October 2 - One Nation Working
(for Jobs, Peace and Justice) Together
Here at War Times/Tiempo de Guerras, we're encouraged by the planning for the One Nation Working Together rally, scheduled for Washington, D.C. on October 2, 2010. We're encouraged because the original call came from four organizations - NAACP, SEIU, the National Council of La Raza, and the U.S. Student Association - that together represent important parts of U.S. society. We're encouraged that so many peace organizations have signed on to the call, even though it didn't originate with us. We're encouraged because - although we know there's a big difference between a rally and a movement - we see a real potential for ongoing collaboration here.
We hope you're encouraged, too, and moved to be there if you can, support and publicize it even if you can't, and encourage your own local and national organizations to get involved.
Here's a description of the event sent out by United for Peace and Justice and signed by more than 20 antiwar organizations:
One Nation Working Together
10.2.10, DC
This One is Going To Be Big!
It should be of no surprise that in an August 13th Gallup Poll the economy in general and unemployment/ jobs specifically topped the list of public concerns. The economy and jobs grabbed 58% of responses as top issues. War and fear of war lagged way behind in 8th place with only 4%. With millions across the nation struggling to keep their homes, make ends meet and keep or find jobs, the wars and occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else is not uppermost on people's minds. Taking care of business at home is first.
But people still care. Poll after poll shows that support for the war in Afghanistan is falling. A majority of people think the invasion of Iraq was a mistake and want U.S. troops to continue to pullout. Even with international issues on the backburner for most people, our efforts continue to be vitally important and effective. We are in a good position to move our work to end these occupations.
 The last 18 months have been tough for the anti-war/peace movement. Progressive activism has been muffled and the hundreds of thousands we were able to turn out in the past have stayed home. All of that is about to change!
The rise of the Tea Party movement and profound disappointment with the slow pace of real change has slapped many people in the face. They are waking up from a post election daze to the realization that it takes a movement to make change happen. In this context, a new initiative called One Nation Working Together has emerged.
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