March, 2008 ushered in the sixth year of war and occupation “without end” on Iraq. In an act of arrogance and impunity, Congress in a bipartisan vote approved another $162 billion in funding for the wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. Stepped up threats against Iran and the increased likelihood of a U.S. troop “surge” into Afghanistan point to an imperative for action and an independent voice.

In light of these developments, two antiwar coalitions in New England initiated a call for protests on October 11, 2008. At the end of June forces from around the country gathered together for the National Assembly to End the Iraq War and Occupation in Cleveland, Ohio. At the conference an action plan for the months ahead was discussed and approved in a democratic vote. As part of this plan, the Assembly voted in favor of supporting pre-election protests being organized in cities and localities around the country on October 11, 2008.

It was on October 11, 2002 that Congress approved the “Iraq War Resolution” granting the Bush administration authorization to invade Iraq. On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008--exactly six years after Congress unleashed the dogs of war on Iraq-- we will be sending a message to the war makers in Washington and to the world: We want this war to end and we want it to end now! We are demanding nothing less than the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all occupation forces from Iraq and the closing of all military bases.

The weeks and months ahead promise to be filled with debate as the election campaigns gear up. Instead of being spectators who watch the media pundits put their spin on the political pronouncements of the candidates, the October 11 protests will inject our agenda, the antiwar agenda, into the intensifying debate.

We are tired of excuses. The hundreds of billions funding the wars only serve to measure the terrible toll inflicted on our communities. How many more billions will be looted from vital social needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, disaster relief or libraries, firehouses, childcare, eldercare, or Social Security? Join us October 11 for protest actions being organized in cities and localities around the country. Bring your friends, coworkers, family and neighbors. The time to act is NOW! We are making a difference.
All out October 11!
By Stop the Wars info-AT-oct11.org www.oct11.org