[Peace-discuss] Repression

[Barbara kessel]

In an unprecedented action, the ANSWER Coalition today received
citations fining the organization $10,000 for the placement of posters
announcing the September 15 March on Washington DC. The fines come
after a campaign led by FOX news calling for the DC government to take
action against those putting up posters for the September 15
demonstration.

They have told us that we have 72 hours to remove every poster, or the
fines will go into effect. Tens of thousands of dollars in additional
fines are expected in the coming days. Bush's Interior Department is
threatening similar actions against ANSWER. The September 15 posters
are legal and conform to city regulations. We will not allow the
government's intimidation tactics to slow our outreach or silence the
antiwar movement.

We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help.

This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the
September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of
General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war. Iraq war
veterans and their families will lead this dramatic march from the
White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the
government wants is to see the streets of Washington DC fill up with
throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But
we will not be stopped. Organizing for this demonstration is taking
place in cities and towns throughout the country. Buses and car
caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns.

Please send a letter today to Washington DC Mayor (Adrian M. Fenty)
and to the Director of DC Department of Public Works (William O.
Howland, Jr.) demanding an end to the fines, harassment and repression
of the anti-war movement. We have a right to publicize the September
15 March. Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars
for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a mockery out of
the First Amendment.

Stop Government Attacks
Against the Anti-War Movement!
Take Action to Defend Free Speech

Take Action!

The best way to take action is to call the Director of Department of
Public Works, William O. Howland, Jr. at 202-673-6833, and the Mayor
of DC, Adrian Fenty, at 202-724-8876. You can also send a letter or
fax by clicking this link.

We'd suggest saying something along the lines of: "I am writing to
protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up
posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government
does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial
and business interests that plaster Washington, DC with posters. It is
outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, are attempting to
suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines."

Let us know how your phone conversations go by emailing us.


A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition

http://www.answercoalition.org       http://www.chicagoanswer.net
info at internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New York City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 213-251-1025
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311
---------------------------------------------------
ANSWER Coalition Chicago (Act Now to Stop War and Racism)
---------------------------------------------------