Alert #153  April 15, 2008


STOP PAYING FOR THE WAR!
HR 5507: A $ BILL WE CAN SUPPORT.

PEACE DEMANDS ACTION.

one email, one action, five minutes a week for peace
view this message online: http://www.panys.org/alerts/153.htm


Every year we oppose dozens of appropriations bills that fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s time to support a funding measure for a change!

The Fully-Funded US Military Redeployment and Iraqi Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2008 (HR 5507) would:
  • Repeal the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq.
  • Require all U.S. troops (except for 500 soldiers posted to protect the U.S. Embassy) and military contractors to be withdrawn from Iraq within one year of passage of the bill.
  • Prohibit the use of any additional funding except to provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors; and ensure the security of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule.
  • Allow funds to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq.
  • Prohibit construction of any permanent or long-term U.S. military installations in Iraq, unless explicitly approved by Congress.
  • Require closure of all detention centers operated by the U.S. or under contract with the U.S. government no later than one year after the date of enactment.
  • Provide standing for Iraqi prisoners/detainees who may have been tortured to bring suit for redress in U.S. federal district courts.
  • Limit the total number of U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to no more than 500.
  • Prohibit the U.S. government or any U.S. corporations from participating in long-term Iraqi oil production sharing agreements unless the government of Iraq has established and is enforcing laws for the development, production, or marketing of Iraqi petroleum resources.
Originally sponsored by the Co-Chairs of the Progressive Caucus (Lynn Woolsey and Barbara Lee) and the Chair of the Out of Iraq Caucus (Maxine Waters), the bill now has six co-sponsors. Of these, only Yvette Clark is from New York.

We will have to work hard to build support in Congress for legislation that reflects a sane policy in the Middle East, but by working together, we can get it done. Representatives of Peace Action New York State and our allies have met with every member of the New York State Congressional delegation. If you were a part of those visits, please follow-up with the Congressperson or their staff to see where they stand on this issue. If you were not a part of those visits, it is never too late to start a relationship. Call your Congressperson and ask to meet with his or her staff about this important legislation. Let them know that you want to see an end to the occupation and the beginning of a fair relationship with the Iraqi people.

If you want help setting up a visit or need more information, call the PANYS office at 646-723-1749.

As always, thanks for all you do.

In Peace,

Cheryl Wertz
Executive Director, Peace Action Fund of New York State
info@panys.org
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THE IRAQ INDEX
UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 NYC Metro Area Upstate NY Out-of-State & Nationwide
FEATURED EVENTS
 
 Thursday, April 17, 1:15 pm
UNITED NATIONS. Conference Room 2
A FISSLE MATERIAL (CUT-OFF) TREATY AND ITS VERIFICATION: A PROGRESS REPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL ON FISSILE MATERIAL. Frank Von Hippel, Physicist, Professor at Princeton and a Co-Chair of the International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM) will be speaking. The IPFM is an independent group of arms-control and nonproliferation experts from both nuclear and non-nuclear states. It’s mission is to analyze the technical basis for practical and achievable policy initiatives to secure, consolidate, and reduce stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and plutonium. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A UN PASS AND WHICH TO ATTEND, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMITTEE AT 212-687-5340 OR DISARMTIMES@IGC.ORG IMMEDIATELY.
Monday, April 21: doors open at 6:30, events starts at 7:00 pm.
MANHATTAN. Ethical Culture Society, 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West.
GANDHI, KING AND THE POWER OF NONVIOLENCE:
ALTERNATIVES TO FORCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
A discussion with Jonathan Schell, Nation Institute Fellow and author of “The Seventh
Decade” and Pulitzer prize-winner Taylor Branch, author of “At Canaan’s Edge”. Event
is free of charge (suggested donation $10). Sponsored by The Nation Institute and
organized with The Satyagraha Forum to celebrate the current Metropolitan Opera
performance of Philip Glass' opera, Satyagraha , the chronicle of Mahatma Gandhi and
his movement of social change through nonviolence.
Discussion, audience questions, and book-signing.
For more information contact Ruth Baldwin
at 212) 822-0266.

New York Metro Area and Long Island Events
 
Continued showings at 11:10 am; 1:10, 3:30, 5:25, 7:30, and 9:40 pm
THE VILLAGE. IFC Center, 323 6th Avenue at West 3rd Street.
FILM: “BODY OF WAR” by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro.
The wrenching story of Tomas Young, paralyzed from the waist down on his fourth day in Iraq, sent back home with a Purple Heart and unanswered questions about why he and thousands of others have paid so dearly, coming to terms with his disability and finding his voice against the war. With two original songs by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.
Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 pm.
MANHATTAN. CUNY Graduate Center, 365 5th Avenue.
DAVID VS. GOLIATH: OPPOSING
U.S. MILITARY BASES ABROAD.
A conversation with Jan Tamas, the organizer of the No Bases Initiative in the Czech Republic, Olivier Bancoult, of the Chagos Refugee Group in Mauritius, and Frida Berrigan of the New America Foundation. What are individuals in other countries doing to stop the spread of U.S. military bases? How can we help?
For more information, contact Cheryl at 646-723-1749.
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
BROOKLYN. Long Island University, 1 University Plaza, at Flatbush and DeKalb Avenue.
 FIFTH ANNUAL BROOKLYN PEACE FAIR.
Over 100 community organizations, music, poetry, dance, film, hip hop, workshops and discussions. Activities for children of all ages. Information tables on peace and justice issues. Speakers and presenters include Debbie Almontaser, Eric Adams and Major Owens. Admission free. Must bring photo ID. For more information see www.brooklynpeace.org.
Thursday, May 1, 12 noon – 4:00pm
MANHATTAN. 12:noon: Gather at Union Square 4:00 pm: march to Federal Plaza.
MASS RALLY FOR IMMIGRANT AND WORKER RIGHTS.
Stop the raids and deportations. Legalization now. Justice for all. Sponsored by the May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights. For more information see
Thursday, May 1, 7:00pm
MANHATTAN. All Souls Church, Reidy Friendship Hall, 1157 Lexington at 79th Street.
“THE HUMAN COST OF WAR AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS: FOCUS ON IRAN”
A lecture by Dr. Shahriar Khateri & Dr. Mohammad Soroush, Founders of the Society for Chemical Weapons Victims Support. On tour from Iran, Drs. Khateri and Soroush have many years experience treating victims of chemical weapons used in the Iran/Iraq war of the 1980s. Speaking to both medical professionals and to the general public, they address the short and long term medical consequences of chemical warfare in hopes of heightening awareness of the devastation of weapons of mass destruction and to remind us that we must work to abolish these weapons. Sponsored by: Physicians for Social Responsibility and The Campaign Against Sanctions & Military Intervention in Iran. For more information, contact russellbranca@yahoo.com or 718-843-0515.
Saturday, May 3, 8:00pm
MANHATTAN. Riverside Theatre. 91 Claremont at 120th Street.
A PEFORMANCE OF ARTISTS FOR PEACE. In collaboration with Bernier Dance. Dance, poetry and jazz are blended in a stirring evening grounded in the provocative stories of Maxine Hong Kingston’s Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace. General admission $15 - $100. A portion of the proceeds to benefit New Era Veterans Residence.
Saturday, May 17. 5:45 – 8:00pm.
STATEN ISLAND. Unitarian Church Parish Hall, 312 Fillmore St.
PEACE ACTION STATEN ISLAND GENERAL MEETING AND POT LUCK DINNER.

Upstate Events
 
 Wednesday, April 16th, 1:30 – 2:45 pm.
GENESEO. SUNY Geneseo, Newton Hall, Room 202.
“CURRENT STRUGGLES FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT”
A Contemporary Forum Lecture by Cheryl Wertz, Executive Director of Peace Action New York State.  There will be a reception for Ms. Wertz following her talk. (3:30-4:30 PM, The Harding Room, Welles 111)  Ms. Wertz’s speech is timed to coordinate with a photographic exhibition about peace in the SUNY Geneseo College Union.  This exhibit is provided by Soka Gakkai International (SGI-USA), a Buddhist peace organization.   Approximate dates for the exhibition are April 11th through April 19th.
Thursday, April 17, 6 – 9:00pm.
GENESEO. Knightspot, on the campus of SUNY Geneseo
PEACE CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT.
Comedians, poets, singers, song writers, and rock bands will all be performing. This show is dedicated to bringing people together in the name of peace and is a fund raiser for Military Families Speak Out. Sponsored by Progressive Student Coalition, Military Families Speak Out, Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, and the Alpha Delta Epsilon Sorority. A donation of $3.00 will be requested for admission to the event. For more information, contact Chris Neels at cln6@geneseo.edu or 585-313-9083
Friday, April 18th. 5:00pm.
GENESEO. Newton 201, SUNY Geneseo
MODEL U.N. CLUB OF GENESEO'S NIGHT OF 1000 DINNERS
Event will include dinner and an informative lecture by Prof. Jeremy Grace and Lt. Col. Rasmussen. Both have extensive experience and advanced knowledge in the area of land mines and their presence throughout the world today.  All proceeds will go towards either the “adopt a minefield” program or to a specific country that is currently handling the removal of land mines. Tickets cost $5 in advance and $6 at the door. You can purchase tickets at the SUNY Geneseo Union on Monday the 14th, and Tuesday the 15th. E-mail mun@geneseo.edu with any questions or with requests for tickets.
Saturday, April 19. 2:00 pm.
SYRACUSE. Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave.
 SECOND ANNUAL PEACE CONFERENCE
“The Current Threat of Nuclear Weapons.” Keynote speaker Paul Kawika Martin of Peace Action. Panelists Diane Swords and Richard Weiskopf. $10 at the door. For more information, contact Jerry Lotierzo at 315-243-9823.
Tuesday, April 29. Time TBD.
ALBANY.
EQUALITY AND JUSTICE DAY.
This year the Empire State Pride Agenda, LGBTQ advocates and straight Allies will once again be making history in Albany. Last year a record 1,100 people from all across NYS lobbied their legislators on the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This year the goal is to bring 1,600 change agents to Albany. Make sure that your voice is heard on Equality & Justice Day by planning now to attend this super charged event. www.prideagenda.org. Early registration can also be done by contacting WNY Field Organizer Todd Plank at tplank@prideagenda.org or by calling 585.278.4190. Scholarships are available based on need.

Thursday May 8 – Saturday May 17
ROCHESTER, ITHACA, UTICA, SYRACUSE AND POINTS BETWEEN TO FORT DRUM.
NEW YORK STATE MARCHES TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER:
A PEACE MARCH TO FORT DRUM TO SUPPORT IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR
AND THE DIFFERENT DRUMMER CAFÉ. Feeder march routes and dates. For more information see www.nysmarchesforpeace.org
Saturday, May 31.
SYRACUSE. Syracuse Peace Council, 924 Burnet Ave
OPEN HOUSE AT THE SYRACUSE PEACE COUNCIL.

Ongoing Local Events
Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. 
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm

Out of State & Nationwide Events
Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php.