The demonstration on December 12 will feature anti-war speeches by two 2008 presidential candidates -- Green Party candidate and former Georgia Democratic congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Democratic primary candidate, former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel.
The anti-war demonstration marks a major public display of growing dissatisfaction from progressive forces with Obama's surge in Afghanistan, Predator assassinations in Pakistan, continuing U.S. military occupation of Iraq, and a military thrust into Latin America, as well as support for Latin American rightist regimes.
Although the corporate media is dwelling on the possible GOP presidential lineup in 2012, there are whispers that in a few months, one or two anti-war Democrats may test the political waters and Obama's increasing unpopularity with the progressive Democratic rank-and-file in Iowa, the first caucus state. Former Minnesota independent Governor Jesse Ventura, who also opposes the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is rumored to be contemplating an independent run for the White House.
WMR will cover the demonstration.
The following is the press release received by WMR regarding demonstration details:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2009
“No You Can’t!”
Rally at White House December 12
Unity Among Peace Movement Groups Against Obama War Escalation -Warning of Reprisals to Troop Surge
WASHINGTON DC -- Over 100 leading peace activists have announced an “Emergency Anti-Escalation Rally” at Lafayette Park, across from the White House on December 12, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., to reject President Obama’s planned military escalation in Afghanistan. The rally is organized by End US Wars, a newly formed coalition of national and grass-roots antiwar organizations, with endorsements from leading peace leaders.
Rally organizers are calling for the left wing to end its support for Obama if he declares a surge in troops, and for condemnation of Obama’s war policy by his own party faithful. In addition, efforts will begin to cut short his term in office, along with Congress; and protests will intensify against U.S. war involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and any other countries.
Key speakers at the rally include Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney, Senator Mike Gravel, David Swanson, Chris Hedges, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly and Rev. Graylan Hagler, among many other notables. Music will be provided by Jordan Page and others.
The coalition End US Wars follows from a letter, written by Laurie Dobson of Maine, demanding that Obama keep his promise and end the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars; call a ceasefire on Predator drone attacks over Pakistan; and begin immediate reconstruction and recovery in war torn regions.
Along with the rally on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. in Lafayette Park, the film “Rethink Afghanistan” will be shown on Friday, December 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Busboys & Poets, 14th and V Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
For information, email: contact@enduswars.org or visit: www.enduswars.org
