tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336059209347586472024-03-14T04:43:51.468-05:00Fayetteville Peace Rally & Vigil | March 20, 2010johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-51728392273022800992010-03-19T14:02:00.004-05:002010-03-19T14:09:32.584-05:00Peaceable Kingdom In Fayetteville - Sat. March 20 -Join us!At the Market House Downtown -- Rain or Shine<br />Weather Forecast: Fabulous!<br />Park by the courthouse two blocks east - <a href=" http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=market+square+fayetteville+nc+28301&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.490703,98.085938&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Market+Square,+Fayetteville,+Cumberland,+North+Carolina+28301&z=17">Google Map Link Here.</a><br /><br />7th Anniversary of the Iraq Invasion -- 7 Years Too Many!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/peaceable-vigil-kingdom-737155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/peaceable-vigil-kingdom-737022.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-70652131374376565752010-03-17T16:41:00.004-05:002010-03-17T16:50:24.123-05:00March 20: A Tragic Anniversary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/mission-acomplished-742142.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 358px; height: 315px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/mission-acomplished-742106.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Remember This?</span><br /><br />It was before dawn on March 20, 2003 when the US invasion of Iraq began.<br /><br />Seven years ago.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">We will mark this tragic anniversary with a vigil & rally at the Fayetteville Market House onSaturday March 20, 2010, 1-4 PM, rain or shine (but the weather forecast is for sunny & warm).<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />Since then, more than 4400 US troops have been killed. Estimates of Iraqi civilian deaths due to the war vary widely; but none is small. Here are some of them:<br /><br /><br />Iraqi casualties March 2003 to...<br /><br />Iraq Family Health Survey: 151,000 violent deaths. June 2006<br /><br />Lancet survey: 601,027 violent deaths out of 654,965 excess deaths. June 2006<br /><br />Opinion Research Business survey: 1,033,000 violent deaths as a result of the conflict.<br />August 2007<br /><br />Associated Press: 110,600 violent deaths. April 2009<br /><br />Iraq Body Count: 94,902 – 103,549 violent civilian deaths as a result of the conflict.<br />December 2009<br /><br />(Source: wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Iraq_War )<br /><br />Plus: Approximately 4 million Iraqis have been made refugees, about half inside and half outside Iraq.<br /><br />The cost of the war to the US Treasury is estimated to be at least $1.9 trillion. That does not include costs of long-term care for the seriously wounded.<br /><br />Our position has been that this war is illegal and immoral. The best support for US troops is to bring them all home.Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-69581830639356574612010-03-15T14:56:00.003-05:002010-03-15T15:00:15.349-05:00Great Weather for a Peace Vigil/Rally!Yes! The forecast for Fayetteville March 20 is for mostly sunny with a high of 69 degrees. Perfect conditions for a peace rally.**<br /><br />Come join us!<br /><br />**<span style="font-style:italic;">Besides, even if it did rain, the Market House has a covered atrium where we could carry on, snug and dry. So we're on, rain or shine.</span>Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-9699427694520991032010-03-03T18:51:00.006-05:002010-03-03T21:03:12.710-05:00Fayetteville's Market House: A Place of Witness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Market-HouseBW---Copy-770986.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 179px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Market-HouseBW---Copy-770983.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> Join us on Saturday March 20, 2010, for a commemorative peace vigil & rally on the seventh anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq.<br /><br /> We started protesting the Iraq war there even before it started. Then, as "Shock & Awe" blasted Baghdad, we faced down persistent taunts and jeers from those who gloried in the destruction.<br /><br /> The catcalls soon diminished. The promised quick "victory" was neither. Two years of searching found no WMDs. The blood and fatigue of deployment after deadly deployment damaged even many who managed to survive. There was the shame of torture. And no "light at the end of the twin tunnels of Iraq and Afghanistan. Those voices are now very rare, even here in this army town. Our last vigil, protesting the buildup in Afghanistan, was met by many, many more favorable calls and thumbs-up gestures than pro-war ones.<br /><br /> And why not? The toll paid by the troops and families here has been huge, and continues. And throughout these years, we have repeated our motto: <span style="font-style:italic;">YES to the troops -- NO to the Wars.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br /> In the years since, we have gathered many more times there: when the US death toll passed 1,000, then 2,000, past 4,000. In 2005, when public support for the war was sinking,the president who launched it came to nearby Ft. Bragg, in 2005 for a much-ballyhooed speech that was supposed to reverse the slide. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Jacob-Liebers-readiing-June28-2005---Copy---Copy-716135.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Jacob-Liebers-readiing-June28-2005---Copy---Copy-715425.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> But we were waiting for him, with a large, dignified counter-gathering at the Market House: defying a downpour, lighting candles and reading the names of the dead all through his repetition of empty rationalizations and lies. <br /><br /> Our protest was covered by international news media, and the Ft. Bragg speech did nothing to regain support for the war. <br /><br /> Coincidence? We don't think so.<br /><br /> At the suggestion of an Army wife here, we began writing he names of the US dead on foldout display boards. We started with about a dozen: the first two boards were red, and listed the names of those killed up until the time the nation heard the same president declare "Mission Accomplished." <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Vigil-SM-whole-5-19-2004-725978.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 117px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Vigil-SM-whole-5-19-2004-725976.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> The ones since were written on green boards. These boards eventually increased in number to more than forty, and when fully mounted, they completely encircled the Market House plaza. In fact, as the toll approached 4,000 the boards became more of a burden, emotional as well as logistical, than our small numbers here could handle. (Is that a metaphor for the burden of the war on the American spirit?)`<br /> Seven years. Long years. And on march 20, 2010, we will gather again.<br /><br /> Join us. And spread the word.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/march-20-2010-rally-sign-709869.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/march-20-2010-rally-sign-709399.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-12903579578086837602010-03-03T16:36:00.004-05:002010-03-03T21:47:42.611-05:00A Blast From the Past -- The 2007 Fayetteville Peace March & RallyBelow this post are a set of photos and notes from the 2007 Fayetteville peace march and rally. That gathering was a memorable one.<br /><br />Much has happened since then. Yet tragically, three years later, there's still a need to make a public statement calling for an end to these occupations and the associated combat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Lhia-War-SAYMA-2009-729516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Lhia-War-SAYMA-2009-729214.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-29277023631020689412007-03-19T14:01:00.000-05:002007-06-22T01:05:58.740-05:00The Cold Winds of Change Were Blowing! Photos from our Fayetteville NC Rally March 17, 2007<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Walt-Ally-Dave-PLanningSM-718699.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Walt-Ally-Dave-PLanningSM-718071.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Here are some photos from our Fayetteville Peace Rally -- March 17, 2007</strong><br /><br />Two days before the rally, the weather turned against it: a pouring rain, followed by a cold snap with piercing winds.<br />Nevertheless, for the several hundred who braved the weather and marched to Fayetteville's Rowan Park, the rally program was one for the record books: eloquent, diverse yet focussed, and full of life, energy and song.<br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Ribbons&No-Blood-SignSM-788667.jpg"></a><br /><strong>Program planning </strong>up to the last minute: Program Chair Walt Caison, above left, huddles with Emcees Allyson Caison and Dave Lippman. <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Stop-Torture-Banner-SM01-789554.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 418px; height: 317px;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Stop-Torture-Banner-SM01-789053.jpg" border="0" height="268" width="382" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>The Rally</strong> was true to our now-perennial motto of <strong>"Yes To the Troops -- No To the War,"</strong> as veterans and military family members filled the stage and the air with eloquent cries of protest, appeals to their comrades still on active duty, and poignant accounts of personal and family suggering in the wake of war.<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/A-Wright-clapSM-787419.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/A-Wright-clapSM-786578.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Col. Ann Wright </strong>(Army Ret.) explained why she returned to Fayetteville, where she served at Ft. Bragg for three years, to join the march.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Fayetteville resident Ethelyn Baker</strong> swelled with pride as she introduced her son -- and the Executive Director of Veterans for Peace -- Michael McPhearson.<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/E-Baker-on-Stage-01SM-712738.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/E-Baker-on-Stage-01SM-712382.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Speaking for Vets for Peace, <strong>Michael McPhearson</strong> announced plans for a VFP caravan from Fayetteville to th<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Mcphearson&BakerSM-719836.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Mcphearson&BakerSM-719151.jpg" border="0" /></a>e Gulf Coast, to join Katrina reconstruction work, and underlined the connection between the hurricane's destruction and the diversion and waste of resources in the Iraq war.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Featured speaker <strong>Rev. Dr. William Barber II, President of the NC NAACP,</strong> thundered that the war shows that "It is time for America to repent!" and to show that by ending the war and bringing the troops home.<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Barber-on-stage-SM01-743489.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Barber-on-stage-SM01-743152.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Among the highlights of the speeches were the undeniably authentic voices of <strong>five Iraq vets</strong> who took the microphone to describe the personal costs of combat, and to repeat that they had been there and they knew the war was built on lies and not worth their willingness to sacrifice.<br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Harvey-at-press-confSM-753726.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Harvey-at-press-confSM-753707.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Among them was <strong>Harvey Tharp,</strong> right. He was a Navy officer who worked closely with Iraqis as a linguist before being assigned to combat related duties. The unjust reality of the war led him to resign his commission in protest. Since then, Harvey has struggled with PTSD-related disabilities stemming from the war, and has chronicled his struggles in a <a href="http://harveytharp.blogspot.com/">candid blog, <strong>here.</strong></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Matt Southworth,</strong> of Wilmington, Ohio (with mike, right) <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Matt&Paul&Harvey-on-stageSM-752348.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Matt&Paul&Harvey-on-stageSM-751716.jpg" border="0" /></a>brought the crowd to its feet with his cries of "I Love my country" and his anger at its betrayal by leaders who took it and him into an unjust war.<br /><br />He was joined by <strong>Paul Alexander</strong> of Pittsburgh PA (at Matt's left), who returned from deployment to become a regional coordinator for Iraq Veterans Against the War.<br /><br />But you don't have to settle for silent photos of these warrioirs for peace. A ten-minute video of their compelling testimony is now on YouTube,<br /><strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns9B431KCM4">here</a>,</strong> and then <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSHPmML6hP0">here.</a> Don't Miss It!</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Lippman-ShrubSM-748643.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Lippman-ShrubSM-748065.jpg" border="0" height="250" width="191" /></a><br /><br />The rally was much more than speeches. It started and ended with music, and was leavened in between by the very pointed activist humor of Dave Lippman, in his stage persona of G<strong>eorge Shrub, the World's Only Known Singing CIA Agent.</strong> (More about Dave at <a href="http://www.davelippman.com/"><strong>his website here.</strong></a> ) As Agent Shrub put it, "The US has achieved something fundamental through the Iraq war -- installing fundamentalists."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Holly&KidsSM-705338.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Holly&KidsSM-704722.jpg" border="0" height="286" width="464" /></a>Our headliner, legendary <strong>activist-singer Holly Near, </strong>shared her voice and experience with us at several points in the program. And one of the high points came when the children who had been at our Kids "Peace Train Station" came to the stage. She led them, and us, in "This Little Light of Mine." (Holly is the big kid at the right.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Speller-on-stage-SM02-711464.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 334px; height: 463px;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Speller-on-stage-SM02-710717.jpg" border="0" height="351" width="249" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The afternoon's rousing conclusion was led by Fayetteville guitarist (and 20-year veteran of Ft. Bragg's 82d Airborne Division) <strong>Dan Speller and his band</strong>, who had the entire park (well, maybe not counting the police) jumping and shouting to the Edwin Starr classic<strong>, "War -- What Is It Good For -- Absolutely Nothing!" </strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/E-Baker-BoogieSM-753053.jpg"><img style="" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/E-Baker-BoogieSM-753022.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Jill&Girls-on-stageSM-753720.jpg"><img style="width: 416px; height: 353px;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Jill&Girls-on-stageSM-753146.jpg" border="0" height="292" width="390" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Fruit-of-Labor-boogie-704341.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 417px; height: 357px;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Fruit-of-Labor-boogie-703178.jpg" border="0" height="334" width="402" /></a> Here was the joyful spirit of resistance, protest on behalf of life, the day's last, most exuberant version of the chorus: Yes to the Troops and NO to the War! <strong>It was the Spirit of the Fayetteville Peace Rally, 2007.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Chilly Winds of Blew Strongly through Rowan Park that afternoon. But they were truly Winds of Change.</span><br /><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 558px; height: 361px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Ribbons&No-Blood-SignSM-744021.jpg" border="0" height="322" width="479" />Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-48612167257187025382007-03-09T11:27:00.000-05:002007-03-09T11:59:23.931-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>WHY I WILL MARCH </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS<br />AND END THE WAR</strong><br /></span><br />By US Army Reserve Colonel (Retired) Ann Wright<br /><br />I am returning to Fayetteville on March 17 for the first time in over twenty years. I spent three years on active duty at Fort Bragg as an instructor at the Special Warfare Center and as the Executive Officer of the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, Special Operations Command.<br /><br />During my time at Fort Bragg, I deployed to Grenada on the 18th Airborne Corps international law team and was a member of the US Army claims commission in Grenada. I stayed for four months and helped reestablish governmental functions and assisted with economic development programs. I ended up being in the US Army and Army Reserves for a total of 29 years and retired as a Colonel.<br /><br />I then joined the US diplomatic corps and served in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Mongolia and Afghanistan. I was on the first State Department team to reopen the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in December, 2001 after the CIA and US military pushed the Taliban out of Kabul and had al-Qaeda heading for the Tora Bora mountains.<br /><br />Ironically, after serving in 8 presidential administrations either in the US military or in the US diplomatic corps, I am returning to Fayetteville to participate in the rally and march to end the war on Iraq.<br /><br />Why would a 29 year retired US Army Colonel be marching to end the war?<br /><br />Well, in March, 2003, four years ago as the war on Iraq began, I resigned from the US diplomatic corps in opposition to the war. I was one of three US government employees who resigned. That’s why I am marching to end the war-I gave up my career over the war.<br /><br />The rally and march in Fayetteville, the home of one of the largest military bases in the United States, is not a march against the service men and women in our military. If it were, I would not participate.<br /><br />Instead, the march is to call for an end of the administration’s policy that placed our military in Iraq in the first place and secondly to demand that our servicemen and women be provided with proper care when they return.<br /><br />On March fifth I attended the Congressional hearing in the Walter Reed Hospital auditorium concerning the conditions at Walter Reed for our wounded military and how the transition from active duty medical care to Veterans Administration care can be done much, much more effectively.<br /><br />While some may disagree with our view that the war in Iraq must end, we will be in the streets of Fayetteville in solidarity with our active duty colleagues demanding better care for those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. That we all can agree on.<br /><br /><strong>About the Author:</strong> Ann Wright served 29 years in the US Army (13 years on active duty and 16 years in the Army Reserves) and retired as a Colonel. She also worked for 16 years as a US diplomat in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Afghanistan and Mongolia. She was awarded the State Department’s Award for Heroism for her actions in the evacuation of 2500 members of the international community and Sierra Leone government during the invasion of rebels into the capital city of Freetown in May, 1997. She resigned from the US diplomatic corps in March, 2003 in opposition to the war on Iraq.Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-78306282520383087522007-03-08T00:21:00.000-05:002007-03-08T02:07:54.969-05:00Guidelines & Advice<strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Funk&Banner-SM-Diane-Greene-Lent-700453.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Funk&Banner-SM-Diane-Greene-Lent-799092.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong><strong></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>(Please take A Few Moments </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>to Review Them.)</strong></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br />All of our annual peace rallies have been free of violence or property damage. Gathering in a military community, we take our motto seriously: "YES to the Troops, NO To the War."<br /><br />For March 17, we have planned another peaceful and legal event. We have all the needed permits, and have maintained a cordial and open relationship with local authorities. The weather should be great, the park we're marching to is a fine place, and along with protest for peace we should have an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere.<br /><br />During the march, we will pass close by some private homes. Please stay out of the yards of these homes as you pass by. (There are a few property owners who have other than welcoming views about our presence.)<br /><br />Because of security concerns, the Fayetteville police insist on bag searches of all persons entering the park.<br /><br />We are advised that there will be a counter rally near the park, but we expect it to be peaceful. The police have assured us that they intend to protect the rights of all the groups, and keep the counter-rallies well apart from our gathering. (And, unofficially, we expect the counter groups to be relatively small; they always have been.) We urge all peace rally participants to avoid speaking with or responding to the counter protesters.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Some Things to Remember:</span></strong> <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-Rally-02-712549.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-Rally-02-710180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1. Our attitude as conveyed through words, symbols, and actions will be one of openness, friendliness, and respect toward all people we encounter, including police officers, soldiers, military families, and opponents.<br />2. We will refuse to return the assaults, verbal or physical, of any opponents.<br />3. We will refrain from insults and swearing.<br />4. We will protect opponents from insults or attack.<br />5. As members of the nonviolent demonstration, we will follow the directions of the designated coordinators. In the event of a serious disagreement, we will remove ourselves from the action.<br />6 We will not damage any property.<br />7. We will not bring or use any drugs or alcohol. <strong>(And please note the list below of items not allowed in the park.) </strong><br />8. We will not run or use threatening motions.<br />9. We will carry no weapons.<br />10. We can expect to have a festive day while bearing a clear and forceful witness for an end to the Iraq war.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Items Not Allowed In the Park: <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-Rally-01-728060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-Rally-01-723424.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong><br /><br />> Glass containers<br />> Any kind of weapons, including knives<br />> Signs and banners made of paper, posterboard or fabric are welcome, but metal or wooden rods, slats or sticks supporting signs are not. (The police feel they could be used as weapons.) Acceptable supports for signs are cardboard tubes, or PVC tubes less than 2 inches in diameter.<br />> No Fireworks or other pyrotechnics.<br />> No Pets<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">And Just In Case . . . </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What To Do If Trouble Starts</span></strong><br /><br />1. Stay calm-be aware of your power to affect others. Assess what is needed in the situation and feel free to ask others for help.<br />2. Techniques to maintain nonviolence: Talking, singing, chanting in a calm voice, eye contact, listening, refusing to get into heated arguments, link hands, sit down, non-threatening body language, humor and common sense.<br />3. If you're with friends, stay together. Discuss possible responses ahead of time so you can respond quickly.<br />4. If one or two individuals are being loud or confrontational, talk with them, in a normal tone of voice.<br />5. If a small group becomes involved in a violent confrontation with police, move back, create a clear separation. Ask others to join you. Show that you don't support the violence.<br />6. Remember, it's okay to say how you feel about what's happening: e.g.: "Stop that" "We want to be nonviolent here." "This isn't useful."Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-90680389813947797992007-03-03T16:03:00.000-05:002007-03-06T16:26:05.194-05:00<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-746706.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-744269.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-751569.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logorebuilding%20the%20gulf%20coast_sm-785625.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Veterans For Peace Caravan for<br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Katrina Reconstruction</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><br />In 2006 a large group of veterans came together and trekked to Louisiana to do volunteer reconstruction work with survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The motto for this operation was: <em>Defund the War – Rebuild the Gulf Coast!<br /></em>This year, VFP is again encouraging vets to gather under the same banner. Beginning at the Fayetteville rally on march 17, VFP will organize a veterans’ caravan for Katrina reconstruction. The caravan will leave Fayetteville haded to several major military bases in the southeast, enroute to communities on the Mississippi coast ravaged by the hurricane, and neglected by government.<br />More details about the Caravan at: <em><a href="http://www.veteransforpeace.org/Rebuilding_the_gulf_coast.vp.html">Defund the war -- Rebuild the Gulf Coast!</a></em></div></div></div>Chuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-83110249869604466432007-02-28T06:26:00.000-05:002007-03-09T11:47:23.484-05:00<strong><span style="font-size:180%;">More Speakers (Partial List)</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Clousing-head-shot-Clr-763489.jpg"></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ann Wright:</span></strong> <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/03/why-i-will-march-to-support-troops-and.php"><em><strong>Read Ann Wright's New Column On Why She's Marching In Fayetteville.</strong></em></a><br />As an army officer stationed at Fort Bragg in the 1980s, Ann Wrig<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/211px-Ann_Wright-714574.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px" height="190" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/211px-Ann_Wright-713326.jpg" width="104" border="0" /></a>ht helped draw up contingency plans for invading Iraq -- plans which were completely discarded when the Iraq war started in 2003. Wright rose to the rank of colonel in the military, and later served as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. She resigned her post in March 2003, on the eve of the Iraq invasion, Since then she has been active in antiwar action, at Camp Casey in Crawford, Texas, facing arrest at the White House, and many other scenes of protest.<br />A quote from her letter of resignation: <em>"I believe the Administration's policies are making the world a more dangerous, not a safer, place. I feel obligated morally and professionally to set out my very deep and firm concerns on these policies and to resign from government service as I cannot defend or implement them."</em><em> Read her new column on why she's coming to Fayetteville to march for peace.<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/McPhearson-at-Pr-Conf-2005-763870.jpg"></a><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/McPhearson-at-Pr-Conf-2005-700150.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/McPhearson-at-Pr-Conf-2005-798914.jpg" width="217" border="0" /></a><br /></em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Michael McPhearson:</span></strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/211px-Ann_Wright-779938.jpg"></a> As an officer in the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division, Michael served in Desert Storm. A native of Fayetteville NC, he is now the Executive Director of Veterans for Peace (VFP), and is returning to join the other veterans in speaking for an end to the iraaq war. Michael and VFP are also organizing a vets caravan which will leave Fayetteville after the rally, headed for the Gulf Coast to join in post-Katrina reconstruction work.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ricky Clousing:</span></strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/211px-Ann_Wright-760786.jpg"></a> After working as a street interr<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Clousing-head-shot-Clr-763489.jpg"><em><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="263" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Clousing-head-shot-Clr-762284.jpg" width="174" border="0" /></em></a>ogator in Iraq with the 82d Airborne, Sgt. Ricky Clousing returned to Ft. Bragg haunted by questions about the morality of the war, and what he knew to be the falsehoods about WMDs and what was happening on the ground. After much soul-searching, he went AWOL rather than train others as interrogators. Returning more than a year later, Ricky faced a court martial and a jail sentence. He's out now, still speaking against the war he saw firsthand.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Rev. Cureton Johnson:</span></strong> Pastor of Fayetteville's First Baptist Church (Moore St.), Rev. Johnson brings an eloquent passion for justice to the community, and a stirring voice to our program.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Khodr Zaarour:</span></strong> Khodr M. Zaarour is currently an instructor of political science, international relations and history at Shaw University and serves as the director of political affairs for the Muslim-American Public Affairs Council (MAPAC). Mr. Zaarour holds graduate degrees in public and international relations, economics, political science and United States history and foreign policy. His experience is as a researcher and policy analyst at the National Defense University where he researched, analyzed, critiqued and ev<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/khodr-zaarour-775272.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" height="115" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/khodr-zaarour-773071.jpg" width="150" border="0" /></a>aluated U.S. intelligence and security material, coordinated, organized and moderated conferences and wrote articles and newsletters. His main area of interest is the U.S. political, economic, and security strategies in the Middle East, North Africa and South AsiaChuck Fagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14049779603153152188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-87539705196659123092007-02-23T02:50:00.000-05:002007-03-09T12:17:43.776-05:00Maps & Directions<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-01B-710450.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" height="207" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Postcard-01B-708078.jpg" width="259" border="0" /></a><br /><div><h3>View Directions to <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;q=Rowan+Park+fayetteville,+NC&ie=UTF8&ei=nJ_eRY3-GpvgqwKAvKT_DA&sig2=idagfB14SOVNKp2nMiJI9w&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;cid=35060790,-78889007,10041745922212646593&li=lmd&om=1&z=14&ll=35.06513,-78.889046&spn=0.032527,0.050983&iwloc=A">Rowan Street Park</a>. Here's a <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?q=227+Fountainhead+Ln,+Fayetteville,+NC+28301&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;z=16&ll=35.054855,-78.890891&spn=0.00808,0.018089&om=1&iwloc=addr">Google map to the assembly area.</a></h3><h3>How to get to Fayetteville <a href="http://www.quakerhouse.org/maps-area-01.htm">from Nearby Cities</a>:<br /></h3><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">If you take US 401 from Laurinburg:</span> When you enter Fayetteville, stay on 401 Business (not the by-pass). This will be Raeford Road. After 1+ miles, turn right on to Robenson Street. Take Robeson 1+ miles to Hay Street.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">From I-95:</span> Take Exit 56 (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">I-95 Business</span>), go about 5 miles. The second light is Person Street. Turn right on Person Street and take it to the Market House, which is in a traffic circle. Go around the circle to the second exit, which is Hay Street paved in brick.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Parking areas are listed on the</span> <a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://quakerhouse.org/maps-march-17.htm">March Route</a> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">map.</span><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Buses </span>(partial list; watch for updates):</strong></span> On March 17 buses will leave from Durham and Chapel Hill to join thousands in Fayetteville-Fort Bragg to call for an end to wars and occupations. Buses will leave from <strong></strong><strong>University Mall in Chapel Hill</strong> at 8am on Saturday, March 17. Tickets are available at The Know Bookstore, Regulator Bookshop and Internationalist Books for $20.<br /><br /><strong>Chapel Hill</strong> contact: <a title="mailto:awolfley@hotmail.com" href="mailto:awolfley@hotmail.com">awolfley@hotmail.com</a> or 919-360-0706<br /><strong>Greensboro:</strong> please email UUCG Social Action Committee via Nick Divitci <a title="mailto:itechg@gmail.com" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:itechg@gmail.com" target="_blank">itechg@gmail.com</a><br /><strong>Asheville</strong> contact: Clare 828-285-0010; Ron 828-582-5180;<br />Email Ken Ashe: <a title="mailto:tville33@yahoo.com" href="mailto:tville33@yahoo.com">tville33@yahoo.com</a></div><div><strong>Raleigh:</strong> The Unitarian church of Raleigh will be sponsoring a car pool from the UUFR parking lot for the March 17th event. We'll gather at 9:15 and leave at 9:30.</div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-65770747850314066472007-02-16T01:28:00.000-05:002007-03-07T22:37:39.394-05:00Peace Faire<strong>An Exciting Email<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonWorldPeace-718090.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonWorldPeace-716847.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong><br /><br /><br />Hi,<br /><br />The Peace Ribbon Project will be displayed in Rowan Park for the March 17 peace rally.<br /><br />The Ribbon was first displayed in Rowan Park on March 19, 2005 and was praised for its emotional impact.<br /><br />Since then the Ribbon has travelled around the country - Atlanta, NYC, Charlotte, NC, OK City, even City Hall in SF for three week display -- just returned from Hawaii being displayed at the <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonPanel-720882.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonPanel-719714.jpg" border="0" /></a>main public library in Honolulu and at peace actions in Maui.<br />I am the originator and coordinator of the Ribbon and look forward to seeing all of you in Fayetteville. . . . I just wanted y'all to include the Peace Ribbon Project as a "sponsor" or however you want to list it in Fayetteville.<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonCA2-758925.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkPeaceRibbonCA2-753621.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Since we were there before and had several panels contributed by locals in 2005, letting people know the Ribbon is returning may help our peace efforts.<br /><br /><br /><br />Your peace pal, <strong><a href="http://www.codepink4peace.org/article.php?list=type&type=17">More About the Peace Ribbon Project here.</a></strong><br />Jacque Betz<br />Waldo Floridajohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-10597062102947130812007-02-03T13:00:00.001-05:002007-03-19T15:58:07.053-05:00End the Iraq War Now!<a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/labels/Featured%20Artists.php"><img src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/rotate.php" /></a><br /><strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/03/cold-winds-of-change-are-blowing-photos.php"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">NOW -- Photos from our outstanding peace rally.</span></a></strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span>Come to Fayetteville, North Carolina on March 17, 2007 for live music, rally, peace fair, and more! <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/labels/Featured%20Artists.php">Featured artists</a> include <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/01/featured-artist-holly-near.php">Holly Near</a>, <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/01/featured-artist-fruit-of-labor.php">Fruit of Labor</a>, <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/01/dave-lippman.php">Dave Lippman</a>, and <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/featured-artist-dan-speller.php">Dan Speller</a>.<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/barber-02-732201.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/barber-02-730956.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Featured speaker:</span></strong> Rev. Dr. William Barber II, state president, NAACP of NC. <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>More on our dynamic </strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/more-speakers-ann-wright-as-army.php"><strong>list of speakers here.</strong></a><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Check out our program of </span><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php"><span style="font-size:130%;">peace rally events</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">for more information!</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">And Don't forget to </span><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/03/guidelines-advice-please-take-few.php"><span style="font-size:130%;">check our Guidelines & Advice</span></a></strong><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/03/guidelines-advice-please-take-few.php"> </a><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/Puppet-Crane-birdmuseum-787203.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />For<a href="http://quakerhouse.org/maps-march-17.htm"> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Directions and Maps, Click here</span></a> and a <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?q=227+Fountainhead+Ln,+Fayetteville,+NC+28301&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;z=16&ll=35.054855,-78.890891&spn=0.00808,0.018089&om=1&iwloc=addr">Google Map is Here</a><br /><br /><br />Bus Information <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/maps-directions.php">Here<br /></a><br />And check out our <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc2mjtcn_45gsbg3x">Vendor information form</a>. <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-767562.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px" height="264" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-766280.jpg" width="210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/VFP-Caravan-Logo-744949.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Special Features:</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/main.php">Veterans For Peace Caravan for Katrina reconstruction</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/03/why-i-will-march-to-support-troops-and.php">NEW: Retired Army Col. Ann Wright On<br />Why She Will March In Fayetteville </a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">And The Return of the Amazing Code Pink<br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/peace-faire.php">Peace Ribbon Project</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkpeaceribbon_25-755958.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" height="231" alt="" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/uploaded_images/codepinkpeaceribbon_25-747600.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Background:<br /></span><br />T<strong>he headline in the January 8 issue of "Army Times" was stark: </strong><br /><em><br />"About Face On The War. After Three Years of Support, Troops Sour on Iraq."</em><br />It's not the first such declaration. Almost a year ago, a Zogby poll published by the military paper "Stars & Stripes" reported that more than seventy per cent of the troops on the ground wanted the U.S. to be out of Iraq within a year. More than twenty per cent wanted to be out of there tomorrow.<br /><br />This year, on March 17, when the annual peace march and rally take place in Fayetteville, we will gather in an atmosphere very different from that of earlier years.<br /><br />On this fourth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, only a small and diminishing minority even of those in uniform believe that the war is anything but a travesty and a waste of our blood and treasure.<br /><br />Yet these same troops and their families now face a stupid and cynical "surge," that is gambling their lives and the lives of their loved ones for nothing more than an effort by a twisted leadership to avoid facing the truth of the fiasco that their war has been.<br /><br />More than a thousand active duty soldiers and sailors have signed an Appeal for Redress, asking Congress to end the war and bring them home.<br /><br />It is difficult and dangerous for those in uniform to speak their opposition openly in public. On March 17, let's gather in Fayetteville to add our voices to their chorus: End this war Bring Us Home!<br /><br />This will be the fourth time voices for peace have gathered in Fayetteville to demand an end to this immoral war. But on March 17, 2007, we won't be speaking TO the troops this time we'll be saying it WITH them.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-53206737153444280412007-01-23T12:47:00.000-05:002007-02-01T09:59:06.956-05:00Welcome to Fayetteville!Fayetteville is a small town with big dreams. Come on down in March for a significant event.johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-28401440216496407092007-01-01T12:00:00.000-05:002007-02-23T03:00:42.287-05:00Program(Watch for Updates!) <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday Night (March 16)</span><br />5PM: <span style="font-style: italic;">Hospitality Center opens at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=405+Hay+St.+fayetteville,+NC&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;amp;z=15&ll=35.054627,-78.882565&spn=0.016722,0.042658&om=1&iwloc=addr">The Clarion Prince Charles Hotel</a> 450 Hay St.<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday (March 17)</span><br />10AM: <span style="font-style: italic;">Pre-Rally Show at Health Dept. Parking Lot at <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?q=227+Fountainhead+Ln,+Fayetteville,+NC+28301&ie=UTF8&amp;amp;amp;z=16&ll=35.054855,-78.890891&spn=0.00808,0.018089&om=1&iwloc=addr">227 Fountainhead Lane</a><br /></span></p> <p>Noon: <span style="font-style: italic;">The March! (</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://quakerhouse.org/maps-march-17.htm">3/4-mile route -- map</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> --up Hay Street to Rowan Park)</span></p> <p>1PM-4PM: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rally!</span><br />Featuring Holly Near, Fruit of Labor, Dan Speller, Dave Lippman, Speakers, Kids Program, Peace Fair & More!</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday (March 18)</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Activists Conference (TBA)</span></p>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-29308776664908320742007-01-01T11:59:00.000-05:002007-02-16T00:14:25.988-05:00Contact Us<h3>General Inquiries:</h3><h1 style="text-align: left;">fprcnow [at] aol [dot] com</h1><p>FPRC<br />P O Box 2127<br />Fayetteville, N.C. 28302</p><hr /><h3>Media Inquiries:</h3><h2>Mia Austin-Scoggins</h2><p>Media Director, 2007 Fayetteville Peace Rally<br /><a href="mailto:miaaustinscoggins@nc.rr.com">miaaustinscoggins@nc.rr.com</a> (home) <br /><a href="mailto:miaaustinscoggins@nc.rr.com">mia.austin-scoggins@ncmail.net</a> (workday)<br />919.812.6001 (mobile)<br />919.828.9010 (home)</p>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-54341217904410994282007-01-01T11:58:00.000-05:002007-02-04T02:18:31.259-05:00The Fayetteville Peace Rally Committee<p><b>The Fayetteville Peace Rally Committee</b> is a standalone group supported by Fayetteville Peace With Justice and other progressive groups in Fayetteville. We are a small but dedicated group of activists, some of whom have been doing this all our lives and some who just started with this war. Besides organizing major peace rallies on the anniversary of the start of the Iraqi invasion by the U.S., those of us who live in Fayetteville belong to many progressive groups. Many people in other parts of the state are active members of the Committee, and we are still seeking dedicated volunteers to join us.</p> <p><b>Individuals</b> include an architect, a stay-at-home Grandma raising her grandchildren, a receptionist at a pediatric clinic, a retired military vet, a writer, an elementary school teacher, a computer technician, a full-time peace activist, a real estate broker, a professor, an artist, an historian, a nurse, a Muslim community activist, a human resources manager, a senior in high school, an elementary school student, a mental health worker, a salesman, and a health department worker. All of us were galvanized by the threat of the invasion of Iraq and have been fighting to end the war ever since.</p> <p><b>Meetings</b> The Committee will meet about once a month until January when meetings will become more frequent. Out-of-towners are specifically encouraged to attend the December and January planning meetings.</p> <p><b>For information about our meetings, send an email!</b></p>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-11009690376992792552007-01-01T11:57:00.000-05:002007-03-07T17:34:16.196-05:00How We Got Started & What Keeps Us Going<ul><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protests_against_the_2003_Iraq_War">The Prequel</a> - February 15, 2003 - 12 million people around the world say "NO!" to war </li><li>The Beginning - January 2004 - Fayetteville selected </li><li>First Rally - <a href="http://quakerhouse.org/march-20-intro.htm">March 20, 2004</a> - Our first Rally was amazing! </li><li>Second Rally - <a href="http://quakerhouse.org/march-19-press-conf.htm">March 19, 2005</a> - Thousands of people in Rowan Park<br />>Lots More about the 2005 rally <strong><a href="http://ncpeacejustice.org/article.php?list=type&type=9">here</a>!</strong><br />>Watch a terrific Canadian film, "Fayetteville - Forward March to Peace" <strong><a href="http://citizen.nfb.ca/onf/info?aid=5581&eid=14011">here!</a></strong></li><li>Third Rally - March 18, 2006 - Keeps the spirit alive<br />>Lots More about the 2006 rally <a href="http://ncpeacejustice.org/article.php?list=type&type=29"><strong>here!</strong> </a></li><li>June 2006 - Fayetteville Peace Rally Committee is born! </li><li><a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php">Rally 2007</a>! </li></ul>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-11475909340535877502007-01-01T03:19:00.000-05:002007-02-16T01:06:12.915-05:00Featured Artist: Holly Near<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/holly-near.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/holly-near.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Singer Holly Near has been to Fayetteville before.<br /> <br />In 1971, she was part of the legendary FTA tour with Donald Sutherland, Jane Fonda, and other stars, which presented militantly funny shows of antiwar songs and skits to wildly enthusiastic audiences of GIs and others near military bases around the US and across the Pacific.<br /> <br />The FTA tour drew a big and noisy crowd from Ft. Bragg when they performed at the GI coffeehouse downtown.<br /> <br />"FTA" by the way, stood for "Free The Army"-- among some other, less printable versions of the acronym. The tour was the basis for an early insurgent documentary film by the same name, which was briefly released, then suppressed by pressure from high places with the Nixon White House topping the list of suspects. (Where was YouTube when we needed it??)<br /> <br />Holly was a newcomer then, just emerging as a powerful artist and activist. She's a legend now, a pioneer of social activism and lesbian and women's music, as well as a veteran crusader for justice and peace. (More about Holly at: <a href="http://www.hollynear.com/">www.hollynear.com</a>)<br /> <br />Holly will be back in Fayetteville on March 17, headlining the fourth annual peace march and rally there. She's eager to make a return visit to one of the nation's largest army posts, to be part of a growing and vocal movement to end the Iraq war a movement which now represents the sentiments of most US troops as well.<br /><br />All Together. All for Peace. All for Free.<br /> <br />Join us in Fayetteville on March 17.<br /><br />« <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php">Program</a>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-50267575366032851712007-01-01T03:17:00.000-05:002007-02-16T01:07:50.805-05:00Featured Artist: Fruit of Labor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/fruit-of-labor.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/fruit-of-labor.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A highlight of the power-packed program of the March 17 Fayetteville peace march and rally, The Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble is the cultural arm of Black Workers for Justice.<br /> <br />For more than 20 years, Fruit of Labor has been organizing, writing songs and creating music from many ethnic groups of people and co-workers' struggles!<br /> <br />Their songs are a chronology of popular people's movements for social change . . . like "The Story of Shiloh", which talks about fighting corporate toxic terrorism in an African American community while surrounded by the popular Research Triangle Park, and "Organize, Organize, Organize" which reflects their support for bringing more international union resources to organize the South. Also, "Never Again", is an important song documenting the national tragedy of an industrial fire that killed 25 workers in a poultry plant in rural Hamlet, North Carolina in 1991. "Election Blues" is a bluesy tune that highlights the hypocrisy of the United States 2000-04 elections.<br /> <br />Through various musical forms including gospel, reggae, rhythm and blues, jazz, protest, folk, work songs, chants and many others, Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble has carried on our peoples struggle and working class tradition, history culture and legacy.<br /> <br />Fruit of Labor's latest recording (CD) of music, chants, and songs is "Weapons of Mass Construction." (More about Fruit of Labor at: <a href="http://www.fruitoflabor.org/">http://www.fruitoflabor.org/</a> )<br /> <br />Fruit of Labor will be part of an "all-star" lineup at this year's Fayetteville rally. It will also include comedian Dave Lippman, bluesman Dan Speller, Holly Near, and more.<br /> <br />All Together. All for Peace. All for Free.<br /> <br />Join us in Fayetteville on March 17.<br /><br />« <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php">Program</a>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-88135556368186656702007-01-01T03:12:00.000-05:002007-02-16T01:09:07.663-05:00Featured Artist: Dan Speller<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/dan-speller.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/dan-speller.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Blues artist Dan Speller is more than a fine musician. He's also a twenty-year veteran of the 82d Airborne, Ft. Bragg's centerpiece unit. Dan is bringing this experience, and a lifelong love of music, to the Fayetteville peace rally on March 17.<br /> <br />Dan Speller was born in New York City, but as a teenager moved to the mountains of North Carolina. There he learned to play Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards and Harp. He joined the Army in 1975 and volunteered for the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.<br /> <br />While in the Army he traveled the world and acquired musical tastes from many different countries and cultures.<br /> <br />Upon retiring from the military in 1996, Dan was able to commit all his time and energy into his music.<br /> <br />Dan Speller's music will open an "all-star" lineup at this year's Fayetteville rally. It will also include comedian Dave Lippman, Fruit of Labor, Holly Near, and more.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=77479019">Dan Speller's web site</a> for more information.<br /><br />All Together. All for Peace. All for Free.<br /> <br />Join us in Fayetteville on March 17.<br /><br />« <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php">Program</a>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-633605920934758647.post-82913823554161774242007-01-01T03:05:00.000-05:002007-02-16T00:29:07.155-05:00Featured Artist: Dave Lippman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/dave-lippman.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/photos/random/dave-lippman.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dave Lippman has been bringing his unique brand of standup comedy and sharply satirical songwriting to audiences all over the US, Europe, Australia, and Central America for 35 years. And he'll bring to Fayetteville for the March 17 peace rally.<br /> <br />Dave is the author of such "hits" as "I wonder Who's Kissinger Now," "The Sports Futility Vehicle Tango,"among many other tender, sensitive ballads. Dave's latest release is the tenth of his albums and CDs, the soothing "I Hate Wal-Mart." (More about Dave at: <a href="http://www.davelippman.com/">www.davelippman.com</a>)<br /> <br />Dave's most memorable performing persona is his character George Shrub, the World's Only Known CIA Agent. As he introduces himself these days:<br /><blockquote>Hello friends, I'm George Shrubya<br />Representin' King George Dubya<br />He's got a mandate, he's feelin' his oats<br />He won the election by a hundred votes<br />OK.....he only won the electoral college<br />Well, at least he finally did well in college</blockquote><br />Dave Lippman will be part of an "all-star" lineup at this year's Fayetteville rally. It will also include Fruit of Labor, Holly Near, and bluesman Dan Speller, and more.<br /> <br />All Together. All for Peace. All for Free.<br /> <br />Join us in Fayetteville on March 17.<br /><br />« <a href="http://fayetteville-peace-rally.org/2007/02/program.php">Program</a>johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06187617584407767706noreply@blogger.com