In a nation opposed to the occupation of Iraq, the opposition party is preparing to shell out another $102 billion of our grandchildren’s money to continue it. Our nation has come so far in seven years that the president and vice president openly admit to authorizing torture in blatant violation of the Eighth Amendment, longstanding US laws and treaties, and new legislation signed into law by the same president. Yet our representatives in Congress refuse to hold impeachment hearings. The wealthiest nation on earth cannot provide health care to its citizens. Where are our priorities?
All over the country, citizens are holding public town hall meetings to discuss this question. You can find one near you or get involved in planning one at:
http://iraqtownhalls.com
Here are three coming up in California:
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VENTURA / OJAI ON APRIL 22
The Ojai Peace Coalition has partnered with Citizens for Impeachment, Integrity Now, VC Stop the War, and others to present “Are Peace and Impeachment Possible? Strategies for Saving our Constitution, Economy, and Environment.”
WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 5:30pm
WHERE: Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road, Ojai, Calif.
WHO: David Swanson, co-founder of afterdowningstreet.org and a leading Constitutional Advocate from Washington, D.C.; and Phil Cohen, local member of Iraq Veterans Against the War. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Ventura and Ojai City Council Members will be invited to attend.
WHAT: Reception begins at 5:30pm with food and drinks, followed by lecture promptly at 7:00pm, and a town-hall open mike beginning at 8:00pm.
A $10. contribution is suggested for the entire event , but no one will be turned away.
SPONSORS: The event is being organized by Ventura County Citizens for Impeachment and the Ojai Peace Coalition. Endorsements have been received from Veterans for Peace; Ventura County Stop the War; The Peace Coalition of Greater Ventura; Integrity Now, Ojai; the Center for Conscious Change and others.
CONTACT: Roslyn Sherman 805-218-1199, or John Azevedo 805-640-3650 Johnazevedo2@gmail.com
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SAN LUIS OBISPO ON APRIL 23
A town hall meeting on “Funding the Iraq War, Impeachment, Healthcare?”
WHEN: Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ludwick Center, 864 Santa Rosa, SLO, Calif., (corner of Santa Rosa & Mill)
WHO: Guest speaker nationally recognized journalist and peace & justice activist, David Swanson
WHAT: Let your voice be heard, leave with a plan and a group to work with.
suggested donation $10 /$5 students & seniors
SPONSORS: Sponsored by Information Press, Earth Day Alliance, CodePink SLO,Progressive Democrats of San Luis Obispo County and Democrats.com.
CONTACT: For information call (805) 544-5135.
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OAKLAND ON APRIL 24
CodePink and Democrats.com present a Town Hall With David Swanson in Oakland on “Are Peace and Impeachment Possible?”
WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Avenue, Oakland, Calif.
WHO: Special Guest: Prominent Peace & Impeachment Activist David Swanson, afterdowningstreet.org & democrats.com. Speakers: Daniel Ellsberg, famed whistle-blower who helped end the Vietnam War; Elizabeth De La Vega, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, author “United States v. George W. Bush”; Norman Solomon, filmmaker,”War Made Easy”; Medea Benjamin, co-founder CodePink; Debra Sweet, World Can’t Wait; Cindy Sheehan, Peace heroine; Phil Burk, Impeachment Procedure Expert; Shirley Golub, Candidate for Pelosi’s seat, June Primary; Max Anderson, Berkeley City Council.
WHAT: Speakers will present promising strategies for ending the war, preventing a new one, & saving our constitution and economy. We ask Bay Area Congress members to refuse Bush’s demand for another $102 billion for war & to file their own resolutions for immediate impeachment hearings.
Heroes of Peace & Impeachment honored, film, music, CodePink skit, door prizes! Shahid Buttar, poet & hip-hop MC will perform.
Reserve tickets: Grand Lake 510-452-3556. $10 at door; $8 advance (Black Oak Books, Pendragon Books) Sliding scale:unemployed, students, retirees. Wheelchair accessible.
SPONSORS: Endorsers: Progressive Democrats of America, CodePink, Veterans for Peace, Gold Star Families for Peace, democrats.com, Hip Hop Caucus, The Nation, TrueMajority, Global Exchange, Silicon Valley Impeachment Coalition, East Bay Impeach Bush-Cheney, District 9 Impeachment Coalition, California Impeachment Coalition, Brad Newsham Beach Impeach, Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance, World Can’t Wait.
CONTACT: cynthia_papermaster@yahoo.com