[Peace] AWARE Notes August 3

[Jan & Durl Kruse]

Minutes of AWARE Meeting August 3
Facilitators: Matthew Murrey and Carol Inskeep

Introductions: Approximately twenty people in attendance 
introduced themselves.

Highlights of News of the Week by Carl Estabrook:
-government is identifying people as security risks for air 
travel
-the current rationale for the Iraq war was to bring peace to 
the middle east
-a report out states Bush's war may have increased terrorism 
threat, not decreased it
-under Bush defense spending has increased the fastest in 
history
-domestic unemployment is still weak
-Kathy Kelly, VW, was fined $20,000 for taking toys and 
medicine to Iraq even though the sanctions have been dropped because of the 
war
-the 30 million dollars of reward money has been paid to the 
tipster leading to the death of Saddam's two sons
-the ACLU has filed a legal suit against sec. 215 of the 
Patriot Act, the first major legal action against the PA.
-200 protestors arrested in Montreal during WTO meetings this 
week
-US prison population reached its highest levels, over 2.1 
million incarcerated, 1 of every 143 Americans, 1/3 black males aged 20-39.
-Bush conducted his ninth press conference since taking 
office.(vague and incoherent)
-Demo candidate Howard Dean made supportive pro-war 
comments
-2001 Nobel Prize winner in economics states US government is 
worst in its 200 year history

Brainstorming Ideas:


Have some type of peace protest on Prospect that appeals to a broad 
group


-UFPJ has designated August 27 to call representatives about Iraqi 
occupation

-Suggested an AWARE group talks to Tim Johnson, e-mails and 
letters be sent

Focus on the international issue of war and environmental degradation, 
possible film festival


To have an AWARE presence at fall city and community events, eg. Sweet Corn 
festival, etc.


Green Party has called for Bush's impeachment and a call for "all the troops 
to brought home by Christmas". AWARE should join in the campaign to "End All 
Occupations"


Organize and plan another town hall meeting


Seek ways to broaden the message


Conduct two Sept meetings: one internal with other peace organizations such 
as the PRC and one external to serve as community outreach, public meeting


Make banners to fly at the Farmer's Market, if interested call Carol I.


Update informational pamphlets incl. Liberia, Racism, and Afghanistan


Generate more letters to the editor


Do something for Hiroshima Day (Aug. 6th)   Nagasaki Day 
(Aug. 9th) if only for an hour possibly Saturday August 
9th at Farmer's Market!


Have SPA and PRC visit an AWARE meeting to share plans and activities


Contact School for Designing a Society to see if they would do some street 
theatre at the Farmer's Market


Need more ey catching things at Farmer's Market, more buttons, peace 
balloons, cookies with messages to hand out, and banners, etc. Lisa C. and Carol 
I. will check into the balloons and helium.

(Everyone is encouraged to think about the brainstorming ideas, 
which ones are of interest to the group, how key issues could be prioritized, 
who would be willing to work on them, etc. Further discussion of these and other 
items will occur at upcoming meetings. )

Financial report given by Linda E., balance of $2556.46

New Ideas:


be aware of the mass demonstration being planned by ANSWER on October 25 in 
Washington


Champaign and Urbana hold monthly Human Relations Commission meetings, open 
to the public and place to bring discrimination issues 
AWARE is seeking volunteers to serve as facilitators and note-takers at 
future meetings, please contact Linda E. if willing
    




Reminders:
- August 9th Potluck Get-Together, 2007 S. George 
Huff Dr. U., Arrive at 5:00, serving begins at 6:30 - 7:00, Welcoming Meridith 
home from Guatemala.

Minutes submitted by Durl K.
 

---Jan    Durl Kruse

--- durljan at earthlink.net 

 
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