September 2005 Table of contents
The Stop the War Machine Newsletter is
published electronically by antiwar activists in the Boston area to promote
a strategy of mass action for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, to generalize
lessons of antiwar activity, and to advocate for democratic decision making
within the movement.
Unity Achieved! All Out September 24th and October 29th!
Bring The Troops Home Now!
The agreement to unify the two antiwar actions planned for September 24 in
Washington, D.C., into one, is a significant victory for the antiwar movement
(see Editorial). One united action can draw many
more people than two. A new spirit of confidence is growing in local
coalitions, such as the October 29 Coalition in Boston and others, which are
now able to build September 24 more consistently.
This victory was not won easily. One factor was the insistence by hundreds of
local and national activists and groups that the movement must not be divided.
Their intervention was crucial. Another factor was the rise in antiwar
activity, as seen in the surge of support for the vigil of Cindy Sheehan.
The country is taking sides. Sixty percent of the population has gone over to
the antiwar side. The grinding and tedious antiwar campaign month after month
by activists throughout the country along with the continuing casualties in
Iraq have given rise to a steady shift in sentiment that promises to place
further serious obstacles in the way of the war makers in Washington.
The decisive political sectors in Washington and elsewhere have made a
deliberate decision to oppose the majority and continue with the bipartisan war
policy.
Now it is time to mobilize the majority. Now is the time to deepen the
polarization, promote an independent policy, and further isolate the war makers
of both parties in Washington. Now is the time to mobilize in Washington on
September 24th and to continue by organizing local and regional
actions and teach-ins. Now is the time to build united local and regional
antiwar coalitions where everyone is included. These coalitions must be ongoing
and sustainable. A bipartisan war will not be turned back by a single
demonstration but rather by unity and a sea of activity that steadily shifts
the political agenda away from support for the two parties of war, occupation,
domination, and misery.
Local and regional coalitions must coordinate their efforts by setting
nationwide dates for action. This requires a national conference of local
coalitions and committees. United for Peace and Justice, International Action
Center, ANSWER, the Green Party and other political groups, those who formed
the Emergency Ad Hoc Committee for a united action in DC, representatives of
unions, communities of the oppressed, and women -- all can play their part in
building a coordinated nationwide antiwar campaign. The campaign must be in the
streets, peaceful, legal, capable of including soldiers and veterans, and
capable of supporting the right of soldiers to oppose this war. The
organizational effort must be united, democratic, and non-exclusionary.
All out to DC September 24! All out in Boston October 29! Mobilize in
Boston October 29th
Contents, September
2005
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