Action: “No You Can’t!”

Rally at White House December 12 - Unity Among Peace Movement Groups against Obama War Escalation - Warning of Reprisals to Troop Surge (adapted from press release)

Over 100 leading peace activists have called an 'Emergency Anti-Escalation Rally' at the White House on December 12, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., to reject Pres. Barack Obama’s planned military escalation in Afghanistan. The rally is organized by End US Wars, a newly formed coalition of national and grass-roots antiwar organizations, with endorsements from leading peace leaders.

Rally organizers are calling for the left wing to end its support for Obama if he declares a surge in troops, and for condemnation of Obama’s war policy by his own party faithful. In addition, efforts will begin to cut short his term in office, along with Congress; and protests will intensify against U.S. war involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and any other countries.

Speakers include: Cynthia McKinney, Sen. Mike Gravel, Kathy Kelly, Chris Hedges, David Swanson, Phyllis Bennis, Rev. Graylan Hagler, Coy McKinney, Debra Sweet, Brian Becker, Mathis Chiroux, Lynne Williams, Hon. Betty Hall, Elaine Brower, Marian Douglas, Michael Knox, Ralph Lopez, Ron Fisher, and statements from Col. Ann Wright, Stephen Zunes and Granny D (turning 100).

The coalition End US Wars follows a letter, written by Laurie Dobson of Maine, demanding that Obama end the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars; importantly, adding a specific call for a ceasefire on Predator drone attacks over Pakistan; and requesting that immediate reconstruction and recovery in war torn regions begin. Along with the rally on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. in Lafayette Park, the film Rethink Afghanistan will be shown Friday December 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Busboys & Poets, 14th and V Streets, NW, Washington, DC. For information, email: contact@enduswars.org or visit www.enduswars.org. For press inquiries, phone: 207-604-8988.