April 2002 Call to Action News

Opposing war on terrorism, major peace march on Washington being planned for April 20

As the U.S. war on terrorism expands from Afghanistan, and the Bush administration ponders military action against Iraq, dozens of peace and human rights organizations in a broad coalition will march on Washington Apr. 20. Hosted by the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition, the action promises to involve many student-based groups, including the United Students Against Sweatshops, plus other traditional allies of CTA like Pax Christi USA, and SOA Watch.

CTA members Pam and Kevin Horan-Bussey of Chicago will participate, with their 18-month-old son. Asked why, Pam explained: “Our president thinks he has a blank
check to do anything since 9/11, including decimating civil liberties and bombing civilians to avenge our civilian casualties. Our family does not believe in that. It’s not the American way.”

Pax Christi paves the way

To mark six months since 9/11, Pax Christi USA leaders met in Washington
March 11 for congressional lobbying and protests against the U.S. war on terrorism. Seven leaders, including PCUSA council chair Tom Cordaro, chose civil disobedience and
were arrested in front of the White House. Though such protests against the U.S. policies have been rare to date, Cordaro said they hope their witness “helps to open up the space for others to take action in dissent,” including the Apr. 20 march. The PCUSA delegation also met Eva Rupp, whose sister, Deora Bodley, died in the 9/11 attacks. Rupp
recounted her January trip with Global Exchange to Afghanistan to meet with Afghanis who had lost loved ones in the U.S. bombing campaign. “Knowing that there are widows who have lost husbands and children in the U.S. bombing campaign and now have to go begging in the streets,” said Rupp, “does not make me feel secure.” Rupp shared video footage from Afghanistan documenting the extensive damage that the bombing has caused to innocent
civilians. Colombia Mobilization SOA Watch is also leading a protest rally and Congressional lobbying against the U.S. militarization of Colombia — another conflict being anointed by U.S. policymakers as part of the allencompassing war on terrorism.

Peace websites

American Friends Service Committee:
www.peaceresponse.org

Quick coverage of actions, protests:
www.indymedia.org

Apr 20 event:
www.a20stopthewar.org

Human Rights Watch:
www.humanrightswatch.org