I received this via the Yahoo group email list:
Dear Supporters of Bay Area Women in Black:
Nearly two years, ago, Bay Area Women in Black began its weekly vigil, joining with international Women in Black to stand in silence against military occupation. While in the recent past we have focused on Israel/Palestine, we do not forget the U.S. occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and are reminded by people who greet us of the imperative to stand against war and militarism.
Saturday, March 21, 2009, has been declared a national day of action called From Iraq to Afghanistan to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime. We believe it is necessary to be present for this action, to do as President Obama has urged: ³I want you to hold our government accountable. I want you to hold me accountable.²
We are opposed to the increase in troop levels in Afghanistan where we already have 32,000 troops and are spending two billion dollars a month to fight an unwinnable war. We oppose indefinitely maintaining a military presence of a similar number of troops in Iraq. We oppose the U.S.-supported occupation of Palestine. Our government needs to put money, personnel and policy emphasis into diplomacy and economic development, not war and occupation.
BAWIB invites you to join its feminist presence at the march, with our signs and stately black puppets, as we walk up Market Street from Justin Herman Plaza to the Civic Center in San Francisco. We will walk in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan, Iraq and Israel/Palestine, for peace and to end occupation and militarism. We will join our many friends and allies who are gathering around the country. The sponsors of this event include the Arab Resource and Organizing Center San Francisco, Code Pink, Free Palestine Alliance, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Middle East Children¹s Alliance, School of the Americas Watch and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 2009
WHERE: Justin Herman Plaza.
WHAT: From Iraq to Afghanistan to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime
The rally is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., and we plan to participate in the march only. We will all gather at 12:30 p.m. by the Embarcadero BART station stairs near the Hyatt Hotel at the foot of California Street. For those going from the East Bay, meet at the MacArthur BART station and board the LAST CAR of the 12:08 train. We will bring the signs and puppets. If you plan to participate, please let us know by email so we can know how many signs to bring. Also, let us know if you want to wear a puppet. And please wear black.
WE HOPE YOU¹LL JOIN US - MAKE THIS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE WORLD -- AND OUR GOVERNMENT THAT WE ARE A COUNTRY WHICH ³SEEKS A FUTURE OF PEACE AND DIGNITY.² (Barack Obama, Jan. 20, 2009.)
Shalom/Salaam
Bay Area Women in Black
