[Peace-discuss] Inauguration thoughts

[Brussel Morton K.]

These thoughts come from the UFPJ listserve, in which it was  
suggested that there be protests at the inauguration ceremonies in  
January. Its author is one Kevin Zeese.

While I share John's [Walsh] views on the national security team  
Obama has appointed and expect that these are the people who will be  
running foreign policy for the next two years while Obama focuses  
domesticallly, the peace movement needs to figure out what -- if any  
-- message at the inagurartion will be effective.

Most Obama supporters, even the apolitical ones, want to see the Iraq  
war ended.  They agree with us even though they voted for Obama.   
Indeed, many, many peace activists supported Obama despite his weak  
foreign policy positions and proclaimed victory when he won the  
election.  So, the crowd that will be at the inaguration will be with  
us on the Iraq issue but also be with Obama, celebrating his presidency.

We need to pull people to our position and develop a broad protest  
movement against Obama's foreign policy positions -- which we know we  
willl not like.

We don't pull people to us by protesting at his party.  It just will  
not be effective, indeed it will marginalize more than broaden the  
peace movement.  Communication needs to serve the purpose of  
broadening the peace movement not making us feel good by shouting our  
anger.  Effective communication is the goal.

Carl's [Davidson] approach of building on the "Yes we can" slogan of  
Obama is closer to what would be effective.  The phrases that come  
after "Yes we can" are important.  "End the Iraq War NOW" -- with the  
emphasis on NOW is one that might work.  Expressing the urgency of  
now -- another Obama phrase and one that shows that he can stop the  
killing now -- he can stop the drones in Pakistan  --  now, the  
bombings of wedding parties in Afghanistan -- now,  Israel getting  
out of Palestine - now.  The same could be true with other foreign  
policy issues. After inaguration these killings in Pakistan etc.  
willl be Obama's responsibility as he does have the power to stop  
them now.

We have to walk a fine line of demonstrating our independence for  
Obama, but at this stage of his presidency, especially inaguration  
day, showing hope for the new administration -- despite our  
expectation that hopes willl be dashed, rather quickly.

KZ

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