The
Stop the War Machine Newsletter comes out of a process of discussion of
what to do next after the March 20, 2005 rally on Boston Common, including at a
conference held at Roxbury Community College on April 23rd,
2005. We represent a section of the
antiwar movement that supports united action for immediate withdrawal of all
occupation forces with no US bases functioning as a staging area for U.S.
operations in the region. We support
the right of Iraqis to determine their own future free of U.S. domination. Part of this newsletter’s purpose will be to
share how-to information for antiwar activists, announce anti-militarism
related activities, and promote coordination.
We
need another action this fall like March 20, but this one should be a massive
demonstration in the streets. This
right was denied us by the decision of the City of Boston to deny a permit for
a street demonstration on March 20. We
support a legal mass demonstration in the streets, establishing a safe and
inclusive environment.
Only
a mass movement that includes youth, working men and women, communities of
color, immigrants, veterans, and soldiers can stop the war machine. Mass actions in the streets draw in new
participants and inspire confidence.
We
welcome public opposition to the current policy on Iraq, including
Congressional resolutions for withdrawal from Iraq. But nothing short of the demand for immediate withdrawal of all
occupation forces is consistent with the principle of self-determination and
sovereignty. None of the occupying
powers have a “civilizing mission” or any right to imperialist intervention in
the Middle East.
The
broadly representative and democratic character of the March 20 coalition
meetings at Boston Mobilization were a big step forward in the process of
building a successful antiwar movement.
The principle of non-exclusion, i.e., the welcoming of all
individuals and political currents that are ready to oppose the war in action,
is crucial for movement building.
Narrowing participation goes against the historical experience of
successful social movements and leaves the antiwar movement vulnerable to the
agenda of the war makers and subsequent derailment. All activists who oppose the war must be encouraged and welcomed
as participants, organizers, and decision makers. The tendency for small group decision-making and invitation-only
meetings is a product of campaigns in isolation. Decision-making for a mass movement must be open and
democratically organized by the participants.
The
U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq have not brought democracy and liberation
to Iraqis, but rather, have devastated their lives and ruined Iraq’s
economy. Occupation is fueling ethnic
tensions and has undermined rather than improved the status of Iraqi
women. As U.S. casualties mount, the
disproportionate deaths of peoples of color and the targeting of their
communities for military recruitment demonstrate the real face of war and the
consequences of the poverty draft. In
addition, our society struggles with social consequences related to militarism
that include sexual violence, misogyny, racism, and homophobia. Women and people of color bear the brunt of
budget cuts as hundreds of billions are being drained into war. We have been forced to accept a decline in
jobs, education, healthcare, and other vital social needs. Social Security is currently under attack.
The
antiwar movement must be part of a campaign to promote the redirection of
resources to further justice, equality, and human needs here at home, not
death, exploitation, racism, and patriarchy.
Money for human needs, not one penny for war! Fund the dream of Dr. King.