Local activists challenge democracy’s demise

author : Molly Gibbs topic : Olympia activists

by Molly Gibbs

Olympia activists are bringing together a remarkable cadre of experts to address the demise of democracy and rise of corporate power, and the role of the military in our lives. We are responsible for what is being done with our tax dollars and our power. We are outraged.

This October, a can-do, positive series entitled The Cost of War allows us to explore in-depth the messages behind “Stop the War.” We spell out, in detail, precisely why we are opposed to today’s wars over oil, water, privatization, imperialism, international war crimes, multinational monopolies, mercenaries, torture, class and race.

So, what’s happening in Oly? First, there is the Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee. This awesome small group of students took on the Evergreen State College admini-stration—respectfully and effectively. It took them an entire school year, and the first Iraqi student begins at Evergreen in a few weeks. This effort required political and or-ganizational savvy, legal research, and strategic planning. While other schools around the country are doing similar work, none are student initiated and driven. Andrea Robbins and Hudson Muñoz report ISSC has raised $10,000 to support two students’ living expenses for one year.

“We (the ISSC) see this project as the responsibility of all citizens of the United States,” Robbins said.

Restitution has begun in Olympia, thanks to these students.

A few Iraq Vets set out to launch a new GI Coffee House, due to open this fall, near Fort Lewis which serves 25,000 men and women. Seth Manzel reports that a local coffee roaster donated the equipment, furniture and supplies to open the doors. The vets are excited because the business has three primary aspects: a GI radio show, which reaches soldiers around the world; GI Voice, the website at givoice.org; and the coffee house. The latter serves as a quiet place for soldiers and their families to seek all kinds of services: PTSD and marital counseling, disability counseling and help with completing forms; GI rights, DU information and more. Speakers and concerts will be featured regularly. The onsite library includes books, articles and DVDs.

“By giving soldiers an opportunity connect with other soldiers in safe space, we will greatly increase the number of soldiers aware of their rights and obligations, and the help that is available to them if they cannot, or choose not to, participate in war. By supporting this project, we are taking action to end the occupations of Iraq and Afghani-stan. I will personally raise $1,000 from my friends and family to support this coffee house, and challenge others to call on your resources to support soldiers and this pro-ject,” wrote Alex Bacon of the Board Chair of Seattle Draft & Military Counseling Center and G.I. Rights Network Advisory Committee Member.

If you can help us raise $30,000, go to http://givoice.org and click on the donation button. Tax deductions for checks are available, with mailing address online.

Other October events:

Oct. 3: South Puget Sound Community College (BRICK) brings Greg Palast to speak on elections, past and present.

Volunteers working with the Washington Public Campaigns (WPC) Thurston County chapter have drafted a proposal for a Voter-Owned Elections program in Olympia. The proposal includes draft language for a proposed ordinance, along with explanatory material. See documents and meeting information at Thurston@washclean.org.

Oct. 12: Following major protests over the Occupation of Iraq, Wayne Smith from the Unitarian Universalist Civil Liberties Program, is the featured speaker on the Cost of Iraq. Smith, a Vietnam veteran, will address reparations, and his experience receiving a Nobel Peace prize, along with Vietnamese soldiers, who bicycled 1200 miles with US soldiers on a reconciliation journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. He will focus on what we can do to stop funding wars, and will meet with local activists.

Oct. 17–19: The Rachel Corrie Foundation presents the Peace Works Conference, this year focusing on the occupations in Palestine and Iraq. Speakers include Dahlia Wasfi, Iraqi American activist, who lived in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq; Phyllis Bennis, author and committed scholar-activist, with the Institute of Foreign Policy and journalist specializing in the Middle East; and Colonel Ann Wright, well-known retired military and diplomat.

“These three women along with other speakers will be leading workshops, panels, and trainings that will promote positive relationships, education, and the sharing of new ideas to end occupation. Check for speaker and sponsor updates at www.rachelcorriefoundation.org,” wrote Rebecca Pilcher, Community Outreach Chair of the Peace Works Conference.

Oct 20: Antonia Juhasz will brilliantly summarize the Tyranny of Oil, and outline what we must do to stop Big Oil.

“Juhasz identifies and articulates an extraordinary problem, provides the critical details, offers real solutions, and gives concrete steps to achieve them. In a world that glorifies war and violence, Juhasz offers thoughtfulness and activism.”

wrote Professor Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Ambassador for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

Tickets sold for $10 will benefit the GI Coffee House.

Oct 24: The Iraq Student Solidarity Committee convenes an intimate fundraising dinner in support of 2009 displaced Iraqi students who need our support.