KC Iraq Task Force Update
Ira Harritt
Dear KC Iraq Task Force Supporter,
As many trudge through their daily tasks seemingly oblivious to the Iraq war, others are increasingly confronted by the war’s costs. As al-Maliki’s Iraq forces attack Moqtada al-Sadr's forces, U.S. troop deaths have risen, hundreds of citizens of Sadr City flee amidist heavy fighting, and Congress prepares plans to submit a 170 billion dollar Iraq supplemental to keep the occupation going!?!
Keeping up on the news can be depressing but not being informed and not being prepared to take action will not help and will come back to haunt us if we succumb.
So what are activists to do? Well we are working to be creative in our efforts to end the war and for now oppose the Iraq supplemental. And try to have a little fun in the process.
This is an invitation to join in the “Auction Today: Your Tax Dollars for Sale” street theater.
Our plan is to have an auctioneer (dressed as Uncle Sam) standing on a milk crate flanked by volunteers holding “Auction Today: Your Tax Dollars for Sale” signs and a banner behind saying something like “Don’t Let Washington Sell Us Out.” In front of the auctioneer would be four or five people bidding on lots of 20 or 30 billion tax dollars. Each would represent something for which taxes could be used- Healthcare, Education, Housing, Renewable Energy and War-and each would be dressed to symbolically represent their issue (e.g. healthcare: scrubs and stethoscope; Education mortarboard and academic gown; housing: jeans, hardhat and tool belt, etc.) and holding auction paddle with issue they represent printed on it.
The auctioneer opens the bidding. The people representing each area bid their area, “raised or lowered” by the next bidder until the auctioneer declares “sold to the lowest bidder – War spending.” This would be repeated several times to represent the 100+ billion dollars being requested for the Iraq Supplemental Appropriations. The auctioneer would then briefly make a call to action asking people to contact their elected officials and stop funding of the Iraq war and instead funding for community needs.
We are planning our first performance at the Moms’ Against the War Vigil on Sunday, May 6, 3pm at 95 and Quiveria, OP, KS (See below for more information about the event). War are also planning events outside the Sprint Center at the Police and Elvis Costello and the Imposters concerts on Tuesday, May 13, 6:30pm. Other dates and places are being considered.
We need your help to be actors. We would welcome an experienced auctioneer to come forward and volunteer. We also would like to video record the auction and post it on YouTube. Can you help with the video, acting or in other ways? Contact me if you can help! Even if you can not help on one of the date above but would like to volunteer some time please contact us.
We are also beginning plans to meet with community, civic and business leaders to discuss with them how they see the war impacting our community and /or their business.
There are lots of ways we together can create a more peaceful world. Please join us!
Peace,
Ira Harritt
KC AFSC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Peace and Justice Activities
Click on link or scroll down for more information about the peace and justice activity
Peace and Justice Teach-ins will be on a break. For up to date information go to: http://peaceandjusticecoffeehouse.blogspot.com/
May 11, Sunday, 3pm, Mom’s Against the War - Stand for Peace Mothers Day Vigil at 95th Street between Nieman and Quivera, in Overland Park, KS. Julia's Voice is dedicated to reclaiming Mothers Day as it was intended by originator Julia Ward Howe, a day to promote peace and speak out against war.
May 19th, Monday, 6:30pm, KC Iraq Task Force Planning Meeting Note we will hold our regular monthly meeting a week early due to Memorial Day falling on our regular meeting day. We will work on strategies to defeat the Iraq Supplemental legislation, utilize the Cost of War, What is the Best Way to Support the Troops and other exhibits and present the new “Auction-Today: Your Tax Dollars for Sale” Street Theater and other activities to promote peace and end the Iraq war. Come to the AFSC office, 4405 Gillham Rd., KCMO for information call 816 931-5256.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERY Sunday: Iraq Peace Vigil, 4pm, JC Nichols Fountain, 47th & Main, Streets, Kansas City, MO http://www.kciraqtaskforce.org/
EVERY Tuesday, JOIN THIS Peace Demonstration Every Tuesday between 5PM - 6 PM in the median strip on the south corner of the intersection at 63rd & Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. For more information email '63rd Street Patriots' at schwar...@sbcglobal.net
Every Wednesday, 5:00pm, Iraq Anti-War Protest, College and Quivira, Overland Park, KS (NW corner). Send a message to Sen. Pat Robert that it’s time to end the war!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join the
Chalk Project
Marking the 4,000 death of American Troops in Iraq
with Respect and Messages of Peace
Send photos of chalk outlines to dmell...@afsc.org
Click Here to see some of the Chalk Project outlines
Help rouse the
public’s conscience over
the growing deaths in the Iraq
occupation and call for a change from war making to making peace in the world
–through diplomacy, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, supporting
human rights…
Join with others in creating an organic memorial to those who have died in the Iraq occupation by creating body chalk outlines on streets, sidewalks or other locations (it works best working with a partner) and then to chalk the message “Too Many Have Died In Iraq” – and add your own message of peace—for example: Education Not War; Healthcare Not Bombing; Butter Not Bullets; Renewable Energy Not Oil warring, Diplomacy Not Ultimatums, etc.(We ask that you keep it positive. Not curse words or name calling.)
Our goal is for area activists to make 4,000 body outlines spread throughout the city.
We offer this caution-it is possible that creating these outlines may be considered breaking anti-graffiti laws in some places. To help you avoid this make sure you use only chalk and be willing to wash the chalk away if a business or homeowner complains.
We would also like to document the outlines created, messages left, locations and times seen. When you see a Chalk Project body outline we ask that you e-mail your “sighting” to dmell...@afsc.org.
Please include in your email the location e.g. “SW corner of 48th Street and Oak, KCMO), the messages in the outline, and times you saw it. Please also attach a digital photos in jpeg or pict format if you are able to take one. Sightings will be posted on a website to be determined. For info call 816 931-5256.
Click Here to see some of the Chalk Project outlines
Email us sightings of Chalk Project outlines!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you a Mother?
Have you ever had a Mother?
This Mothers Day, be a part of the celebration as it was originally intended, a voice for peace and against war.
On May 11, 2008, we will honor the work of mothers to teach, in the words of Mothers Day founder Julia Ward Howe, patience, charity and mercy.
Stand for Peace
Mothers Day 2008
May 11, 2008, 3:00
Julia's Voice is dedicated to reclaiming Mothers Day as it was intended by originator Julia Ward Howe, a day to promote peace and speak out against war.
Join us as we peacefully assemble along the public sidewalk on
95th Street between Nieman and Quivera, in Overland Park, KS
rain or shine. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we will line the sidewalk joined by Julia Ward Howe re-enactors, musicians and other special guests.
Mother's Day was first organized 138 years ago by abolitionist, suffragette and poet Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 she organized a Mothers Day for Peace to promote peace and speak out against war.
Julia's Voice is a group of "mothers and others" joined together to return Mothers Day to its original intent. Sponsors include the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, True Blue Women of Kansas, Iraq Veterans Against the War, the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church and American Friends Service Committee of Kansas City.
For more information go to http://www.juliasvoice.org/home.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas City Meeting of the
Network of Spiritual Progressives
7:00 P.M. on Monday May 12th
You are invited to attend the second monthly meeting of the Kansas City area chapter of the Network of Spiritual Progressives (NSP). We will meet at 7:00 P.M. on Monday May 12th (the second Monday of each month) at our home at 9000 Mullen Road in Lenexa, KS 66215.
The NSP (www.spiritualprogressives.org) is the originator of the new Global Marshall Plan which was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Emanuel Cleaver and two others just last month as
H. RES. 1078 to create a fundamental shift from a culture of fear and domination to one of love and generosity in our public policies and social practices (see below).
The original Marshall Plan and the Peace Corps were probably the two most successful foreign policy initiatives of the 20th century. We hope to help reinforce this nation wide movement to encourage this shift in public policy in our day especially between now and the election next Fall. Societies are only transformed by clear and compelling visions. Come join us in promoting this vision capable of transforming our society.
Jim & Ginger Kenney
Directions:
· Find Pflumm and 90th Place however works best from wherever you are coming.
· Go one block West to Park and 90th Place.
· Turn left (South).
· Turn right on 91st Terr (see white sign with bold black letters saying "Delivery Entrance).
· Keep going straight till the street (which becomes Salem as the street curves to the right) dead ends.
· Then make two left turns and look at the 2nd house (which is the first 4-plex) on your right on Mullen Road.
· It should say 9000, 9002, 9004 & 9006.
· We are 9000 Mullen Road.
In case of problems call us at 913-362-8362
Global Marshall Plan resolution -H.Res. 1078
introduced in Congress by Congressmen Keith Ellison, Emanuel Cleaver, and Jim Moran
March 10, 2008
H.Res. 1078 calls for a return of the Marshall Plan. That plan was used by the U.S. in the post World War II years to rebuild Europe. It was celebrated as America's most successful foreign policy program because it convinced Europeans that the U.S. was a reliable ally and friend.
This time, however, the target is both domestic and global. H. Res. 1078 calls for the U.S. to provide enough funding to eliminate global poverty, homelessness, hunger, inadequate education, inadequate health care, and repair of the environment.
The full text of H.Res. 1078 is available through the website of Congressman Keith Ellison, http://ellison.house.gov, and further comment can be obtained by calling 202-225-4755. or go to www.tikkun.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News and Action Alerts
Sadr City | War Funding Resources | UFPJ Action Alert
The Iraqi Red Crescent estimates that hundreds have fled Sadr City amid heavy fighting and curfews that continue to cut off access to food, water, and electricity. There is also an update from the congressional quarterly on the next steps on the congressional strategy for war funding. You will find wonderful resources and action ideas on the link to voices for creative nonviolence. There is also a link to the UFPJ call. The AFSC defund/refund letter to congress is at the bottom of the message.
925 Dead in Sadr City Clashes
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gu3DSmX0EDPV9zNQSwAEgO8xCPzQ
Agence France Press, 30 April 2008
UNHCR Concerned About Funding for Refugees and IDPs
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77990
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 April 2008
A View Inside Sadr City –Slideshow
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/04/28/world/20080228SADR_index.html
New York Times, 28 April 2008
*****
Democrats’ War Spending Strategy Riles Many
http://public.cq.com/docs/cqt/news110-000002713392.html
Josh Rogin, Congressional Quarterly, 29 April 2008
“After weeks of discussions, several House aides confirmed that they could bring to the floor, probably next week, a bill that would be open to three specific amendments: one for over $170 billion in war funding, another for domestic spending items and a third for a series of Iraq-related policy provisions.
The bill would then be packaged and sent to the Senate, which would hold floor votes on its own amendments and send the measure back to the House to be cleared.
Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, the chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said House and Senate Democrats were closing in on an agreement. “I think we’re about 95 percent there,” Inouye said.
But after a leadership meeting Tuesday evening, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., said no final deal had been struck. “There are still a lot of moving parts,” Hoyer said.”
*****
Voices for Creative Nonviolence: Iraq War Funding Resources*
* You will find a question and answer section on war funding, several very helpful charts of voting records on approval for war funding, and a history of amendments that have been added to the funding bills over the years.
*****
UFPJ – Action Alert
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=3882
********************
AFSC Documents
********************
Download "The Iraqi
Refugee Crisis" (spring/summer update)
http://afsc.org/iraq/guide/documents/Overview.pdf
Download "Iraqi Refugee Resettlement" (new)
http://afsc.org/iraq/guide/documents/Resettlement.pdf
Healing the Wounds of War: Alternatives to War Funding
http://www.afsc.org/iraq/guide/documents/HealingtheWoundsofWar-March2008.pdf
Peacebuilding Measures Outlined in the Document
1) Stop funding the U.S. military presence in Iraq
2) Negotiate a timetable for a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces
3) Withhold funding allocated for arming Iraq’s sectarian militias and armed forces
4) Suspend plans to implement a $60 billion U.S. arms package to the region
*********************************
Cost of War – Activist Tool Kit
http://www.afsc.org/cost/resources.htm
*********************************
Defund/Refund Letter to Congress
http://support.afsc.org/site/PageNavigator/DefundRefundPetition
New Resource Page
http://www.afsc.org/iraq/guide/default.shtm
### END ###
Peter Lems
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, 19102
Tel: 215/241-7170 | Fax: 215/241-7177
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price rises push U.N. food body costs up near 40 pct
By Patrick Worsnip
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The cost of feeding the world's hungry has spiked nearly 40 percent, primarily because of spiraling food costs and oil prices, the World Food Program's executive director said on Thursday.
Unless the gap can be plugged by donor governments, the U.N. food agency will need to trim its operations, Josette Sheeran told reporters in New York by video link from WFP headquarters in Rome.
The WFP, which aims to feed 73 million people in 80 countries this year, is funded entirely by voluntary donations.
It has been hard hit by recent sharp rises in the prices of basic foods like grains. Rice prices in Thailand, the world's top exporter, rose to $1,000 per metric ton on Thursday, nearly three times their level at the start of the year. Oil prices this week hit a record of almost $120 a barrel.
If the WFP wants to maintain the programs originally outlined in this year's budget, donors need to contribute an extra $755 million. That is up from a $500 million estimate two months ago.
The higher food prices also have triggered new requests for assistance, totaling $418 million so far, Sheeran said. That included $77 million requested by Afghanistan to feed 2.5 million "newly urgently hungry people," and extra Iraqi refugees in Syria and elsewhere.
Altogether, WFP's total requirements for 2008 have risen to $4.3 billion.
More> http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080424/world/international_food_un_dc
