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Dear CODEPINKer,
In the past
month we have witnessed weapons of war -- noxious gas, rubber bullets,
pepper spray, and clubs -- being used against peaceful protesters
in the Occupy Movement. Not only are U.S. weapons manufacturers
and war profiteers making a killing out of sales to repressive governments
such as those in Egypt and Israel, they are now outfitting our local
police departments in their increasingly militarized operations
against US citizens.
As we approach
the Thanksgiving holiday, we recall the Trail of Tears, and we also
mourn the modern-day brutality on the peaceful: Tear
gas was used on three separate occasions in Oakland.
Seated students were pepper
sprayed at the University of California at Davis. Pepper
spray was also used against an
83-year-old woman and a pregnant
woman in Portland, Oregon. In Tampa, Florida, the
local
police have mobilized a tank in their policing of
the Occupy movement in that city.
We have been
inspired by the nonviolent,
respectful, strong, energetic and resilient
response to the violence
hurled at the people who have expressed their First Amendment right
to peacefully gather in redress of grievances. Under our watch,
Free Speech will not become "You have the right to protest
but will be clubbed and tear gassed."
If
you too have been inspired, use this weekend of thanks to celebrate
Occupy activists and feed the 99% movement nearest you.
During this
season of thanksgiving, we are grateful that the spirit of the Arab
Spring uprisings and indigenous struggles in America and the world
over have come to our cities. We want to thank you for your
non-stop dedication to justice in the face of violent repression.
As Anne Woodhead, coordinator of CODEPINK
Frankfort, KY, wrote this week, "Thank you to all who act.
Thank you for those who put themselves in harm's way. Thank you
for all those out front and those in the back. Thank you for working
for all things good, for a better society, for a better world."
We are watching
with horror as the Egyptian police and military viciously attack
democracy activists on the streets of Cairo, using U.S. weapons.
It is outrageous that the Obama Administration has failed to issue
a strong condemnation of this latest attempt to crush a revolution
that has inspired people around the world, including millions of
Americans. Join
us in signing this letter urging President Obama
to condemn the military crackdown and stand with Egypt's brave citizens
struggling for democracy.
One People.
One World. One Tribe. We are all in this together.
Wishing you
a peaceful holiday and hoping to see you in the streets!
Alli, Farida, Gayle, Janet, Jodie, Kristen,
Lisa, Melanie, Nancy, Medea, Rae, Rosie, Sanaa, Sharon, and Tighe
PS:
In our outrage over the shameful behavior of some police, let's
not forget to be thankful for the courageous and inspiring actions
of those who come out in support of the protesters, including former
Philadelphia
Police Captain Ray Lewis, who denounced the NYPD's
violent eviction of the Occupy Wall Street encampment last week
and proudly told demonstrators at Liberty Square how he was arrested
during the global day of action on November 17th, which also happened
to be his birthday, noting how his fellow arrestees sang him "Happy
Birthday" in jail: "It was the best birthday I ever had
-- and I spent it in handcuffs."
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