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"No Sanctions, No War, No Dictatorship in Iran" —— join the Feb 4 march!
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February 2, 2012
Dear Friend of the Campaign for Peace and Democracy,
Looking for a way to oppose U.S. and Israeli war threats against Iran while at the same time condemning the terrible repression taking place inside Iran? This Saturday, February 4th, New Yorkers can do just that by joining a contingent of Iranians and non-Iranians gathering from 1pm to 4pm at the corner of 46th Street and Seventh Avenue under the slogans of "No Sanctions, No War, No Dictatorship in Iran" to participate in the march against war on Iran.
We understand there may be similar contingents in other cities, but don't yet have the details. We may learn more about these initiatives, so write us at cpd@igc.org if you are interested. And whether or not you can join a contingent, you can support the cause by making your own signs that say "No Sanctions, No War, No Dictatorship in Iran" and carrying them on the march.
Check out the Facebook page for this event There is lively discussion on the page, which begins with the following organizing statement:
A coalition of individuals, groups and organizations including World Can't Wait, ANSWER, Iranian-Friendship Committee and many more have called for a nation-wide Day of Mass Action to Stop War on Iranon Saturday, February 4th. Unfortunately, this call to action makes no reference to the democratic movement in Iran, otherwise known as the Green Movement, which mobilized millions in 2009 followed by a brutal government crackdown. We know the Iranian government manipulates such gatherings as the forthcoming "Day of Mass Action" into evidence of support for the regime. We also know that some individuals and organizations in the anti-war movement have historically aligned themselves with the regime, regardless of its violent suppression of Iranian people working towards political and social change.
We, a group of Iranians/non-Iranians in New York City, not affiliated with the coalition mentioned above, will participate in the Day of Mass Action to voice our ardent objection to sanctions and to reject calls for war against Iran. But we also find it imperative to stand clearly with the Iranian people's struggle for democracy. The Iranian people are the only legitimate power to bring about the changes they want. Any foreign intervention only stifles prospects for a more genuine democracy by strengthening the ruling elites in Iran who would pose as defenders of national self-determination.
The Iranian Green movement, Arab Spring, and occupy movements have inspired us all that another world is possible! A world in which we are no longer victims of corruption, war, and exploitation. We stand in defense of the Iranian people's right to economic and social justice. We refuse to be the pawns of a broader struggle between the world's elites who only seek to profit from our suffering.
We, therefore invite you on February 4th with your Green slogans and signs. Our participation would be more meaningful and our message clearer if we show up together.
Suggested Slogans:
no war / no sanction / democracy / for nations
no sanction / no war / democracy / for all
sanction, war, theocracy / they all kill democracy
one, two, three, four / democracy is our goal / five, six, seven, eight / war and sanction will just hurt
no more sanction / no more war / democracy is our goal
(if you have more suggestions, please write them on the wall of the event)
NOTE FROM CPD: THE SLOGANS ARE STILL BEING REFINED.
The Campaign for Peace and Democracy will be joining this inspiring group of protesters in Saturday, and we look forward to seeing you there! If you plan to attend, please go to the group's Facebook page and check the "Going" box on the upper right hand corner of the page.
In peace and solidarity,
Joanne Landy and Thomas Harrison
Co-Directors
Campaign for Peace and Democracy
New York, NY, USA
cpd@igc.org
www.cpdweb.org