- We Have the Power –

– Americans and Iraqis Can Vote Directly to End the War

If we begin to act now, we can place initiatives against the war on the ballots of as many as thirty states in the November election (and many more cities and counties), and give over half the American people the opportunity to vote to end the Iraq War.  This will be the best way to elect a pro-peace majority in Congress and successfully pressure the next president to bring all the troops home. 

We can also support the Iraqi people in their democratic, nonviolent efforts for peace, including a possible national referendum in Iraq on ending the U.S. occupation.  A U.S. withdrawal from Iraq in response to such a democratic vote will greatly reduce support for terrorist groups and the threat of terrorism. 
In California, it is too late to put an anti-war initiative on the state ballot, but if the twenty-nine cities and four counties that have passed resolutions against the war simply place initiatives on local ballots, 25 percent of the voters of this state can vote on ending the war.  If we organize more broadly, we can reach even more voters. 

Please come to the meeting to plan a campaign to place anti-war initiatives on city and county ballots throughout California, and in states and cities across the nation: 

Thursday evening, February 21, 7-9 PM

Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, 1606 Bonita (Cedar and Bonita)

Fireside Room (upstairs)

Iraq Initiatives Project, a project of the Ecumenical Peace Institute

initiatepeace <at> yahoo.com       

- New Film Resource About Soldiers Who ‘Disobey’…

… or obey a higher calling, that is.

Ian Slattery, the Associate Producer of this film, got in touch with us about how to connect his film and our peace week. It sounds like some interesting stuff:

“Hi SEW folks!

I’m contacting you about our documentary film, SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE, and your Peace Week. Here’s a link to our 2-minute trailer: http://www.socfilm.com

We’re local – based in North Berkeley – and would love to share some info about our film with folks gathered at your events. For instance, we have two upcoming screenings of the film at the Mill Valley Film Festival. In addition, we’re always seeking to build relationships with faith leaders of all denominations in order to make the film available as a useful resource for religious communities across the country.

Many thanks for the work you are doing – and for considering this request!”