Immediate demonstrations and protests.
The plans for actions in Washington, DC, in opposition to the bombing of Iraq continue to evolve. Here is the latest schedule of events planned with the DC Coalition to End the War on Iraq, a loose grouping of peace, progressive, religious and Arab American organizations (including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee). It is mostly the same grouping which organized the large march and rally at the White House during the crisis in February.
FRIDAY, December 18:
12:00 noon – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker community will hold its weekly prayer vigil, as it has every Friday since February. There will be picketing, prayer, song and some individuals may risk arrest in peaceful, nonviolent civil disobedience. (For information, call (202) 882-9649.)
5:00 – 7:00 pm – The DC Coalition to Stop the War on Iraq will hold a demonstration and candlelight vigil at the White House. The demonstrations have grown to several hundred people and have drawn national media coverage. We want to maintain a strong and visible presence in opposition to the bombing and in support of lifting the economic sanctions.
There will be 5:00 pm demonstrations at the White House every weekday as long as the bombing continutes. For updated information, call the Washington Peace Center at (202) 234-2000.)
SATURDAY, December 19
Leonard Peltier Demonstration: Several antiwar speakers have been added to an already planned demonstration in support of Native American political prisoner Leonard Peltier, who has been in prison since the 1970s. The Peltier Defense Committee organizers oppose the bombing and have generously added Iraq to their agenda.
1:00 pm – Rally at the FBI Building (Pennsylvania Ave. at 9th St. NW) 2:00 pm – March to the White House 3:00 pm – Rally and picket at the White House
SUNDAY, December 20
1:00 pm – MAJOR DEMONSTRATION. Rally at Dupont Circle and march to the White House for a demonstration and picketing. Speak out in opposition to the bombing of Iraq and call for lifting the sanctions against the Iraqi people. Bring your signs and slogans. Spread the word. Let’s make our voices heard. Sponsor: DC Coalition to End the War on Iraq. For information, call (202) 234-2000.
5:00 pm – Town Meeting St. Aloysius Church (lower level) (location is confirmed) North Capitol and I Sts. NW (4 blocks north of Union Station; entrance on North Capitol St.)
In addition to speakers and open discussion, there will be a taped interview with Kathy Kelly of Voices in the Wilderness from Baghdad.
Sponsors: Veterans for Peace, Washington Peace Center, International Socialist Organization, Amerian-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and other organizations. For information, call (202) 234-2000 or (202) 332-3101.
MONDAY, December 21
7:00 am – Vigil at the Pentagon, south entrance. Sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker community.)