(from MoveOn.org)
March 19th, 2005 will mark 2 full years since the
bombs started falling in Iraq. As of today, 1,516 American troops have been
killed in combat, and over 11,220 have been seriously injured. Uncounted tens
of thousands of Iraqi civilians have died, and millions are without electricity
or running water.
The Bush administration is in the middle of an optimism
campaign on Iraq, and wants us to believe that a stable peace is around the
corner. But most realists see years of chaos and violence ahead. The two-year
anniversary of the invasion is an important time to come together in
response.
Our friends at Sojourners--a network of progressive faith-based
communities--are organizing peace vigils all across the country, and they have
asked MoveOn members to join them. You can either find a vigil in your
neighborhood, or start one of your own. It's a first step--an opportunity to
mark this date with a solemn recognition of those we have lost, and a firm
commitment to finding a better way.
To find a vigil near you, just go
to:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=654
To
host a vigil, go to:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=655
The
vigils will take many different forms. Some are hosted by churches, synagogues
and mosques and include religious prayers. Some are hosted by local peace groups
and are non-denominational. Resources are available online to help you organize
either type. Common elements include reading the names of fallen Americans and
Iraqis, prayer for peace, and silence.
This anniversary is also an
important time to reflect on the war itself, and where we go from here. The
fundamental error of the invasion has left us, as a nation, with no opportunity
for a quick fix. But together, we must address the catastrophe Bush has created,
and ensure we are never again deceived into a reckless war.
Last summer,
we surveyed MoveOn members to determine where folks stood on Iraq. An
overwhelming majority of us agreed that we need to have a clear exit plan. And
that consensus remains: in order to gain the trust of the Iraqi people, they
must know that we don't intend to be there forever.
In the days ahead, we
will work together to end the war, by pressuring the President to negotiate a
binding exit plan with the Iraqi government. We will push to ensure that
America doesn't establish permanent military bases in Iraq, which would send
such a terrible message to the world about our motives there.
Together,
we will demand that Congress root out the corporate corruption that has undercut
the rebuilding efforts and washed billions we've already put into Iraq down the
drain. This is especially crucial as Congress prepares to approve another $80+
billion for Iraq.
And we will counter the Bush doctrine of shortsighted,
go-it-alone militarism by promoting healthy engagement with the international
community--the best way to accomplish diplomatic goals, and address real
security threats.
Finally, we'll organize to increase the political
consequences for misleading the country into war. Future lawmakers must know
that illegitimate wars come at a great political cost.
Our work
together goes on. But this Saturday, let's begin by commemorating what has
happened, mourning those we have lost and building hope together for a more
peaceful world.
To find and join a two-year anniversary peace vigil,
click here:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=654
To
host your own vigil, click here
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=655
Thanks
for all that you do to make the world a more secure and peaceful
place.
Sincerely,
--Eli Pariser, Ben Brandzel and the MoveOn.org
Team
