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Archive News Items -
[05.18.07] ANNUAL PJALS AUCTION! The auction is set for Friday, May 18th at the Comstock Room of
the YWCA. Larry Bernbaum will be our
auctioneer. Items are coming in but we can
still use ideas and contacts. Call 838 7870 or
email pjals@pjals.net.
Whether you’ve already signed or don’t even live inside Spokane, you are heartily invited to help us make a splash in the anti-poverty event of the year. Come for half an hour or come for two hours. Learn about our initiative and pick up some new talking points, or share the background you already have. Dr. Doug Orr, the economics professor who understands social justice and can connect to the lay person struggling to balance a checkbook, heads the speakers, who include Dr. Karin Hilgersom and Rev. Brenda Tudor. We’ll also have a poverty simulation exercise, refreshments, and a time for discussion. Yes, we want the media to come, and we want people who care about fairness but are skeptical of the big box approach. But there’s a place for everyone because this initiative is designed as a benefit to the entire community, not as a bandaid, a handout, or an attack upon business. The poverty rate in Spokane is at 14.5%, an all-time high. Economic polarization is threatening our freedom and the future of our children. There is something we can do about it, but we need your help, and we need to educate Spokane voters. Let’s start with the working poor, and let’s start on April 17. [03.01.07] Rally and March Against War on March 17 JOIN Progressive
Democrats of America-Spokane Chapter, Vets for Peace,
and PJALS to speak out.
END
THE
WARS!
4TH
ANNIVERSARY OF
IRAQ INVASION
RALLY and MARCH Saturday, March 17 - 2:00 p.m. FRANKLIN PARK 5008 Division at Queen - SPOKANE What does it take to make Congress listen to the people who elected them? "End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and DON'T ATTACK IRAN!"  SPEAKERS:
Chanan Suarez Dias: President, Seattle Iraq Veterans Against
the War, Purple Heart '05
Sheri Barnard: former Mayor of Spokane
Mike Kress: Gulf War Vet and Conscientious
Objector
MUSIC: Raging Grannies SPECIAL APPEARANCE: Bush-Cheney Chain Gang LET'S TELL CONGRESS: - NO FUNDING FOR WAR - NO WAR ON IRAN - RE-BUILD INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, SUPPORT GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE THE ROAD TO PEACE: U.S. OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST! Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane 35 W. Main, Ste. 120 - Spokane WA 99201 - 509/838-7870 - pjals@pjals.net - www.pjals.net labor donated
by
Jeremy
Brecher and Brendan Smith
Lieutenant Ehren Watada is facing
court-martial for refusing to deploy to Iraq. But in truth the
military is putting itself, the war in Iraq, and the Bush
administration on trial. For as Lt. Watada said, “It is my conclusion
as an officer of the armed forces that the war in Iraq is not only
morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. The war and what
we’re doing over there is illegal.” Here’s why his arguments are right: The war and its conduct are illegal under
U.S. and international law
Lt.
Watada says that the war violates the Constitution and War Powers Act,
which “limits the President in his role as commander in chief from
using the armed forces in any way he sees fit.” The Bush
administration’s view of the President’s power followed the claim of
former Administration lawyer John Yoo: For the Framers of the U.S.
Constitution, “the President’s authority under the Constitution did not
differ in important measure from that of the king.” The recent Supreme
Court Hamdan decision completely repudiated this view. According to
Justice Stevens’ majority decision, the President also can’t act
contrary to “limitations that Congress has, in proper exercise of its
own war powers, placed on his powers.” Lt.
Watada says the Iraq war is illegal under international law. “The UN
Charter, the Geneva Convention and the Nuremberg principles all bar
wars of aggression.” The Constitution makes such treaties part of
American law as well. A letter sent to the White House on behalf of
over one thousand law professors and U.S. legal organizations before
the invasion of Iraq stated, “We consider that any future use of force
without a new U.N. Security Council Resolution would constitute a crime
against peace or aggressive war in violation of the U.N. Charter.” In a
BBC interview more than a year after the invasion, UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan unequivocally stated that the U.S. war “was illegal.” As
subsequent documents, such as the Downing Street Memos, make clear,
President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, and their associates planned,
prepared, and initiated a war of aggression. Lt.
Watada says the military conduct of the occupation is illegal. “If you
look at the Army Field Manual, 27-10, which governs the laws of land
warfare, it states certain responsibilities for the occupying power. As
the occupying power, we have failed to follow a lot of those
regulations. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi
people” is “a contradiction to the Army’s own law of land warfare.” Stephen Holmes, “John Yoo’s Tortured Logic,” The Nation, 6/1/06, citing John Yoo, The Powers of War and Peace. Jeremy Brecher, Brendan Smith, and Jill Cutler, “An Illegal War,” In the Name of Democracy: American War Crimes in Iraq and Beyond. New York: Metropolitan/Holt, 2006), pp 20-35.” Enormous evidence supports Lt. Watada’s conclusions. For example, illegal weapons include the use of cluster bombs in residential neighborhoods , napalm, depleted uranium, and white phosphorus . A senior British officer in Iraq states, “The view of the British chain of command is that the Americans’ use of violence is not proportionate… It is trite, but American troops do shoot first and ask questions later.” According to UN human rights investigators, the US is systematically using “hunger and deprivation of water as a weapon of war against the civilian population.” The systematic use of home demolitions has been documented by groups such as Human Rights Watch, which has pointed out that “destroying civilian property as a reprisal or as a deterrent amounts to collective punishment, a violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.” There is a right and a duty to refuse
illegal orders
Lt. Watada says, “Although I have tried to resign out of protest, I am forced to participate in a war that is manifestly illegal. As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order. It is my duty not to follow unlawful orders and not to participate in things I find morally reprehensible.” The Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal declared that government officials, whether military or civilian, are responsible for war crimes if “they had knowledge that such crimes were being committed, and having such knowledge they failed to take such steps as were within their power to prevent the commission of such crimes in the future.” Lt. Watada says, “My participation would make me party to war crimes.” Sen. Mitch McConnell, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, recently said that under the Hamdan decision “American Servicemen potentially could be accused of war crimes.” Lt. Watada says “my moral and legal obligation is to the Constitution and not to those who would issue unlawful orders.” The oath Lt. Watada took as a military officer was to defend the Constitution, not some government official. Lt. Watada says, “We all have a duty as American citizens for civil disobedience, and to do anything we can within the law to stop an illegal war.” The Nuremberg Tribunal declared that “the provisions of the laws and customs of war are addressed not only to combatants and to the members of state and other public authorities, but to anybody who is in a position to assist their violation. International law binds every citizen just as does ordinary municipal law.” Amnesty
International, Iraq: Civilians Under Fire (April 2002) George Monbiot, “Behind the Phosphorus Clouds are War Crimes Within War Crimes,” The Guardian, 11 /22/2005. Sean
Rayment, “U.S. Tactics Condemned by British Officers,” Telegraph, April 11 , 2004. Joe
Stork and Fred Abrahams, “Sidelined: Human Rights in Post War Iraq,” Human Rights “War on terror ruling worries GOP senators,” AP, in USA Today, 7/3/06. Human
Rights Watch http://www.hrw.org Jeremy
Brecher is a historian whose books include Strike!,
Globalization from Below, and, co-edited with Brendan Smith and Jill
Cutler, In the Name of Democracy: American War Crimes in Iraq and
Beyond (Metropolitan/Holt). He has received five regional Emmy Awards
for his documentary film work. He is a co-founder of War Crimes Watch.
Brendan Smith is a legal scholar and former congressional staff member whose books include Globalization From Below and, co-edited with Jeremy Brecher and Jill Cutler, In the Name of Democracy: American War Crimes in Iraq and Beyond. His commentary has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Nation, and the Baltimore Sun. He is a co-founder of War Crimes Watch.
[01.29.07] Vow
to Take a Stand!
Inland Northwest Equality, PRIDE Foundation, Equal Rights Washington, along with many other groups invite you to an important forum in Spokane. We'll learn more about the marriage equality and domestic partnership bills recently filed in the Washington State Legislature. We'll also hear about the Healthy Youth Act and "Equality Day" on February 26th in Olympia, where we will show our strength and determination to achieve these and other legislative priorities. A large part of the "Vow To Take A Stand" forum will be devoted to hearing from you! Organizations and leaders working for full equality need to hear from you about what you think we should do next in our continuing quest for equal rights. At the forum, Help move equality forward in the Spokane area by attending Vow To Take A Stand! Where:
Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W Ft Wright Dr.
When: February 7, 2007 from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Here’s another reminder the
Handful of Salt now comes only 6 times a year. Please let us know
if you did not get Jan.-Feb. (It’s yellow).
We’re trying to stay in touch through our website and email, but that doesn’t work for everyone. If you don’t access the web, feel free to call PJALS for updates or the calendar. If you email but haven’t heard from PJALS in a while, we don’t have your current address and need you to call or email. Our database has become erratic, so we also appreciate correspondence when you don’t get the Handful of Salt or membership renewal notices. With increased computer capacity, we are working on a good list. Contact us, too, to be placed on the phone contact list for special notifications. We need relief for longtime volunteers. Help us find a treasurer and/or bookkeeper! Maybe it’s you or someone you know? Let’s talk about it. [10.03.06]
Mark, a long-standing PJALS member, is also one of the NG5 defendants. The NG5 were cited for trespass and arrested for refusing to leave the Spokane Washington National Guard recruiting center on March 20, 2006. Mark and the other defendants would not leave until the governor, or at least the adjutant general, be called to respond to their requests to stop using Washington Guard personnel for cannon fodder. A trial date has not been set. [08.14.06] EYES WIDE OPEN: BEYOND FEAR -
TOWARDS HOPE PJALS has Eyes Wide Open at the Community Building lobby from Monday, August 14 through 3 pm, Saturday, August 19. This display is a clear reminder of the lives lost, both military and civilian, in Iraq. Download the brochure for more information. [7.31.06] JOB OPENINGS AT PJALS Are you passionate about justice and equality? Do you have experience in organizing or working with fluxuating groups on multiple issues? We're looking for you! Apply for our Economic Justice/Living Wage Coordinator or Inland Northwest Equality Coordinator TODAY! Please e-mail your applications or mail by post to 35 W Main, Ste 120M, Spokane, WA 99201. Application deadline is August 11, 2006. [7.25.06] MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY on July 26, 2006 The Washington State Supreme Court has announced on their website that a decision in Anderson v. King County, the consolidated case regarding the constitutionality of the Washington State Defense of Marriage Act, is expected TOMORROW. Meet for a rally with with PJALS, Inland Northwest Equality, and the Spokane community at 5 pm at the Federal Building on Wednesday, July 26th for speakers, the Giant Ass Drum Corps, Radical Cheerleaders, and much more! Celebrate equal rights and protection! [7.15.06] .Vigil Thursday Against Mid-East Violence on July 20, 2006 The Peace and Justice Action League believes it is imperative for the U.S. to take strong and constructive action to reduce or stop the renewed violence between Israel and Hezbollah. It is unacceptable to stand by as precious civilian lives are lost in Israel and Lebanon to advance the causes of extremist leaders. It appears U.S. leadership has no more interest in a cease-fire than the combatants. PJALS is calling for a public vigil at the Foley Federal Building in Spokane on THURSDAY, July 20th, at 4:00 o’clock. The people ache for peace and reconciliation, here and in the Middle East. Because of our weapons and other military support and our active intervention in the region, we bear heavy responsibility for this kind of violence and must be actively involved in any effort to stop the bloodshed. The world is looking to you us for relief. We in Spokane look to our members of Congress for some leadership in stopping the slaughter in this troubled area. [6.30.06]
PJALS is presenting The
Essential Iran, a three-part
educational forum at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 314 S.
Spruce, Spokane, WA (in Browns Addition). Three evenings in July:  Part I -Wednesday, July 5, 7 o’clockDr. Jonathan B. Isacoff
Beyond Shahs and Ayatollahs: An Historical View of Iran and the U.S., 1945-2006 Part II -Wednesday, July 12, 7 o’clock Shahrokh (Shawn) Nikfar, host of
the Persian Hour on KYRS Community Radio
The Return of an Iranian Expatriate PART III -Wednesday, July 19, 7 o’clock Women
in Iran
SPEAKER TO BE ANNOUNCED
Contact your Council Member! Click here
for their names, phone numbers and email addresses. You can also click
a View
Council Districts link to determine which Council Member
represents you.
[6.15.06] Job Opening at PJALS! Are you passionate about economic justice? Then consider applying for our Economic Justice/Living Wage Coordinator position by July 6, 2006. [6.15.06]
On Thursday, June 22nd, join Inland Northwest
Equality, PJALS, and the Spokane chapter of NOW in welcoming Olga Vives - the
Vice-President of the National Organizatoin of Women (NOW) and a
committed feminist and LGBTQ activist - to Spokane.
• The betrayal and deaths of thousands of men
and women of the U.S. armed forces
[03.17.06] Join us on Saturday, March 18 at Franklin Park (Queen and Division) at 2 pm for our rally and die-in in commemoration of the third anniversary of the United States' illegal invasion of Iraq. For more informaiton and list of activities and sponsors, please check out our flyer. [03.12.06] It’s that time of year again: Tax season. And with tax season comes the opportunity for working families to take advantage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). As you know, this tax credit can mean up to an extra $4,000 for working families. In an effort to promote the tax credits, the Marguerite Casey Foundation has posted an informational page about the EITC on its homepage. This page includes basic information about the tax credits, how to apply, and includes links to the IRS. [02.14.06] Join a community meeting and take a stance against the building of a new Wal*Mart on South Hill. Join us at the Coummunity Building on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 pm. For more information on why Wal*Mart is being boycotted on a national level, go to NOW's Wal*Mart information page or to No South Hill Wal*Mart. [02.14.06] Read or watch The FRONTLINE story about Coca-Cola in Columbia; http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/fellows/colombia0106/ "If you can video-stream online, this is that something we’ve been missing in our movement against Coke. Check it out." -Paddy Inman [02.04.06] Roughly
100 PJALS
members marched down Spokane's Division Ave. [01.17.06] Last week, Governor Christine Gregoire introduced House Bill 2661 in to the Washington State House, a bill to adds the words Îsexual orientationâ to the existing list of categories under the jurisdiction of the stateâs Human Rights Commission. A similar bill was introduced in 2005 and passed in the House and failed by one vote in the Senate. However, good news! Republican Senator Finkbinder, who voted against the previous Anti-Discrimination Bill, announced last week that he supports this legislation. This fight has not ended. PLEASE contact your legislator at 800-562-6000 and let your voice be heard, for nobody should suffer discrimination in our state. [01.12.06] Join us on Monday, January 16th at the Spokane Opera House at 10 am to celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2006. There will be a march at 10:30 am and a celebration in the park to follow. Bring a sign about King as a peacemaker and a person invested in active non-violence. On the day, Tuesday, January 17th, following this remembrance of the Reverend Doctor King, PJALS will be showing Mighty Times, a documentary film about Rosa Parks, from 6:30 to 8 pm in the mezzanine of the Community Building. [01.03.06] In the campaign to have a state-wide anti-discrimination bill re-heard in the state congress, Equal Rights Washington and The Religious Coalition for Equality urge you to contact your state representatives during the legislative break. We urge you to contact your legislators and encourage them to be a voice for justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning, intersexed, and allied people in Washington State. To find out the name and contact information your legislators are and to get more contact information for them, go to the Washington State Legislature home page or call the free Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Save The Date: After you have contacted your legislators, join advocates from around the state on January 23, 2006 for Equality Day 2006 in Olympia, WA. Come and be a visible presence in the support of justice and equality. Go to the Equality Day 2006 website for more information. [12.28.05] [12.05.05] He
does, however, admit to a life of gang violence and to being the
co-founder of the infamous Crips. Now, he hardly resembles the same man
that was sent to death row over 20 years ago. He has worked extensively
in anti-gang activism and writing since his time in jail and has played
a major part in gang truces in Lost Angeles and Time is short but there is still hope that Governor Schwartzenegger will be persuaded to stop the execution. He may be e-mailed at governor@governor.ca.gov - do it this week! The e-mails must be received by December 8th. [10.12.05]
2,000 Too Many [08.22.05] [07.19.05] PJALS
Yard Sale on Sat. Aug. 13th, [07.07.05] [06.14.05] [06.03.05] [04.21.05] Join
us in the Lobby of the Support
the Truth: Start the Peace on May 12th at Viewing of the documentary Tying the Knot on May 18th, 7 pm at Spokane Falls Community College ( 3410 W. Fort George Wright) Bldg 17 Student Union Lounges ABC. [04.04.05] Palestinians
and Israelis: Chance for Peace in a Troubled World? on Friday, April
8th at [03.17.05] A Candlelight
Vigil for Global Day of
Protest on the 2nd Anniversary of the War on Saturday, March 19th
at [02.07.05] A Freedom
to Marry Rally will
be held Valentine's Day, February 14th at 4:30pm at the Spokane County
Courthouse
(1116 W. Broadway). Bring signs (without sticks) that show your support
of marriage equality! Bring friends! While our brothers and sisters
rally in [01.24.05] Nurturing
A Culture of Peace continues Wednesday
evenings through February . Join us at [01.04.05] [01.03.05] [11.23.04] [11.04.04] [09.14.04] [08.23.04] [06.19.04] [6.15.04] [6.11.04] [06.03.04] [04.26.04] [03.29.04] [03.22.04] [03.01.04] [02.29.04] [02.26.04] PeaceWorks
- Tuesday, March 2, [02.05.04] [02.01.04]
[11.03.03] [10.09.03] [10.02.03] [09.30.03] [09.22.03] [07.21.03] [06.30.03] [05.22.03] [05.03.03] [04.12.03] [04.10.03] [03.31.03] [03.21.03] [03.20.03] [03.19.03] [03.16.03] [03.15.03] [03.10.03] [03.06.03
] [03.06.03] [03.03.03] [02.24.03] [02.16.03] [02.15.03] [02.11.03] [02.06.03] February Handful online here. [1.29.03] [1.21.03] [1.18.03] [01.13.03] [12.30.02] [12.10.02] [06.28.02] [06.22.02] |
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We’re
ready to get down to work on our big box living wage plan. Sure, we’ve
been beating the drum for months, and some of you have been gathering
signatures and bringing the issue up in your conversations with friends
and family, but the official kick off for Initiative 2006-1 is Tuesday,
April 17, from 5-7 pm at the Community Building lobby.
[01.29.07
[09.05.0
[6.29.06]
[4.17.06]
Protesters confronted Cheney in Spokane. Called for Impeachment.
[3.20.06]
Five
Spokane citizens for peace were cited for trespass and arrested
at a Spokane Washington National Guard recruiting center on March 20,
2006. They had asked that the governor, or at least the adjutant
general, be called to respond to their requests to stop using
Washington Guard personnel for cannon fodder. Mark Hamlin, Jim Sheehan,
Jay Sullivan, and Nancy and Rusty Nelson refused to leave without
communication of their demands to the governor, or at least the
adjutant general, top officials they had previously contacted on this
issue.
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