[GPCA Updates] GP ADVISORY Greens to join Oct. protests against US wars in Afghanistan, Iraq

[Green Party of California Updates]

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009



Greens to join mid-October protests against US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq


WASHINGTON, DC -- Green Party leaders, activists, and members across
the US plan to participate in mass rallies, marches, coordinated local
and regional demonstrations, and other forms of protest to take place
on and around Saturday, October 17 calling for the withdrawal of US
troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The National Assembly to End the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars
(https://www.natassembly.org/Home_Page.html) is coordinating the
nationwide mid-October protests.  October 2009 marks the eighth year
of the US war in Afghanistan and seven years since Congress passed a
resolution authorizing an invasion of Iraq.

"While a majority of Democrats and Republicans in Congress lined up
behind President Bush's call for an invasion of Iraq based on a litany
of deceptions, the Green Party opposed and protested the war from the
beginning.  The election of Barack Obama in 2008 brought no real
change -- America is still waging war against Afghanistan and Iraq,
with attacks on Pakistan and threats to attack Iran," said Rosa
Clemente, the Green Party's 2008 nominee for Vice President, Hip Hop
activist, journalist, and community organizer
(http://www.rosaclemente.com).

"The Green Party continues to challenge the monopoly on power held by
the two parties of war -- the Democratic and Republican parties.  We
also challenge the delusion that led so many people who opposed the
war to vote for Mr. Obama and other warhawk Democrats.  The only hope
for an end to America's policies of military aggression remains the
emergence of a real peace party -- the Green Party," added Ms.
Clemente, who is about to embark on a 14-state speaking tour.

October also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam
Moratorium that brought hundreds of thousands into the streets to
protest the war.

Greens in New England will gather at an antiwar rally and march
planned for Boston on October 17, beginning at 1:00 pm in Copley
Square.  The Massachusetts Green-Rainbow Party is one of the sponsors
of the event.

On Monday, October 5, Greens will participate in an antiwar protest at
the White House organized by members of the War Resisters League and
Witness Against Torture
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130411491731&index=1).

"The war in Iraq was not a 'good' war, neither is the war in
Afghanistan," said Green peace activist Paul 'zool' Zulkowitz.

The Green Party demands:

• Immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all US troops, military
personnel, bases, contractors, and mercenaries from Iraq, Afghanistan,
and Pakistan.

• An immediate end to all US support for the Israeli occupation of
Palestine and the ongoing siege against Gaza and the Palestinian
people.

• An end to sanctions, threats of war, and attacks against Iran, North
Korea, Somalia, or any other nation, whose right to self-determination
is under assault by Washington’s aggressive drive for hegemony. We
strongly oppose interference in the internal affairs of these
countries, as well as Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and any other nation
targeted by the US government for political destabilization.

• Investigation and prosecution of war crimes, including torture, with
an assurance that all such crimes never happen again.

A lopsided vote by the US House of Representatives (368-60) on May 14,
2009 approved the Obama Administration's request for $97 billion for
US military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.  The US
Senate’s follow-up vote on June 18, 2009 approved, by a 91-5 majority,
$105.9 billion for the same purpose, showing bipartisan support for
continuation of the wars and occupations.  According to Green Party
leaders, these votes underscore why an independent, unified, mass
action antiwar movement is needed now more than ever.

The Green Party supports without equivocation the right of all
oppressed nations and peoples to self-determination, whether in the
Middle East or in other parts of the world, such as Haiti.

Greens stand in solidarity with working people, their unions and
allies, and demand that the trillions spent on wars and the military
be diverted to support for homeowners, the opening of plants to create
new green jobs instead of seeing them shut down, and maintaining and
expanding urgently needed social programs


MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
• Green candidate database and campaign information:
http://www.gp.org/elections.shtml
• Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml
• Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers
• Green Party ballot access page http://www.gp.org/2008-elections
• Green Party Livestream Channel http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus

Green Pages: The official publication of record of the Green Party of
the United States
Summer 2009 issue now online
http://gp.org/greenpages-blog


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