Statement of Emergency Ad
Hoc Committee for a United Demonstration
Over the past several months, the
overwhelming majority of antiwar activists and their organizations made
unmistakably clear that they wanted a united demonstration in Washington
D.C. on September 24, not two rival and inherently competitive ones. The
Emergency Ad Hoc Committee for a United Demonstration in Washington D.C.
on September 24, 2005 was formed for the purpose of providing a vehicle
for transmitting this sentiment to both of the sponsoring coalitions. The
Ad Hoc Committee asked individuals and groups committed to making
September 24 as massive as possible to sign a statement urging unity. The
response was resounding. The 350 signers of the Unity Statement can take
pride in the important contribution they made to bringing the full power
of the peace movement together to challenge the warmakers.
Independent of our efforts, local antiwar coalitions,
national organizations and people from all walks of life who want to see
an end to the slaughter in Iraq, an end to U.S. occupations of other
countries, and a halt to aggressive U.S. wars for oil and empire also
spoke out. The leaders of the two principal coalitions heard the outcry
for unity and responded positively to it.
A cloud has been lifted for building the largest possible
turnout on September 24. We urge all signers of the Unity Statement to
multiply efforts to make this happen. Whether in Washington D.C., San
Francisco or Los Angeles, let us together take to the streets to send a
message heard around the world -- including by Bush and his big business
supporters in both major political parties -- that we, the people, have
had it with U.S. war policies and demand a fundamental change.
The growing sentiment against the U.S. war and occupation
of Iraq is evidenced by the huge response to the protest launched by Cindy
Sheehan in Texas. On Wednesday, August 18, thousands showed their
solidarity by attending more than 1500 vigils against the war in cities
large and small across the country. The united action now projected for
Saturday, September 24 will be a tremendous opportunity for the antiwar
sentiment to be mobilized in the most powerful way.
End the Occupations! Bring the Troops Home Now!!
Alan Benjamin
Alan Dale
Christine Gauvreau
Jerry Gordon
Jeff Mackler
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Emergency
Ad Hoc Committee for a United Demonstration in Washington D.C. on
September 24, 2005
