime. The U.S. must stop, and must push Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan and others to stop arming and funding the opposition, including the extremist elements. That won’t be easy – for Washington it may require telling the Saudis and Qataris that if they don’t stop, we will cancel all existing weapons contracts with those countries. (Propose that the Pentagon deal with arms producers the way the Dept of Agriculture deals with farmers – pay them NOT to produce weapons. Use the money to retool their factories to produce solar panels instead of Tomahawk missiles, and the workers stay on the job….)
Stand against further escalation of the Syrian civil war by voting NO on any authorization for U.S. military strikes.

Phyllis Bennis
Director, New Internationalism Project
Institute for Policy Studies
1112 16th Street NW #600
Washington DC 20036

tel: (202) 234-9382 ex 5206
fax: (202) 387-7915

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No U.S. Military Intervention in Syria Posters

MTMcPhearson — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 19:41:14 +0000

Please click image to download poster.

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Commemorate 50 Years of Marching for Justice

MTMcPhearson — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 22:52:54 +0000

Please join United for Peace and Justice in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 24th in our nation’s capital. We need a strong peace and anti-war contingent to echo King’s words about the inextricable links between racism, poverty and war. Let’s make sure Dr. King’s message is loud and clear on this anniversary of the March on Washington and I Have A Dream speech. Click here to read Michael McPhearson’s blog on the significance of this march.

UFPJ Plan of Action for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington: Shining a Light for Peace, Jobs, Justice and Freedom

We will gather together in Washington DC and in communities across the country to commemorate this great march and to renew our commitment to keep marching for a just future. We are taking an action for peace in Washington DC on Friday night and we will be making our call for peace, jobs, justice and freedom visible throughout the day on Saturday. We hope you can join us.

Whether you’re coming to DC or commemorating the event locally, click here to download posters.

Friday Night, August 23: ACT FOR PEACE

Assemble at 8 PM at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for some commemorative words and wreath laying, followed by the Light Brigade visuals at the Reflecting Pool and candle light procession to the MLK Memorial where we will close with some more words and wreath laying ceremony

Saturday, August 24: SHINE A LIGHT

8am-10am: Meet-up at 14th and Constitution to pick up signs and information to distribute. Find a buddy and help get the peace message out! To volunteer, email info.ufpj@gmail.com

11am: Assemble near the Vietnam Veteran Memorial near the paths north of the reflecting pool under the trees, between 21st and 22nd Street. There are not reserved spaces for the march, so it may be very crowded. We will look for each other and gather if we can, and if not we will all be out there making the message of peace visible for all to see. The march will begin around 12:30pm.

For the full schedule of events for the weekend, click here

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Continuing to Build the Dream

MTMcPhearson — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 16:28:00 +0000

Original Art by Shawn G. Hart

Please join United for Peace and Justice in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 24th in our nation’s capital. We need a strong peace and anti-war contingent to speak to the injustices faced by marchers in 1963, and those still endured today. We will echo King’s words about the inextricable links between poverty, war and racism, including hate in all its forms. We must ensure that the nation hears these parts of King’s message loud and clear on this anniversary of the March on Washington and I Have A Dream speech.

It’s important for activists of all economic and social justice struggles to gather for this march because it marks an essential part of our common history of struggle. The March on Washington not only helped pave the way for activism of the 1960’s, it also helped set into motion 50 years of struggle for peace and justice, the torch for which each of us carries today. To paraphrase King, we are the whirlwinds of revolt that will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. What better time and place to come together in a collective effort to continue building the dream?

The challenges faced by the nation in 1963 in many ways mirror those we face today. How different is Trayvon Martin from Emmett Till? How is it that decades after people lost their lives for simply trying to exercise the right to vote, we have a U.S. Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act and states like Texas and North Carolina following to immediately limit access? And how far have women come? In 1963 women did not have legal access to abortions or credit without their husband’s approval. Today, women continue to receive less pay than men for the same work and face an epidemic of sexual assault and violence. And, thanks to the Hyde Amendment, abortion rights extend only to those women who have the money to pay for them.

The economic front is no better. Fifty years ago African Americans faced 10% unemployment. The working poor both Black and White struggled to make ends meet with low wages and little hope of upward mobility. Today the nation faces a stagnant economy with too few jobs for anyone no matter their demographics and 12.6% unemployment for Blacks – far worse than in 1963. Yet, we have no jobs program in sight and sequestration has added to already deep cuts in local, state and federal human needs services. All this, while the Pentagon budget remains higher than that of the next ten nations combined. And today, like in 1963, the U.S. continues to be the greatest purveyor of violence in the world as the number one exporter of weapons, the main actor in the global war on terror killing tens if not hundreds of thousands of people, not to mention rampant gun violence here at home.

The similarities do not end there. Our country’s xenophobic trends of the past continue, targeting many groups with their hate. The acceptance of marriage equality has resulted in a backlash aimed at the LGBT community. Immigration reform hasn’t advanced because bigots fear Hispanics who come to the U.S. to pursue safety and security for their families (the same reason most U.S. citizens ancestors immigrated to these shores). Labor Rights endure unrelenting attacks with efforts to cut benefits for the working poor, keep wages low and deny healthcare.

It doesn’t stop here – the environment, corporate power, individual privacy rights and over-incarceration are all on the table, just as in 1963. All this and more must be talked about as the nation looks back to 50 years ago.

Many ask when, will this end? When will this change? The answer is when we the people bond together, across interests, to end it. The commemorative March on Washington is a perfect building block for the platform of collaboration we need to create the change we want to see. I hope you will join me by marching in Washington DC or in your own community! I look forward to seeing you there.

Michael T. McPhearson
National Coordinator

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Posters for the March on Washington

MTMcPhearson — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 03:13:23 +0000

Check out these posters to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Download and print to spread the message of working for peace and justice

We need your help to print posters for the August 24th March. Donate here today!

Click on the images below to download a PDF of the poster (Poster design by Oskar Castro)

Original Art by Shawn G. Hart

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Marching for Peace on Washington Planning Call

MTMcPhearson — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Join us for the latest information and planning for the Aug 24th March on Washington

Next call is Aug 14, 2013

Notes from the last call Weds Aug 7, 2013 Click Here

Marching for Justice with Peace:

Join Our Conference Call at 6:00 pm to get plugged in!

Conference Dial-in Number: (424) 203-8400, Participant Access Code: 569283#

A national mobilization is being called for Saturday, August 24th to commemorate the historic 1963 Civil Rights Movement March on Washington. This mobilization called by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King III, the National Action Network (NAN) and many other partners including the King Center and Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) is coming at a critical time with the attack on voting rights and the recent Trayvon Martin verdict. United for Peace and Justice, has been participating on the national mobilizing calls and is working with the march organizers to insure that peace is an important part of the message.

Join Our Conference Call at 6:00 pm to get plugged in!

Conference Dial-in Number: (424) 203-8400, Participant Access Code: 569283#

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August: A Time for Action

MTMcPhearson — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 16:35:48 +0000

Click Here to Donate Today!

Dear Peace and Justice Activist,

This August is shaping up into an extraordinary month for action! Last week UFPJ brought you information about Nuclear Free Future Month with opportunities to phase out nuclear power and start negotiations on a treaty to abolish nuclear weapons. We owe it to the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and to the future environmental health of our planet to oppose nuclear weapons and power. Your donations to UFPJ will allow us to continue delivering news and action opportunities like this, which are of vital importance to you and your organizations across the country.

Also this August, the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington will give voice to demands to end the plague of war, the injustice of economic, racial and social inequality, and the destruction of our planet. In the wake of the tragic outcome in the Trayvon Martin case we must be connected with others standing up against racial and social injustice, poverty and economic inequality, environmental destruction and climate collapse in order to build our movement for peace and justice through broad-based collective action. And let’s not forget attack on the voting rights act, moral Mondays in North Carolina and Dream Defenders as exciting examples of nonviolent resistance building to Aug 24, and pushing to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

We know you count on UFPJ to keep you informed and connected. Right now we are facing a significant increase in costs for our email and web communications. Please give as generously as you can so that UFPJ can continue to send out action alerts, newsletters, and legislative updates. UFPJ communications promote and support the activities of our members groups.

Thank you for your work and your support!
The UFPJ Steering Committee

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