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"The more you read about politics, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other."
-- Will Rogers
Less than two weeks remain until hundreds of thousands of citizens from across the country will flood the nation's capitol, rallying in bold opposition to this administration's illegal and immoral war and occupation in Iraq. PDA is playing an integral role on the organizing committee for the many exciting weekend activities planned for September 24-26, working in close conjunction with United For Peace and Justice (UFPJ) and over a thousand other peace organizations to make this a large and effective anti-war demonstration and mobilization.
At 5 p.m. there will be a Rally to End the War at Lafayette Square Park (in front of the White House) sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America, After Downing Street, Code Pink, Peace Action, Democrats.com, and Democracy Rising. That same day, a coalition of progressive organizations will present to Congress a petition for an exit strategy from Iraq signed by over 15,000 people (to date). Please sign the petition if you haven't already done so. The 5 p.m. Peace Rally will follow formal hearings on Capitol Hill hosted by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey regarding exit strategies from Iraq and is intended as a lead up to the far larger demonstration scheduled for September 24th.
PDA state leadership has been organizing to assure that PDA state banners will be flying high as we bring PDA's passion for peace and progress to the nation's capital. PDA chapters from 27 states have already confirmed their attendance in Washington, and thousands of other PDA members will hold parallel marches, rallies, and vigils in their hometowns across the country. Please check this PDA web site for a link to organized local efforts. The pre-march Rally at the Ellipse begins at 11:30 a.m.. The march steps off at 12:30 p.m.. At 3:00 p.m., there will be an "Operation Ceasefire" Concert & Rally featuring Cindy Sheehan. Complete event details are available at United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ).
PDA volunteers are still very much needed in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. No special skills are necessary, and shifts as short as two hours are still open. To volunteer, contact Diane Valentino at .
If you're not able to attend the events in D.C., please visit the events calendar on this PDA website for a current listing of local anti-war events happening in your state September 24–26.
This is an opportunity for PDA activists from across the nation to help strategize and prepare for the progressive legislative and electoral campaigns of 2006. Speakers at this event include voting rights advocate John Bonifaz, mid-east peace proponent Rabbi Michael Lerner, actress/activist Mimi Kennedy, PDA Director Tim Carpenter, and others. The response to this event has been fantastic. Seating is limited. Over half of our seating capacity is already booked! Reserve your tickets now! Contact with questions or to help in event planning. Highlights of the day include:
10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Interfaith Service, 11:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m. Opening Remarks by Cindy Sheehan, Building PDA at the Precinct, City and National Level, Building a PDA Media Response Team, Working with the CPC and Building Progressive Caucuses, and Building Alliances with PDA and PDA Chapters.
Join Progressive Democrats of America, United for Peace and Justice, and a host of progressive allies as we send a battalion of activists through the halls of Congress to demand a withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq. PDA will be part of the 10:00 a.m. press conference with members of the Progressive Caucus, after which throngs of PDA members and supporters will meet with their Congressional representatives. Watch this PDA website for details. An on-line Lobbying Kit and Lobbying Training Materials will soon be available. Click here to get your Representatives' contact information. Then, click here to register your appointment. Be sure to list Progressive Democrats of America as your organizational affiliation under "Organization" on the registration form. If you have questions about this event, please contact .
Hundreds have already registered for the lobbying day on September 26. There is still time to register if you have not already done so. See http://www.unitedforpeace.org/lobbyday for more info. This is a joint effort by literally hundreds of diverse delegations. Keep in mind that due to meeting space limitations, the size of some delegations may have to be limited. To secure a spot on the delegation, it's vital that you and other individuals from your group who plan to attend, register ASAP. If you, or any members of your group can't be in D.C. on Sept. 26, you can help amplify the call to end the Iraq War Now by making a solidarity visit to your Representative's home office. If you have any questions, contact , or call Susan Udry, Congressional Education Day Coordinator at (301) 325-1201.