We are still glowing from the results of last week's election. What a beautiful victory for the peace movement. Thank you again for giving peace a vote, for telling Washington we need to change the course both at home and in Iraq. Our work is far from done, however. Now that we've cleaned House, we need to urge our representatives to clean up the mess the Republican Congress has left behind. They need to know we will continue to vote for peace every single day with our words and actions. Peace may begin at home, but the end to war begins in the House, and we can't let them forget that.
We have crafted a fun CODEPINK House Warming gift for you to share with your representative as the new Congress convenes. Our digital hot pink cross-stitch will remind your Congressperson that "Our House Will Be a Very Very Very Fine House When We Bring the Troops Home."
Email your House Warming gift. You can also print the cross-stitch and send it by fax, mail, or frame it and bring it directly to your representative's local office (click here to find your rep's contact info). If you choose to deliver the gift in person, alert the press first and try to get some media attention when you bring the framed cross-stitch to the office; you can also schedule a meeting at that time to encourage your Congressperson to represent the will of the voters and end the war in Iraq.
Along with our cross-stitch, please send your representative a copy of the Mandate For Peace. CODEPINK is partnering with dozens of peace and community groups, including Global Exchange, True Majority, Gold Star Families for Peace, and Iraq Veterans Against War, to launch this exciting post-election campaign.
The Mandate for Peace sets forth this call to keep Congress on its toes:
— We insist that the newly elected Congress, in its earliest days in office, pass legislation requiring the prompt removal of all US troops from Iraq and discontinue funding for military purposes in Iraq except the safe withdrawal of all U.S. forces.— Additionally, Congress should:
Make real its existing stated commitment to no permanent US military bases in Iraq.
Support an Iraqi-led reconciliation process to shape a peaceful post-occupation transition.
Investigate and punish companies engaged in illegal war profiteering.
Commit significant funds to the reconstruction of Iraq, under the control and direction of Iraqis.
Provide funding for full benefits, adequate healthcare, and other support for returning servicemen and women.
Make every effort possible to ensure the peaceful resolution of conflicts with Iran and North Korea.
You can sign the Mandate for Peace Petition here; be sure to share it with your friends and family, as well.
This is such an exciting time for the peace movement. Let's continue to find creative ways to spread peace, to speak in one voice as a people. Together, we can help make our House a very very very fine House indeed.
With gratitude, hope and fresh resolve,Andrea, Anedra, Dana, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jodie, Laura, Liz, Medea, Nancy, Patricia, Rae, Samantha, and Sonia
P.S. Mark your calendar--we are bringing the Mandate for Peace to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 27, with a massive march to call on Congress to take immediate action to end the war. Gather your pink gear and join us for a powerful and inspiring event!
Be a peace maker!