VFP on the new McCarythism, calls for resistance to illegal wars and war crimes

Originally posted October 13th at:  www.veteransforpeace.org/pressroom/news/2024/10/13/end-washingtons-new-mccarthyism ; slightly edited -- 

End Washington's New McCarthyism!

In April, the U.S. House passed H.R. 6408: “An Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations.” It was introduced in the Senate as S. 1436. 

 

It sounds benign, but it reaches well beyond any narrowly defined or momentarily intended targets. If enacted into law, it can be used against any non-profit which engages in any issue not favored by whatever Administration is in power in the future.

 

The Act details procedures for the Secretary of the Treasury to designate organizations as having provided material support to groups deemed to be terrorist organizations. Section (C) (ii) provides “Opportunity to Cure” procedures.  In addition to this being “guilty until proven innocent,” Section (F) states “ the United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review a final determination with respect to an organization’s designation as a terrorist supporting organization.”  Thus, if the Administration wants to silence some voices it can simply do so unless the courts intervene.

 

This bill legislates broad Executive authority to suspend normal due process, allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to strip US groups of their non-profit status in a peremptory manner with virtually no limitations, accountability, or meaningful recourse. 

 

Immediate support for the bill is related to the present crisis in Gaza, but it can be used in any manner in the future.  It also has a three year “look-back” feature, which means the government can designate an organization or country as "terrorist," and then look back at any non-profit which has donated or supported that organization or country in the last three years. 

 

The definition of "support" is also vague. If a non-profit calls for a mutual ceasefire and negotiations in Gaza (or any other future conflict), is that support for only one side?  Some in Washington and elsewhere currently frame it that way. 

 

Here is a sign-on letter opposing the bill, from numerous organizations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScICili7mzBYpeE2cZk4AWcSlo5QNj7CeSzH_Ti66uhjqbpRg/viewform   

 

And there’s a larger context here, provided by a recent Veterans For Peace statement: 

California Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's recent claims that Code Pink and other peace protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza are either Russian or Chinese funded is absurd and insulting, and Veterans For Peace calls on her to withdraw such allegations and apologize. 

 

In October of 2023, Pelosi told a group of Code Pink protesters (all of whom were White American women), to "Go back to China where your headquarters is."  Then in January of 2024, Pelosi said in an interview, “I think…some of these protesters are spontaneous and organic and sincere… Some, I think, are connected to Russia. And I say that having looked at this for a long time now, as you know.” 

 

 

When asked whether she thought some pro-Palestinian protests were Russian plants, the responded, “I don’t think they’re plants…I think some financing should be investigated…and I want to ask the FBI to investigate that.”  

 

Now that the US has declared Russia and China to be our latest enemies, Pelosi is trying to connect dots that simply aren't there.

 

On August 5, 2023, the New York Times attacked Jodie Evans, Code Pink and other peace groups in an article entitled, “A Global Web of Chinese Propaganda Leads to a U.S. Tech Mogul.”  But if one reads the article carefully, the evidence shows the headline was false. The American tech mogul in question made all his money in America and is donating his American money to American and international peace organizations.

 

Following the NYT article, Republican US senator Marco Rubio asked the United States Department of Justice to open an investigation into Code Pink and other entities for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Then in November of 2023, ten Republican House members of Congress signed a letter saying that they are 'deeply concerned' with Code Pink's ties to the Communist Party of China and requesting documentation.  

 

The federal government has expanded its use of FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) to target Black liberation activists and Chinese Americans working for peace with China.  Examples include the African People’s Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement, where three individuals were charged with acting as foreign agents of Russia based only on normal international exchange and collaboration between peace and justice advocates from different nations, something Veterans For Peace and other organizations often do, as do businesses and trade organizations. It is normal human communication and networking. 

 

In another example, Boston-area trade unionist Li Tang “Henry” Liang, a Chinese American activist and union member and advocate for peace between the US and China, has also been arrested and indicted under FARA. 

 

The US has used FARA to repress peace and justice organizers going all the way back to the 1951 prosecution of W.E.B. DuBois and the prosecution of the Cuban Five. From 2018 to 2022, the FBI arrested and prosecuted Chinese American scientists under the “China Initiative.”  Most were found innocent, and the “China Initiative” was finally dropped due to apparent racial profiling.  But Chinese American scientists can still be arrested under other criteria, and there is currently an effort under way in Congress to reinstall the “China Initiative.”  

 

On September 3, 2024, the Washington Post published an article claiming that the crowds of Chinese Americans who turned out to welcome China’s president Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit were “non-state actors to further China’s political goals overseas,” who had violently attacked Tibetan and Hong Kong anti-China protesters to silence them.  But the Post relied almost exclusively on the Tibetan and Hong Kong protesters’ reports and videos. There is no evidence that the welcomers attended the event intending to create disturbance, and in fact a majority of them were older retired persons with no history of violence or law breaking of any kind. There is more reason to believe the anti-China demonstrators were the ones intending to create negative publicity for propaganda purposes. The Hong Kong protesters included leaders from the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a group with a history of violence during the 2019 Hong Kong riots who were funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, a CIA offshoot.  

 

One should also note the establishment looking the other way when violent right wing counter-protesters using weapons physically attack peaceful university  protesters against the Gaza genocide. The police have let the attacks happen, then arrested the peaceful protesters.  

 

Other recent events have highlighted the increasing suppression of activists and independent voices by imperial authorities, underscoring a troubling trend towards authoritarianism.

 

In the US, the FBI raid on former Marine intelligence officer Scott Ritter’s home and the intense questioning of Jacob Berger, following his humanitarian mission to Egypt, reveal a similar clampdown on critical voices. Ritter’s home was invaded in a bid to silence his outspoken criticism of US foreign policy, while Berger’s scrutiny highlights the dangerous repercussions for those engaged in humanitarian work abroad.

 

Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with these voices, it is imperative to protect their free speech rights if we want to live in an open society where diverse perspectives can be freely expressed and debated.

 

These incidents collectively demonstrate an alarming trend of targeting and silencing individuals who challenge power and advocate for the vulnerable and dispossessed. The suppression of these voices not only undermines democratic principles but also threatens the very foundation of free expression and critical engagement. It is crucial to stand in solidarity with those being targeted, defend the freedoms of speech and action, and resist this encroaching wave of authoritarianism we are facing. 

 

Remember Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous quote about Nazi Germany which began, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out…?”

 

Today, they come for Black Socialists, then Chinese Americans, then White CODEPINK women, then retired military officers, then peace activists in allied nations, and then for the peace non-profits. 

 

Either we all stand together, or we will all fall separately. 

 

END WASHINGTON’S NEW MCCARTHY PERIOD!

Originally posted October 22nd at:  www.veteransforpeace.org/pressroom/news/2024/10/22/veterans-peace-applaudsisraeli-soldiers-who-refuse-fight-gaz

Calls for GI’s to Resist Illegal Wars and War Crimes

Veterans For Peace applauds the Israeli military reservists who are calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, and who say they will not participate in genocide. You are doing the right thing. Your courageous stance may be answered by official threats and even imprisonment. But you will never regret refusing to kill innocent Palestinian men, women and children.  

Palestinian Lives Matter. Yet Palestinians are being systematically slaughtered before the eyes of the world. The ongoing US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza is unacceptable.  It is a stain on human history.  And it must be ended.

Veterans For Peace has consistently called for an end to the genocide in Gaza, for a permanent ceasefire, and most importantly, for an end to US arms shipments to Israel. When U.S. bombs stop falling on Palestinian children, the genocide will have ended.  Veterans For Peace has meticulously documented the US laws that the Biden Administration is breaking when it sends weapons to Israel while it is bombing and starving innocent civilians. As the slaughter in Gaza has continued and escalated, we have sent Open Letters to the State Department, to President Biden, to Vice President Harris and to the Justice Department. 

One thing is very clear – this is genocide, a deliberate sustained campaign to wipe out an entire nation of people. This genocide is now being intensified. And it is illegal a thousand times over. 

As veterans who have participated in too many illegal and immoral wars, we also want to address our young sisters and brothers, daughters and sons in the U.S. military.  The U.S. has 40,000 troops deployed on ships and at bases throughout the Middle East. President Biden recently sent 100 U.S. troop to be stationed in Israel just as Israel is preparing to attack Iran and is bracing for Iran’s promised response.

The U.S. is also backing Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.  The U.S. military itself has recently dropped bombs in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Now there is active discussion about waging war on Iran! 

Are U.S. troops being purposely deployed where they will be targets and casualties?  Is this the way that the Biden Administration will back us into a war with Iran? Such a war is not in the interests of the people of Iran, nor of Israel, nor of the United States.  This is a bold war of colonialism and empire – fought for control of other people’s land and resources. 

Veterans For Peace has joined with several other organizations to promote the Appeal for Redress (v.2), an opportunity for active-duty GI’s to safely present their concerns to their Congressional
representatives.  We refer GI’s who are thinking about becoming Conscientious Objectors to the Center on Conscience and War. We can put you in touch with a GI Rights lawyer if needed. 

Remember, it is right to resist unjust wars and illegal orders. And when you do, you will have the support of Veterans For Peace.

---

STOP THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA   –   No More US Weapons to Israel 
REFUSE TO FIGHT ILLEGAL WARS   –   No War with Lebanon or Iran

Attacks on CodePink in the Capitol over Palestine and more news

 

consortiumnews.com/2024/05/23/a-brutal-suppression-of-speech/

An alleged member of the Zionist mob that attacked the UCLA encampment has been arrested, the only person arrested for the attack, though it was carried out about a month ago, April 30th/May 1st:  www.commondreams.org/news/ucla-attack-protesters-arrest

www.counterpunch.org/2024/05/24/set-the-killers-free-the-pardoning-of-daniel-perry/

www.counterpunch.org/2024/05/24/at-western-sahara-visiting-a-forgotten-people/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/4-000-soldados-marroquies-participan-en-la-masacre-de-la-poblacion-palestina-de-gaza/

diario-octubre.com/2023/07/18/israel-confirma-su-reconocimiento-a-la-soberania-de-marruecos-sobre-el-sahara-occidental/

diario-octubre.com/2023/06/28/sahara-la-ultima-colonia-africana-es-un-polvorin-a-punto-de-explotar/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/23/continua-el-montaje-contra-los-hermanos-kononovich-y-la-represion-a-la-juventud-comunista/

May 18th trucker strike over mobilization in Ukraine (?):  diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/huelga-de-los-camioneros-ucranianos-contra-la-ley-de-movilizacion-militar/  In Ukraine, Haiti, and the Palestinian Authority the USA and EU are fine with leaders who stay in power far beyond their legal term in office. 

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/18/los-aliados-de-la-otan-estan-cada-vez-mas-cerca-de-enviar-tropas-a-ucrania/

www.aaronmate.net/p/how-10-years-of-us-meddling-in-ukraine

[ diario-octubre.com/2024/05/24/rusia-senala-a-los-responsables-del-atentado-en-el-crocus-city-hall-y-revela-sus-intenciones/ ]

[ diario-octubre.com/2024/05/25/incidente-fronterizo-entre-rusia-y-estonia/ ]

NOAA Predicts 'Extraordinary' Atlantic Hurricane Season as Ocean Temperatures Soar:  www.commondreams.org/news/hurricane-season-2024

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/la-cia-utiliza-las-app-de-los-telefonos-inteligentes-para-espiarnos/

May 10th speech by PFLP Deputy Secretary-General Jamil Mezher:  www.workers.org/2024/05/78636/

www.counterpunch.org/2024/05/24/boeing-university-how-the-california-state-university-became-complicit-in-palestinian-genocide/

www.workers.org/2024/05/78763/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=philadelphia-cafe-vandalized-after-support-for-palestine

www.workers.org/2024/05/78696/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=agitacion-exterior

www.counterpunch.org/2024/05/24/top-ten-ways-to-soften-a-genocide/

www.workers.org/2024/05/78798/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=palestinian-resistance-denounces-u-s-floating-pier-in-gaza

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/contra-la-equidistancia-entre-victimas-y-verdugos/

www.workers.org/2024/05/78772/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hamas-denounces-icc-decision-on-warrants-against-its-leaders

[ diario-octubre.com/2024/05/24/la-arana-atrapada-en-su-propia-tela/ ]

www.normalisland.co.uk/p/the-icc-decides-netanyahu-and-gallant

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/23/asi-vive-el-ex-presidente-de-iran-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-luego-de-su-segundo-mandato/

The BRICS Games, June 11th-23rd:  diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/brasil-ve-los-juegos-de-los-brics-como-una-oportunidad-para-profundizar-la-cooperacion/

[ diario-octubre.com/2024/05/24/mas-infiltraciones-policiales-en-madrid/ ]

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/amazonia-brasilena-con-mayor-degradacion-forestal-de-ultimos-15-anos/

[Google's machine translation -- The Sun is insubordinate:  The coming geomagnetic storm -- diario-octubre.com/2024/05/24/el-sol-se-insubordina-la-tormenta-geomagnetica-que-viene/ ]

Rocks and soil electrified by the superstorm [and more may be coming in June]:  spaceweather.com

[On Nicaraguan revolutionaries German Pomares/El Danto and Blanca Arauz Pineda:  diario-octubre.com/2024/05/24/parlamento-de-nicaragua-recordo-a-destacado-guerrillero-sandinista/ ]

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/19/vietnam-conmemora-aniversario-134-del-natalicio-de-ho-chi-minh/

www.workers.org/2024/05/78712/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=malcolm-x-ho-chi-minh-presente-3

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/19/cuba-evoca-a-heroe-nacional-jose-marti-a-129-anos-de-su-muerte/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/19/la-canciller-coreana-felicita-a-lavrov-por-su-renombramiento-alcanzo-logros-notables/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/la-democracia-segun-la-ue/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/19/a-polonia-solo-puede-salvarla-su-clase-obrera/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/por-que-la-inexplicable-moda-por-el-filosofo-evald-ilienkov-equipo-de-bitacora-m-l-2024/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/fiscal-de-la-cpi-habla-de-las-amenazas-que-ha-recibido-por-investigar-a-israel/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/19/un-espectaculo-de-calidad-y-alegria-infinitas-para-celebrar-al-general-augusto-c-sandino/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/18/rosario-murillo-sandino-vive-y-todas-las-luchas-siguen/

www.workers.org/2024/05/78769/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ww-solidarity-with-the-iranian-people

www.commondreams.org/news/college-antisemitism-hearing

[NPR gave John Otis what seemed like over 5 minutes after 5pm on the 26th to say that the US and the ICC are basically going to get Venezuelan president Maduro, unless he leaves his country, as the US ordered Saddam Hussein to leave his country around spring 2003, or else.  NPR often has Latinos voice its US government propaganda against Latin America countries, and so on by ethnicity.  Otis quoted someone from the Atlantic Council pointing out that Maduro wouldn't have an incentive to give up power if that means imprisonment; as with Netanyahu and other US allies, they didn't mention.  They assume that Maduro will lose, citing a poll.  Polls indicate that bloody and not very democratic warmonger Biden is heading to a loss in November, after all of the talk about "democracy," including at 4pm today.  There were even quotes from the US-appointed "president" Juan Guaido, etc.  They ended by quoting that 'no good' Diosbado Cabello of the PSUV saying that the only transition coming in Venezuela is the transition to socialism, though it has stayed capitalist throughout the Bolivarian period.  If they can give up on prosecution, are they admitting that they don't have a real case?  Otis brought up how "dictators" used to go into exile, without noting that in Latin America those leaders were just about all US-backed rightists, and they often fled to the USA.   Someone claimed that they had offered to let Maduro and anyone else flee the country, but that it is too late now, and here Maduro says that he has been threatened:  diario-octubre.com/2024/05/25/presidente-maduro-revelo-que-el-imperialismo-le-ofrecio-riquezas-para-que-entregara-la-patria-jamas-caere/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/25/sin-la-represion-en-europa-las-matanzas-israelies-en-gaza-serian-imposibles/

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/25/a-los-capitalistas-les-sobran-millones-de-vidas-solo-les-queda-el-fascismo/

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi:  notorious terrorist or American agent? -- thecradle.co/articles-id/24084  The Battle of Fallujah was in April 2004 and al-Zarqawi is supposed to have been assassinated June 7, 2006.

www.normalisland.co.uk/p/tories-to-bring-back-national-service

Jill Stein became the GPUS' official presidential candidate May 25th [by the delegate count].  The BBC and NPR didn't report about that, but they have played a recording of Trump being booed at the Libertarian convention this weekend.  RFK Jr also spoke there.  I haven't heard the media say anything about the actual Libertarian candidates. 

Apparently May 25th is Geek Pride Day and May 26th is Paper Airplane Day, etc., according to the National Day Calendar website.  Africa Day is May 25th.  The Confederate Army of Trans-Mississippi surrendered May 26, 1865?  May 24th is Brother's Day, Escargot Day, Road Trip Day, Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, Wyoming Day, etc. and Pluto was given its name in 1930?  May 22, 2017 Trump became the first president to go to the Western Wall in Jerusalem while in office; he also went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, was born May 22, 1942, and Arthur Conan Doyle in 1859.

Julia Ward Howe was born May 27, 1819; Wild Bill Hickok was born May 27, 1837; Rachel Carson was born May 27, 1907;  May 27, 1931 humans first flew into the stratosphere, by balloon; light from the star Arcturus in Bootes, up now, inaugurated the Chicago World's Fair May 27, 1933; pedestrian traffic began on the Golden Gate Bridge May 27, 1935; and May 27, 1999 Discovery became the first Shuttle to dock at the ISS.  The Battle of Cempoala [1520], US Memorial Day, Grape Day, Cellophane Tape Day, etc.?

There are reports that Hamas fired rockets from Rafah, some of which hit in Israel, for the first time in a while and there are reports that more Israeli soldiers have been captured and taken underground.  Perhaps in return, Biden-backed Israel bombed a supposedly safe camp for displaced civilians.

From Balance and Accuracy in Journalism, slightly edited:

Born of skepticism over war talk in 1991,

our BAJ programs have consistently given voice to

those working for equality and cooperative existence

rather than chaos and bloodshed or simple passivity 

while global issues need however much or little we can do.

    Details follow.

The Orange County Peace Coalition and Eisenhower Chapter

of Veterans For Peace have invited former Marine captain and

State Department officer Matthew Hoh, to speak this Monday.                

Hoh publicly resigned his Afghanistan post in protest in 2009, .

He has shared his insights at our BAJ programs and recently 

at the UN Security Council.

Our local Raging Grannies will sing, and NC orthopedic surgeon

Mark Perlmutter, just back from emergency room service in Gaza, 

sends us a brief video with his views, and our role in stopping genocide.

 [photo]

Th program centers on all the victims of war, 

including needs unmet at home.

     For Balance and Accuracy in Journalism

     Jerry Markatos  [ ]

     ——

 

A Memorial Day Commemoration for ALL Victims of War

Monday, May 27 • 2 - 3:30 p.m. 

Extraordinary Ventures (200 S. Elliott Rd. Chapel Hill)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MATTHEW HOH [photo]

Now an independent analyst, his writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA

Today, and many other national and international publications. Most recently, he presented

a Briefing before the UN Security Council on “Threats to International Peace and Security." 

Songs of Peace and Justice: Triangle Raging Grannies

Municipal Proclamations: Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough Reflections from Gaza: Dr. Mark Perlmutter

Memorial Day Message: Douglas Ryder for Veterans For Peace Poetry Reading: Jeremy Berggren
Taps: Christopher Megli ]

[I had planned to post again last week about the 13-year cicadas, which or who are still going May 26th, though many have died.  Annual cicada species will beginning calling in a few weeks, in late June.]

diario-octubre.com/2024/05/22/criminal-de-guerra-activistas-interrumpen-discurso-de-blinken/

CodePink actions:  www.codepink.org/palestine

www.codepink.org/burchettlie

CODEPINK Demands Rep. Burchett Retract Lie Told In Foreign Affairs Hearing

[Photo]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2024

Media Contact: Melissa GArriga | melissa [at codepink ] 

CODEPINK Demands Retraction of Representative Tim Burchett’s Deflamatory Claim in House Foreign Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with Secretary of State Antony Blinken,Tennessee Rep Tim Burchett falsely claimed that someone from CODEPINK threatened to kill his wife and daughter. That is a dangerous  and horrific accusation from someone in power. 

When pressed on this outrageous lie, a staffer for Burchett claimed it happened two days ago. Knowing that no one from CODEPINK would ever threaten to kill anyone, the D.C. team continued to ask questions about the alleged encounter. The staffer could not identify the person and said he had no witnesses. The congressman also did not file any report about receiving a death threat. 

CODEPINK spends countless hours in Congress trying to stop the U.S. support of the murder of innocent people, like mothers and daughters in Gaza . We would never threaten the lives of mothers and daughters here in the United States. However, what we often do is ask these elected officials who wholeheartedly support the ongoing genocide to consider how they would feel if their own families were bombed and starved to death. That is an attempt to appeal to their humanity. We are asking for empathy, not threatening violence. It is a shame that Rep. Burchett would take such an appeal to humanity and twist it into a death threat. 

We ask Representative Burchett to retract his unfounded claim. He does not have to agree with us about Israel’s actions, but it is unacceptable for him to defame our organization and the passionate volunteers who try to hold our elected officials accountable. 

We know that wars, genocides, and occupations are driven by hate and lies. With all that is happening in the world, all the death and destruction, we need peace and cooperation now more than ever. CODEPINK remains committed to promoting diplomacy and disarmament through creative, nonviolent actions to address issues of militarism, injustice, and inequality.

[video]

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Take Action:  Congress Must Stop Threatening the ICC

May 23, 2024 | adc.org | Washington, DC — Within hours after ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, US laws scrambled to find ways to attack the ICC.    Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced his pursuit of legislation to sanction the ICC. On the Senate side, in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his willingness to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to sanction the ICC.   ADC calls on members of Congress to denounce recent rhetoric and legislative efforts aimed at sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC).    The threats coming from Congress that vilify and delegitimize the ICC are completely abhorrent . We urge all members of Congress to reject such delegitimizing speech and oppose any legislative efforts to undermine the ICC's authority.   Urge members of Congress to do the right thing and issue a clear statement supporting the ICC's arrest warrants by clicking here   At this pivotal moment in history, we must choose between doing what is right and what is not. Today, we ask Congress to make the moral decision to uphold international institutions by publicly supporting the ICC Prosecutor's applications for arrest warrants.   Take Action: Congress Must STOP Threatening the ICC

www.codepink.org/juliaunjustarrest

Capitol Police Arrest CODEPINK Staff Member Without Just Cause

[Photo]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2024

Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | melissa [at codepink ] 

CODEPINK Condemns Repression by Capitol Police: Staff Member Arrested for Quietly Exiting Hearing Room

WASHINGTON – A CODEPINK staff member was arrested this afternoon after she quietly exited a room where a hearing was taking place. At CODEPINK, we routinely risk arrest at congressional hearings while we disrupt warmongering politicians – but that was not the case in this instance. Our staff member awaits a court date for a previous arrest and did not intend to be arrested today. At the time of her arrest, she was exiting a hearing room without saying anything or holding up any signs, just holding up her hands for a brief moment. This symbolic action alone has never resulted in an arrest in our last 20 years of protesting on Capitol Hill. No disruption was taking place.  According to the police, she will be held overnight or potentially until her court date in June. 

"The Capitol Police know our faces well at this point; we are there daily. Julia's arrest today is nothing short of political repression and intimidation. Earlier today, they assaulted our members at a hearing, and now they are threatening to hold our members in jail for doing nothing at all." Danaka Katovich, the National Co-Director of CODEPINK. "In what democracy do police forces arrest recognizable activists? Julia's arrest and assaults on our activists earlier today signal a larger state of repression we are entering in our fight for a free Palestine. We will continue to stand by our staff and all activists against political repression," she continued. 

Today, as well, police forces at the University of Michigan raided a student encampment, using pepper spray and landing several people in the hospital. More and more arrests are taking place at peaceful protests for Palestine all over the country. And now, in our very own congressional buildings that our tax dollars pay for – activists are assaulted and arrested for interrupting politicians and holding up signs, or even, in Julia's case – for just being a recognizable activist who is doing nothing illegal. 

We condemn all acts of political repression against advocates for peace and justice, whether it's attacks on our non-profit staff or students from Columbia to Michigan.  

You can watch footage of her arrest here.

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www.codepink.org/blinkendisruptmay21

BREAKING: Four Peace Activists Arrested, One Left Bleeding After Disruption of Antony Blinken

[Photo]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2024

Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | melissa at codepink ]

Peace Activists Face Charges of Resisting Arrest During a Disruption of Secretary Blinken’s Testimony in a Senate Foreign Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON -- Peace activists with CODEPINK and American Muslims for Palestine disrupted war criminal Antony Blinken this morning in the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on American Diplomacy and Global Leadership. In the United State’s true authoritarian and anti-democratic fashion, two activists face charges of resisting arrest and were threatened with charges of assaulting a police officer.” There were plenty of witnesses who can attest that neither activists assaulted anyone. 

The only people assaulted today were the disrupters. CODEPINK member Ann Wright received an injury to her wrist when the police violently removed Mohamad Habehh from American Muslims for Palestine. Mohamad, disrupted Blinken by evoking the name of Hind Rajab, a 6-year victim of Israel’s 7-month long genocide of Gaza. Hind is one of tens of thousands of children murdered by Israel with the aid and support of the United States. 

“Hind Rajab was 6 years old when Israeli soldiers killed her. Over 35,000 Palestinians have been murdered in Gaza with American taxpayer dollars. Their blood is on your hands. You will be remembered as the butcher of Gaza. Your legacy is genocide. You’re just as guilty as Netanyahu. You’re killing our families, Blinken,” charged Mohamad. 

 “As a retired US diplomat, I am horrified by what Tony Blinken is doing a secretary of state and being a part of the genocide the Israeli genocide of Gaza, Tony Blinken, and the state department should be ashamed of themselves for assisting in the destruction of Gaza and the killing of 10 of thousands of Palestinians,” explained Ann Wright who was there to also disrupt Secretary Blinken. 

We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 35,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with American taxpayer dollars funding this violence. Secretary of State Antony Blinken bears direct responsibility for these atrocities and will be remembered as the "Butcher of Gaza." His legacy is one of genocide, on par with the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

CODEPINK volunteer, Tina, reminded Blinken of the war crimes he is purposely turning a blind eye to when she disrupted. She yelled to the “undiplomatic” diplomat, "There have been 7 mass graves outside of hospitals. This is sick. This is deranged. You are a war criminal. Shame on you!" 

Secretary Blinken is actively funding and financing this genocide. As the Secretary of State, it is his duty to ensure that U.S. weapons supplied to foreign militaries are used in accordance with international law. This obligation has been egregiously neglected, as evidenced by the continued bombing and starvation of hospitals, schools, mosques, churches, and refugee camps. Blinken's actions constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. This cannot be allowed to continue.

Olivia DiNucci, who alongside Mohamed is being charged with resisting arrest, made it clear that the United States is responsible for death and destruction around the globe - not diplomacy and leadership as the hearing titled implied. 

“The U.S. has given billions to Israel, but our country urgently needs these funds for healthcare, housing, and addressing climate change. We must end our complicity in this destruction and focus on building a just and equitable society at home,” DiNucci explained. 

For more information about the disruption and arrests, including access to videos, please contact Melissa at melissa [ at codepink ]. 

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www.codepink.org/peaceweekpressconference

PRESS CONFERENCE: Peace Activists to Address Dangers of Fleet Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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May 20th ADC email:

Community Pulse: Presidential Survey Results

Washington, D.C. |  adc.org | May 20, 2024 - ADC and the Truth Project have launched Community Pulse - an initiative to gauge Arab American perspectives on issues that directly impact the community. Between the dates of May 17 - May 18, ADC and the Truth Project conducted a survey to measure vote choice in the upcoming Presidential election among Arab American voters, and our allies.    The results show that only 7% of Arab American voters plan on voting for President Biden in the upcoming general election. GOP Candidate Donald Trump has less support, with only 2% committed to casting a ballot for the Former President this November.    Since the start of the genocide many have speculated about who Arab Americans would vote for – Biden or Trump. The answer is neither, with third party candidates getting substantial support.    Dr. Jill Stein, the Green Party Candidate received the most support at 25% . Dr. Stein is running on an anti-genocide platform, and has been a strong and vocal supporter of Palestine her entire career. Dr. Cornel West, who is running as an independent, is at 20% support. Dr. West has also stood for Palestine and Palestinian human rights throughout his entire career.

The Uncommitted option received 23% support. Currently 19% of respondents plan on voting in November, but are undecided about who they will vote for. 3% of voters plan on not voting, however, that number increases to 5% in battleground states.    The same remains consistent in battleground states , with Dr. Jill Stein and Dr. Cornel West receiving 25% and 17% of the vote, respectively. Biden and Trump received 7% and 2% respectively.    36,139 Arab American and allied voters all matched to the voter file were asked a simple question: Who are you voting for in November? Within hours 2,196 responded (6%) indicating a high level of enthusiasm among our community to engage on this topic.   As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, it is evident that Arab American and allied voters are supporting candidates that are listening to our concerns and demands.  Sign up for the Community Press and make your voice heard. What is Community Pulse? Community Pulse is opinion and sentiment research designed by Arab Americans to understand the issues that most affect Arab Americans. Grounded in the principle of “For Community, By Community” Community Pulse is not just about research; it's about strengthening our community and ensuring that our voices, stories and issues are heard and addressed.

May 20, 2024

Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | melissa [at codepink ]

CODEPINK San Pedro and San Pedro Neighbors For Peace and Justice to Hold Press Conference During Fleet Week to Counter The Week's Celebration of War

SAN PEDRO, CA—We invite you to attend a press conference hosted by CODEPINK San Pedro and San Pedro Neighbors For Peace and Justice. This conference aims to address the sponsors of Fleet Week and raise awareness about the objections from many seaside communities regarding the propagation of war propaganda. In a time when diplomacy and democracy should prevail, war and conflict stand as antithetical forces.

Press Conference Details:

• Notable speakers: 
  • Jack Eidt is the Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia, a platform for his work as a novelist, urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate advocate. He also produces the EcoJustice Radio show and podcast, which is nationally syndicated, and co-founded SoCal 350 Climate Action.
  • John Parker is a prominent anti-war organizer and founder of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice. He is a member of the Socialist Unity Party and contributes to StruggleLaLucha.org. Last November, Parker was detained in Egypt for 37 hours while participating in the Global Conscience Convoy, protesting U.S. and Egyptian policies to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• Location: 3rd and Harbor Blvd., USS Iowa
• Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
• Time: 11:00 AM

This press conference is part of the week-long actions of the 9th Annual L.A. Harbor Peace Week. We aim to resist the normalization and promotion of war during the U.S. military's "L.A. Fleet Week." Instead of sponsoring Fleet Week, we believe communities should advocate for peace and democracy, both locally and globally. We hope our message resonates and inspires you, igniting a spark to join us in this cause.

Your attendance and coverage of this event are crucial in amplifying our message of peace and solidarity.

For more information about the press conference or the 9th Annual Peace Week, please get in touch with Melanie Cohen at melaniecohen372 [ gmail ].

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www.codepink.org/househearingunrwaarrest

BREAKING: Medea Benjamin and Others Arrested For Telling Truth at House Foreign Affairs Hearing on US Aid

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2024

Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | melissa [at codepink ]

CODEPINK Members Arrested at House Committee on Foreign Affairs Hearing on US Aid

Washington, D.C. - Four members of CODEPINK were arrested today at a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing focused on eliminating U.S. aid to entities designated as terrorists.

CODEPINK member Julia Norman challenged the testimonies presented during the hearing, accusing those testifying of disseminating false information. Another member, Mary Beth, vocally confronted the participants, asserting that their actions were directly responsible for the starvation of children in Gaza.

After the meeting adjourned, Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, addressed the room, stating that she had visited Gaza seven times. She emphasized that she has personally witnessed the operations of UNRWA schools and distribution centers and refuted claims made during the hearing that U.S. aid intended for Gazans is going to Hamas. Benjamin emphasized that the allegations made in the hearing were without evidence. CODEPINK member Pua Ali’i Lum echoed her sentiments. 

Despite the hearing being officially over and no signs being used, Medea Benjamin and Pua Ali’i were detained and arrested in the hallway for "demonstrating in a federal building." The arrest decision appeared to have been made by Capitol police rather than the committee chair.

The sham hearing featured three witnesses, yet failed to entertain any testimony from witnesses on behalf of UNRWA. The actual criminal act is when elected officials and their "witnesses" lie under oath in the people's house. It is even especially heinous when those lies are directly contributing to the death by starvation of innocent men, women, and children. 

Despite the oppressive tactics today, CODEPINK will continue to speak truth to power that lies. We will continue to call out those who are directly contributing to war crimes. 

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For more information about the arrests, please contact Melissa at melissa [at codepink].

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