PROTEST THE ATTACK ON FALLUJA!*IMMEDIATELY:
call local media outlets and members ofCongress to denounce the attack *THURSDAY - SATURDAY:Organize actions outside and inside Congressional officesto demand an end to the assault on Falluja and an end tothe occupation (action ideas below) *NEXT TUESDAY, 11/16:Protest in Washington, DC on the day that Congress goesback into session; details to be announced * Leaflet andtalking points available online at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/==================
The assault onFalluja has started. U.S. warplanes are dropping huge bombson civilian neighborhoods, and ground troops are beginningto enter the city. One hospital, Nazzal Emergency Hospital,was destroyed in an air strike; another, Falluja GeneralHospital, has been seized by U.S. forces, making itunlikely that injured civilians will be able to go therefor treatment. The estimated 50,000 civilians who remain inFalluja lack running water, electricity, and food.There will undoubtedly be many civilian injuries anddeaths: during the last siege of Falluja in April, at least600 Iraqis were killed, most of them civilians. In the
current assault -- contrary to the perception that the U.S.military only employs high-tech, surgical weapons, tominimize civilian casualties -- AC-130 gun ships are beingused, which fire only "dumb" munitions.The death toll is expected to be high on the U.S. side aswell: Marine commanders have warned that deaths among U.S.forces could reach levels not seen since the Vietnam War.The U.S. assault on Falluja is a catastrophic action thatwill result in horrific and unnecessary bloodshed, fuelanger and resentment against the U.S., and swell the ranksof terrorist groups rather than eradicating terrorism. Weneed to raise our voices in opposition to this attack,insist that the U.S. return to peace negotiations, and callfor our troops to be brought home now.TAKE ACTION!*ORGANIZE ACTIONS THIS THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAYWe need to be vocal and visible in our opposition to theassault on Falluja. Organize actions this week outsidelocal Congressional offices, while Congress is in recess,or in a high-profile location in your community.Be sure to list your actions at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar_gxinput.php
so we can publicize and amplify all of our voices.Ideas for action include:-candlelight vigils to mourn the deaths that will be caused by this attack -creative/visual street protests that usecoffins or enlarged images of Iraqi civilian casualties orpeople dressed as bloodied and bandaged civilians orsoldiers -sit-ins inside Congressional offices-meetings with members of Congress-collaborations with Veterans For Peace groups(
http://www.veteransforpeace.org/) on Veterans Day events(Thursday, 11/11), emphasizing the message that in order tosupport our future veterans, we need to get them out ofFalluja and out of Iraq -holding banners and/ordistributing leaflets at busy intersections, shoppingdistricts, or other high-traffic locations (leafletavailable at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/)* CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
Flood your local media outlets with messages of oppositionto the assault on Falluja, and demand that they talk aboutthe civilians who are being killed and injured. Millions ofpeople listen to talk radio every day: organize people tocall the shows in your area and speak out. Write letters tothe editor and send in opinion pieces. Ask reporters ifthey would like to interview an anti-war activist. Talkingpoints for your calls are available at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/ now; a sample letter to theeditor will be posted soon.* TELL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES YOU OPPOSE THEASSAULT ON FALLUJA Call the Congressional switchboard at(202) 225-3121 and ask to be transferred to yourRepresentative or Senator. Talking points for your callsare available at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/
* KEEP ABREAST OF PLANS FOR PROTEST AND DEVELOPMENTS INIRAQ Plans are being made for a protest in Washington, D.C.on Tuesday, 11/16, the day that Congress goes back intosession ; if you're not already on the UFPJ action alertlist, be sure to subscribe so you'll receive updates:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/emailGet up-to-date news from Iraq by subscribing to OccupationWatch's email list at
http://www.occupationwatch.org/
DON'T MOURN, ORGANIZE
Disgusted by Bush's election? Get active!* Visit
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/ for links to eventsand groups * Order our "Say No to the Bush Agenda" flagsand shirts at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/merchandise* Donate at
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/donate to enableus to keep fighting back====================
ACTION ALERT *UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/ 212-868-5545 To subscribe, visit
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/email
