National Assembly Statement Urging Unity of the Antiwar Movement for the March Actions
The National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations welcomes the ANSWER Coalition's call for UNITED mass mobilizations in Washington, D.C. and other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Miami, on March 21, 2009 to mark six years of war and occupation and to Bring the Troops Home Now! We
also welcome United for Peace & Justice's call for a week of Washington D.C. mobilizations during the same period to demand an end to the war in Iraq now.
These actions are necessary and need not be contradictory as long as there is unity in supporting them. However, a divided movement is a weakened movement. At this time, more than ever, the movements for peace and social justice must work in concert to bring the full force of opposition to the government's criminal and destructive policies into the streets. It would be a tragic setback if all organizations and constituencies do not come together to act in a unified show of
strength and determination in March.
The National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations was formed to promote a united, democratic, independent and mass action antiwar movement to bring the troops home now. Our objective was to do all in our power to achieve this by the Spring of 2009. It now appears that this critical objective is within reach.
We strongly urge and will participate in the formation of an ad hoc national coalition to make the March 21 actions a true expression of the opposition of this country's majority to U.S. wars and occupations. The National Assembly will make every effort to bring such a coalition into fruition and to urge all Assembly supporters to actively participate in the process.
http://natassembly.org
October 25, 2008
October 20, 2008
November Iraq Moratorium - Nov. 21
The Northland Anti-War Coalition will be holding a peace vigil on Friday, Nov. 21 as part of our local contribution to the ongoing monthly Iraq Moratorium Project. From 4:30-5:30pm we'll be holding signs and handing out fliers at Pennel Park. Pennel Park is located on the corner of Central Entrance and Arlington Ave. [it's on the way to the Miller Hill Mall if you're coming from downtown Duluth].
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. We'll have extra signs on hand, but feel free to make and bring your own!
October 15, 2008
Report on the Oct. NAWC Meeting
Attendance: Ralph S., Joan N., Gary S., Michael, Scott B., Bob K., Ellie C., Andy A., Carl S., Peter K., Alex
Protest Report
Saturday's protest went well. Attendance was between 100-150, high energy, with a large proportion of youth in attendance. The only press seen was a reporter from the CSS newspaper. There was a bit of confusion for some over where to gather at the beginning. Minor concerns were raised over the partisanship of some speakers and some folks walking in the street due to lack of a protest policy announcement at the beginning and the relaxed guiding. There was some extended discussion over NAWC's policy toward illegal acts at protests, and it was decided to further the discussion at a separate dialogue event. There was some discussion also of trying to get events televised on public access, which Vets for Peace is a member of. They are currently looking for a video editor.
Winter Community Event
Joan brought forward an idea to hold a free community meal and educational discussion for people affected by the economy once per month in the winter. People interested in helping with this project can contact najbar.joan@gmail.com.
Martin Luther King Day Event
Scott reported that he has proposed holding a panel discussion or forum on Martin Luther King Jr.'s anti-war views and activities to the MLK Day Committee. It would be the Thursday or Friday before MLK Day and involve local churches, the colleges, and possibly high schools. It was voted for NAWC to support this effort.
MN-WI History "Face-Off"
Ellie raised the idea of holding a "cabaret" of reenactments of progressive and radical figures from Minnesota and Wisconsin history some time in the winter as a fun activity. If interested in working on this project, contact connolly.ellie@gmail.com or 728-1356.
December Anti-War Actions
The proposed December 13 anti-war protest is a march from the UMD Library to the Unitarian Church. Although some fliers were printed with this info, our use of the church hasn't been confirmed yet. Scott and Ellie agreed to check into the availability. Details of the rally were discussed. The theme is Fund Human Needs, Not War. For speakers, it was decided to try to get at least one person who faces or faced hardship due to medical bills and/or home foreclosure (Carl, Joan working on it), one from Chum or the Damiano (Peter), a labor speaker, and possibly others, to tie together the war and the economic crisis.
Treasurer's Report
$50 was given to last night's forum speaker for gas. It was voted to give $50 to Mike Solon as courtesy for use of his sound system, and donate $50 we made in profit from the St. Paul bus to Gary for the upcoming SOA trip. After these changes, not counting our unknown intake from yesterday's rally and donations from the mailbox waiting to be processed, NAWC has $650 in the bank.
Food Not Bombs Promo
Michael and Alex from Food Not Bombs gave an introduction to the organization. FNB is not a set organization but rather a loose collective that operates on several principles. It uses food that would otherwise be disposed of to create free, healthy meals. Anyone can help cook, and anyone can eat for free. All meals are vegan for both safety and ethical reasons. Duluth's Food Not Bombs began this summer and is currently serving weekly meals, Saturdays at 5 PM at Portland Square Park. They are in need of donations of both money and cookware (especially large pots). Yesterday's rally was the biggest gathering they have served so far, and they are happy to do future events for the peace/justice movement. They can be contacted at 728-4385 or fnbduluth@riseup.net.
WNPJ Report
Carl reported on attending the annual Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice Fall Assembly in Milwaukee last weekend. He is NAWC's official rep on the WNPJ Board. The event featured keynote speakers on private security and torture, as well as breakout sessions. The anti-war discussion included talk about legislation to bring home the National Guard, and preventing students' information from being given to recruiters as a result of them taking the ASVAB test. Both items were of interest to discuss during the next NAWC meeting.
Vets for Peace Float
The Vets for Peace Float was in the Applefest parade last weekend and got a very positive response from the crowds.
Announcements
McCabe Renewal Center is sponsoring a weekend retreat for women impacted by war, November 21 and 22. Scholarships are available. Contact 724-5266 or mccabecenter@msn.com for details.
Socialist Action will host a forum on the economic crisis on Sunday, October 26, 2 PM at Chester Creek Cafe.
NAWC now meets monthly. The next meeting will be Sunday, November 9, 2 PM at the Unitarian Church Library.
Protest Report
Saturday's protest went well. Attendance was between 100-150, high energy, with a large proportion of youth in attendance. The only press seen was a reporter from the CSS newspaper. There was a bit of confusion for some over where to gather at the beginning. Minor concerns were raised over the partisanship of some speakers and some folks walking in the street due to lack of a protest policy announcement at the beginning and the relaxed guiding. There was some extended discussion over NAWC's policy toward illegal acts at protests, and it was decided to further the discussion at a separate dialogue event. There was some discussion also of trying to get events televised on public access, which Vets for Peace is a member of. They are currently looking for a video editor.
Winter Community Event
Joan brought forward an idea to hold a free community meal and educational discussion for people affected by the economy once per month in the winter. People interested in helping with this project can contact najbar.joan@gmail.com.
Martin Luther King Day Event
Scott reported that he has proposed holding a panel discussion or forum on Martin Luther King Jr.'s anti-war views and activities to the MLK Day Committee. It would be the Thursday or Friday before MLK Day and involve local churches, the colleges, and possibly high schools. It was voted for NAWC to support this effort.
MN-WI History "Face-Off"
Ellie raised the idea of holding a "cabaret" of reenactments of progressive and radical figures from Minnesota and Wisconsin history some time in the winter as a fun activity. If interested in working on this project, contact connolly.ellie@gmail.com or 728-1356.
December Anti-War Actions
The proposed December 13 anti-war protest is a march from the UMD Library to the Unitarian Church. Although some fliers were printed with this info, our use of the church hasn't been confirmed yet. Scott and Ellie agreed to check into the availability. Details of the rally were discussed. The theme is Fund Human Needs, Not War. For speakers, it was decided to try to get at least one person who faces or faced hardship due to medical bills and/or home foreclosure (Carl, Joan working on it), one from Chum or the Damiano (Peter), a labor speaker, and possibly others, to tie together the war and the economic crisis.
Treasurer's Report
$50 was given to last night's forum speaker for gas. It was voted to give $50 to Mike Solon as courtesy for use of his sound system, and donate $50 we made in profit from the St. Paul bus to Gary for the upcoming SOA trip. After these changes, not counting our unknown intake from yesterday's rally and donations from the mailbox waiting to be processed, NAWC has $650 in the bank.
Food Not Bombs Promo
Michael and Alex from Food Not Bombs gave an introduction to the organization. FNB is not a set organization but rather a loose collective that operates on several principles. It uses food that would otherwise be disposed of to create free, healthy meals. Anyone can help cook, and anyone can eat for free. All meals are vegan for both safety and ethical reasons. Duluth's Food Not Bombs began this summer and is currently serving weekly meals, Saturdays at 5 PM at Portland Square Park. They are in need of donations of both money and cookware (especially large pots). Yesterday's rally was the biggest gathering they have served so far, and they are happy to do future events for the peace/justice movement. They can be contacted at 728-4385 or fnbduluth@riseup.net.
WNPJ Report
Carl reported on attending the annual Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice Fall Assembly in Milwaukee last weekend. He is NAWC's official rep on the WNPJ Board. The event featured keynote speakers on private security and torture, as well as breakout sessions. The anti-war discussion included talk about legislation to bring home the National Guard, and preventing students' information from being given to recruiters as a result of them taking the ASVAB test. Both items were of interest to discuss during the next NAWC meeting.
Vets for Peace Float
The Vets for Peace Float was in the Applefest parade last weekend and got a very positive response from the crowds.
Announcements
McCabe Renewal Center is sponsoring a weekend retreat for women impacted by war, November 21 and 22. Scholarships are available. Contact 724-5266 or mccabecenter@msn.com for details.
Socialist Action will host a forum on the economic crisis on Sunday, October 26, 2 PM at Chester Creek Cafe.
NAWC now meets monthly. The next meeting will be Sunday, November 9, 2 PM at the Unitarian Church Library.
October Iraq Moratorium Vigil
This Friday, October 17, the Northland Anti-War Coalition will be holding its 13th of monthly Iraq Moratorium vigil. The vigil will be from 4:30-5:30pm on the corner of College St. & Woodland Ave. in Duluth. We'll be holding signs for passing motorists and handing out leaflets to pedestrians in a show of opposition to the war. Bring your friends!
October 7, 2008
Public Forum on Palestine
A JUST SOLUTION FOR THE ISRAEL/PALESTINE CONFLICT?
A forum featuring author Joel Kovel: a Jewish voice for peace
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 @ 6:30pm
WHERE: Univ. of MN-Duluth, Montague Rm. 80
Joel Kovel is a well-known Jewish activist, scholar and writer on the Middle East. His latest book is “Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine”. Joel Kovel argues that the inner contradictions of Zionism have led Israel to a “state-sponsored racism fully as incorrigible as that of apartheid South Africa and deserving of the same resolution.
As Bishop Tutu was being disinvited and then reinvited to speak at St. Thomas , Joel Kovel was facing the cancelation of the distribution of his book at the University of Michigan due to pressure from a right wing Zionist group. As with Bishop Tutu, a successful campaign on the campus and nationally was able to reverse the decision.
This event is free and open to the public.
-------------------------------------------
DON'T forget that earlier that same day [Oct. 11] NAWC is holding an anti-war march and rally. We'll be marching at noon from Duluth's Leif Erickson Park to the MN Power Plaza where we'll be holding a rally.
-------------------------------------------
AND, since we can't rest on our laurels yet, mark your calendar for the next Northland Anti-War Coalition planning meeting, which will be on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2pm in the library of the new Unitarian Church on College St.
A forum featuring author Joel Kovel: a Jewish voice for peace
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 @ 6:30pm
WHERE: Univ. of MN-Duluth, Montague Rm. 80
Joel Kovel is a well-known Jewish activist, scholar and writer on the Middle East. His latest book is “Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine”. Joel Kovel argues that the inner contradictions of Zionism have led Israel to a “state-sponsored racism fully as incorrigible as that of apartheid South Africa and deserving of the same resolution.
As Bishop Tutu was being disinvited and then reinvited to speak at St. Thomas , Joel Kovel was facing the cancelation of the distribution of his book at the University of Michigan due to pressure from a right wing Zionist group. As with Bishop Tutu, a successful campaign on the campus and nationally was able to reverse the decision.
This event is free and open to the public.
-------------------------------------------
DON'T forget that earlier that same day [Oct. 11] NAWC is holding an anti-war march and rally. We'll be marching at noon from Duluth's Leif Erickson Park to the MN Power Plaza where we'll be holding a rally.
-------------------------------------------
AND, since we can't rest on our laurels yet, mark your calendar for the next Northland Anti-War Coalition planning meeting, which will be on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2pm in the library of the new Unitarian Church on College St.
October 4, 2008
Oct. 11 Peace Protest in Duluth!
THE BASICS:
-The protest will be on Saturday, October 11.
-The march leaves Leif Erickson Park @ Noon.
-The rally starts at the MN Power Plaza @ 1pm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFO:
We're gathering between 11:30am and Noon at the Leif Erickson Park on London Road in Duluth, where we'll have music and entertainment. At noon we'll set off on a march through downtown Duluth to the MN Power Plaza at Lake Ave. & Superior St., where at 1pm we'll have a rally. The following speakers will be speaking at the rally: MN State Representative Mike Jaros, WI State Representative Frank Boyle, Chelsa Nelson of UMD Students for Peace, GLBT activist Prof. Kathy Heltzer, and a representative of the AFSCME union speaking on behalf of the laid of city workers.
The protest is sponsored and organized by the Northland Anti-War Coalition, and is supported by the Veterans for Peace, Network of Spiritual Progressives, Grandmothers for Peace, Lake Superior Greens, Socialist Action, Duluth Area Green Party, Students for Peace and others.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY WE'RE HOLDING THIS PROTEST:
It was on October 11, 2002 that Congress approved the “Iraq War Resolution” granting the Bush administration authorization to invade Iraq. On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008--exactly six years after Congress unleashed the dogs of war on Iraq-- we will be sending a message to the war makers in Washington and to the world: We want this war to end and we want it to end now! We are demanding nothing less than the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all occupation forces from Iraq and the closing of all military bases.
The weeks and months ahead promise to be filled with debate as the election campaigns gear up. Instead of being spectators who watch the media pundits put their spin on the political pronouncements of the candidates, the October 11 protests will inject our agenda, the antiwar agenda, into the intensifying debate.
We are tired of excuses. The hundreds of billions funding the wars only serve to measure the terrible toll inflicted on our communities. How many more billions will be looted from vital social needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, disaster relief or libraries, firehouses, childcare, eldercare, or Social Security? Join us October 11 for protest actions being organized in cities and localities around the country. Bring your friends, coworkers, family and neighbors. The time to act is NOW! We are making a difference.
ALL OUT FOR OCTOBER 11! SPEARED THE WORD! BRING A FRIEND!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFO:
Northland Anti-War Coalition
P.O. Box 16853, Duluth MN 55816
http://northlandantiwar.blogspot.com
(715) 394-6660
-The protest will be on Saturday, October 11.
-The march leaves Leif Erickson Park @ Noon.
-The rally starts at the MN Power Plaza @ 1pm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFO:
We're gathering between 11:30am and Noon at the Leif Erickson Park on London Road in Duluth, where we'll have music and entertainment. At noon we'll set off on a march through downtown Duluth to the MN Power Plaza at Lake Ave. & Superior St., where at 1pm we'll have a rally. The following speakers will be speaking at the rally: MN State Representative Mike Jaros, WI State Representative Frank Boyle, Chelsa Nelson of UMD Students for Peace, GLBT activist Prof. Kathy Heltzer, and a representative of the AFSCME union speaking on behalf of the laid of city workers.
The protest is sponsored and organized by the Northland Anti-War Coalition, and is supported by the Veterans for Peace, Network of Spiritual Progressives, Grandmothers for Peace, Lake Superior Greens, Socialist Action, Duluth Area Green Party, Students for Peace and others.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY WE'RE HOLDING THIS PROTEST:
It was on October 11, 2002 that Congress approved the “Iraq War Resolution” granting the Bush administration authorization to invade Iraq. On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008--exactly six years after Congress unleashed the dogs of war on Iraq-- we will be sending a message to the war makers in Washington and to the world: We want this war to end and we want it to end now! We are demanding nothing less than the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all occupation forces from Iraq and the closing of all military bases.
The weeks and months ahead promise to be filled with debate as the election campaigns gear up. Instead of being spectators who watch the media pundits put their spin on the political pronouncements of the candidates, the October 11 protests will inject our agenda, the antiwar agenda, into the intensifying debate.
We are tired of excuses. The hundreds of billions funding the wars only serve to measure the terrible toll inflicted on our communities. How many more billions will be looted from vital social needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, disaster relief or libraries, firehouses, childcare, eldercare, or Social Security? Join us October 11 for protest actions being organized in cities and localities around the country. Bring your friends, coworkers, family and neighbors. The time to act is NOW! We are making a difference.
ALL OUT FOR OCTOBER 11! SPEARED THE WORD! BRING A FRIEND!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFO:
Northland Anti-War Coalition
P.O. Box 16853, Duluth MN 55816
http://northlandantiwar.blogspot.com
(715) 394-6660
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