Join the Swarm on Washington to Tell Congress:
“No business as usual until the war is ended”
May 14 to July 31
The only thing that will end the war is constant, organized and focused pressure from Americans who oppose the war.
The last few months have shown that we can move Congress toward the view that the war must end. When the Democrats came to power they said “we will not use the power of the purse to end the war.” Now, they have moved from that position to passing a bill that opposes Bush enough for him to veto it.
More work is needed Congress needs to constantly stiffen its spine to respond to those who want to continue the war. Too many in Congress still refuse to vote to end the war. But, as the 2008 election approaches the power of the anti-war voter becomes greater, especially if it is organized and focused.
Republicans saw the power of the peace vote in 2006 when they lost majority power and some of their leading incumbents — senators like George Allen and Rick Santorum who thought they had an easy re-election and were considering running for president — were defeated. And Democrats saw their anti-war candidates win primary and in general elections that were unexpected.
With the 2008 election approaching, this is a critical time to send a clear message to incumbents — they will be held accountable for the war if they vote to fund the war.
The “Summer of Action” will build on the successful efforts of activists in DC and around the country who have been occupying offices, protesting in the Halls of Congress and sending a consistent message. It will build on the Occupation Project, Voices for Creative Non-Violence, and the Declaration of Peace. Already, key anti-war groups are supporting this effort including United For Peace and Justice and Voters For Peace.
The summer of 2007 will be a historical one that will be noted as the turning point in efforts to end the war. The very visible and dramatic activities of the SWARM in the nation’s capitol will be seen as one of the key steps taken by the peace movement to end the war. Come to Washington and be a part of history. You can sign up on www.GrassrootsAmericaforus.org where we can help you find housing as well.
Join us in Washington, DC this summer. You can come anytime between May 14 and July 31. Bring people from your local peace group and plan an office occupation or a demonstration inside one of the congressional office buildings. To get some ideas of the types of events you can do visit www.WHYNotNews.org. They have been documenting many of the DC events and will be doing so throughout the SWARM on Congress.
