[January 11 Note: We're not the only ones with this idea. We talked with Endthewar.org and we both discovered that we each had the idea on our respective websites. They have it on their calendar and have a poster in various formats. EndtheWar is planning a Speak Out on the Real State of the Union on January 28th in DC. Friend Steven Cleghorn of DC is also sending out an email calling for a 'Peace Day on Pennsylvania Avenue' on January 28. Anyone else doing this? Email us and we'll post it.]

'Our State of the Union' Press Conference/Rally/Teach-in

 

On January 27, 2003, Han Blix reported to the UN on the progress of weapons inspection in Iraq. On January, 28th, President Bush will deliver his 'State of the Union Adress.' Many have speculated that he will announce US intentions toward Iraq at that time. On January 27th, Traprock (and we're told other groups) have organized 'Our State of the Union Address' press conferences. Traprock is organizing a press conference in Orange on January 29th. (See the calendar on the home page for more information.) On January 28th and 29th, let's take the initiative and speak ourselves on the 'state of the union.'

Jan. 27 - This photo was taken at 'Our State of the Union' at the public library in Greenfield, MA. The event was covered by the Greenfield Recorder, TV 22 in Springfield and Western Mass Indy Media. Representatives from many area human services organizations gave a 'pre-buttal' to the President's address to be delivered on Jan. 28. WMass.indymedia.org taped the event. Here is a press release with more photos from the event.

What is the 'State of the Union'? Very briefly:

In the US, people are trying to cope huge budget deficits, massive cuts in human services and unemployment (as well as underemployment in a 'Walmart' economy.) See the December 10, 2002 Statement by Arise for Social Justice that presented at the occupation of Mayor Albano's (Springfield, MA) office. Mayor Albano agreed to meet with a community delegation and thereafter wrote a letter to President Bush asking him to focus on community needs rather than war preparations. (Photo at right - reading of statement at Mayor Albano's office.)

The lead up to war is already exacting a toll in economic terms, not to mention the cost of an all-out war against Iraq. See the costs of war, per state, as calculated by the National Prioities Project.

While human service programs are being gutted in the US, the President has proposed (and Congress has passed) such laws as the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act. Is America "transforming itself into a national security culture. (See "No Greater Threat - America After September 11 and the Rise of a National Security State" by Chuck Michaels). Chuck Michaels is ready to do media interviews and personal appearances immediately. Please call us at 413-773-7427.

Meanwhile, the US Administration is marching toward a war that is not supported by the people of any other nation on earth. Even the British government, a staunch US ally, is voicing concern has asked the US to Delay the War. Has this nation ever been held in lower esteem by the peoples of the world?

And (focusing just on Iraq), what of the moral state of this country, that has seen hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children die from economic sanctions, has contaminated the country with depleted uranium, and is now frightening an entire nation? (Photo at left by Alan Pogue; download poster at nomorevictims.org.

 

Our 'State of the Union'

On January 27 and 29th, the people have an opportunity to respond to Hans Blix's report and to give our own address on the 'State of the Union.' This is a great time to bring together our social service providers, local governments and voices for peace.

Traprock Peace Center will sponsor a press conference, rally and teach-in on the 'State of the Union,' on January 27th and 29th. We propose this nationally, and will ask our friends and neighbors in Western Massachusetts to co-sponsor a local event. We'll even invite Members of Congress (they'll have time to get back for President Bush's address the next day; photo at right - a neighbor knocking on Senator Kerry's office door. He closed office to local constituents after he voted in favor of war resolution. See PHOTOSTORY.)

We will hold the press conference/community gathering after Mr. Blix has delivered his report. A local panel will address the 'state of the union' - taking note of the Blix report, the threat of war, and domestic and international issues - and invite questions from media. Details will be announced as we work them out with our co-sponsors.

Let our voices be heard. Send a message to members of Congress and the President before his 'State of the Union Address.' Let's show the world that Americans do not need to wait for the President to speak. Let's take initiative on January 27th and 29th nation-wide and show that we are a people for peace.

Page created January 11, 2003 by Charlie Jenks; all photos © 2003 Charlie Jenks.