The theme of the Seattle March 19^th rally and march (see page 2) is "War Costs. Who Pays? Bring the Troops Home Now!" The images and themes highlight the costs to Iraqi civilians (100,000 and counting), the mounting U.S. dead and wounded, and the impact on human needs at home. A huge banner and leaflets contrasting the 4 billion dollars spent by Washington taxpayers on the war with the cuts to state human services made their first appearance in Olympia on Presidents Day. A week earlier a Seattle press conference featured representatives from the federal (Rep. Jim McDermott), state, county, city, and school board, who eloquently discussed the impact of the war on their budgets and constituencies.

In recent speaking tours, Dahr Jamail, Father Simon Harak, and Iraqi pediatrician Dr. Janan Hassan told moving stories and showed compelling images that mainstream media have refused to show. A SNOW project is working to place similar images and a powerful poem in churches and cafes in an attempt to move people's hearts to action. A similar project is under discussion in Tacoma - and elsewhere. Bus ads depicting an Iraqi mother cradling a critically wounded child are set to run. People seem ready to look at true depictions of war and ask others to reflect on the cost - and to act. The question remains for us: how do we act?

Ursula K. LeGuin: "Today, no comfort but the jewel courage. / The war is ours, now, here, it is our republic / facing its own betraying terror. / And how we tell the story is forever after."

You are invited to join the WWFOR Area Committee on March 12^th in Tacoma for an all day Racial Justice Workshop led by Sarah Augustine and Lea Zengage. Sarah is a member of Seattle FOR and its Racial Justice Committee. Lea is the director of Justice Works, an FOR-affiliated organization whose mission is to undo racism in the criminal justice system as experienced by African Americans.

Our day will begin with a performance of "Set Up to Fail", a play presented by members of Justice Works, which will be followed by discussion, and reflection of our own attitudes and biases. Much of the afternoon is structured around exploring ways in which we can achieve racial justice at a societal level as well as practice it ourselves at the organizational level.

Space is limited so if you are interested in attending the workshop or would like to come only for the play (10:15-11:15 a.m.), or want to work out some carpooling, please contact the WWFOR office (206-789-5565). In the next Pacific Call, we'll publish some reflections of the day as well as action ideas that we generated together.

WWFOR is proud to be a local co-sponsor of Eyes Wide Open, the American Friends Service Committee's widely acclaimed exhibition on the human cost of the Iraq war. It features a pair of boots honoring each US military casualty, a field of shoes and a Wall of Remembrance to memorialize Iraqis killed in the conflict, and a multimedia display exploring the history, cost and consequences of the war. Eyes Wide Open has toured 50 cities so far, generating media attention and public recognition and reaching a broad audience, including those who have not taken a stand against the Iraq war. It promotes dialogue and moves people to action.

The Seattle exhibit will be at Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center. We need volunteers in Seattle and Tacoma to set up and pack each day, monitor, and hand out postcards. If you can help, please call Ellen at WWFOR 206-789-5565.

FOR folks draw from our deeply held values to work on a great variety of issues. Every year the Western Washington FOR's Spring Membership Assembly connects us with each other and stimulates action. Our 7^th Annual Spring Assembly will bring us together to work on these:

While some people just complain about how awful the problems are, our Spring Assemblies inspire us to generate solutions and move toward action! You will enjoy connecting with other grassroots FOR folks throughout Western Washington and empowering ourselves to strengthen the movement for social justice, nonviolence and peace.

We'll be at the Fauntleroy UCC Church at 9260 California SW in West Seattle. We'll start gathering at 9:00 a.m. for registration and social time. The assembly will start at 10:00 a.m. sharp. We are keeping costs low and will ask registrants to pay approximately $15 or whatever they can. This includes lunch. Consider carpooling from your area!

Simon Harak, a former professor of ethics and now full time activist, reached stunning conclusions when he applied a simple ethical test of ends and means to the four U.S. wars in Iraq. The four wars are: 1) 1991 2) subsequent 13 years of sanctions 3) 2003 invasion 4) follow-on from that invasion.

Harak began by abstractly describing ends (goals). From the standpoint of ethics, the end we're looking at has to be a moral end. The goal we're pursuing has to be a moral goal if we're thinking of trying to act morally or even logically. There's no right way to do a wrong thing. When you choose a good end, then you have to choose a means that actually leads to the end. If the means that has been chosen will not lead to the stated goal, then either the actor doesn't know what he is doing (the means has been stupidly chosen) or he has a hidden goal (a hidden end). In any case, the result is set by the means.

Or, as Gandhi put it, "The means may be likened to a seed, the end to a tree. And there is just the same inviolable connection between the means and the end, as there is between the seed and the tree."

The 3^rd war started on March 20, 2003. The end was to get the weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The UN Security Council legitimized that end. Later, other ends were slipped in: Overthrow Saddam; Liberate Iraq; eliminate a terror front (even though there was no Iraq terror threat). But, there was no international or legal precedent to justify those other ends. The only possible legal warrant was to find WMD.

Contrast that with the means: day-night bombing of population centers; cluster bombs (devastating to people, not to things); depleted uranium; seizing unscathed the oil wells and the Ministry of Petroleum headquarters while elsewhere shooting and bombing and allowing looting. To date 100,000 Iraqi civilians and 1500 US military are estimated killed. Again, Gandhi, "What does it matter to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?"

Then, Donald Rumsfeld, "Are more people going to be killed? You bet." (Jul 4, 2003). Or, retired Gen. Franks on loss of life in Iraq, "If it costs 500, that's OK, or 5000, OK, or 50,000, that's OK with me." (reported Mar 5, 2004).

On Dec 7, 2003, US Lt. Col. Sassaman reported on his battalion's situation at the village of Abu Hishma, "With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and lots of money for projects, I think we can convince these people that we are here to help them." After the efforts of 1625 US and UN inspectors, and a billion dollars, on Jan 23, 2004, the head of the US Iraq Survey Group, David Kay, resigned his position, stating that concerning WMD, "I don't think they existed."

A Jesuit since 1970, Harak has traveled to Iraq three times with Voices in the Wilderness to bring medicine and toys to Iraqi hospitals and meet with local religious leaders, leaders of human rights organizations and representatives of UN relief operations. A distinguished scholar, Harak has published four books, most recently Nonviolence for the Third Millennium: Its Legacy and Its Future. He is now writing Vicious Passions, a study of addiction and violence.

The EFOR has leased the Bradford Center from First Congregational Church through September to continue our mission to educate the public about important issues affecting our country and world.

We jointly sponsor the Eastside movie night with the Evergreen Peace and Justice Community every second Wednesday and have lectures every fourth Wednesday.

In December we sponsored a very successful holiday gathering of groups active on the Eastside. Spokespersons from each of 14 groups explained the mission and activities of their group. Since December, there have been numerous requests to meet again. As a result of these requests, EFOR will sponsor an awards presentation night for the Eastside peace and justice coalition in late March.

In January, EFOR co-sponsored the Michael Ruppert lecture in Kane Hall at the UW and in February, EFOR sponsored presentations by Michael Tivana and Ali Salaam on "Tools of Rebellion". A lively conversation followed.

Olympia's peace & justice activists have successfully banished the post-election blues by launching a smart and vigorous mix of activities. The Olympia FOR is helping with many and is organizing these:

VIGILS: Our two weekly peace vigils draw strong participation. Our Wednesday noon-hour vigil will mark our 25^th anniversary in early March with additional participation on Wednesday March 9 and a potluck dinner and celebration at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 8 at Traditions Café, 5^th & Water.

NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE: Every Sunday through March 20 we're gathering at 2:00 p.m. at the Olympia Library to watch and discuss a different 30-minute documentary about nonviolent resistance through the series A Force More Powerful.

GANDHI STUDY GROUPS: More people want to study Gandhi, so we've organized two new study groups (a Monday group and a Wednesday group) to meet every two weeks until early May. We're watching the 1982 Gandhi movie and reading and discussing two outstanding books.

TOM RAWSON CONCERT: On March 5 Tom's benefit concert will spread good cheer and good politics while raising some much-needed income.

CHILDREN'S PEACE ART: Every year the Olympia FOR participates in the gigantic local "Arts Walk" event by displaying peace-related art by kids at Buck's Fifth Avenue, 209 5^th Ave SE.

TV PROGRAMS: Our Monday & Thursday series reached its 18^th year by producing our own 1-hour programs about moral values, terrorism, Iraqi civilian deaths, and oil wars. Our Sunday night "Big Picture" series has been featuring documentaries about longtime activists, reproductive rights, racial justice, and military realities.

Mar 18, evening in Wenatchee at river end of 5^th Street, there will be a candlelight meditation of remembrance on the 2^nd anniversary of the Iraq war.

Apr 9, Desert Storm veteran Dennis Kyne will speak on Depleted Uranium. Later in April, at North Central Washington Museum in Wenatchee, after the film "End of Suburbia" Paul Roberts will speak on The End of Oil.

The January 17 celebration of Martin Luther King Day at Seattle's Garfield High School brought out thousands for workshops, a great rally, march and closing rally, despite heavy rain. Seattle FOR was there with a proud, soggy banner.

On February 20, Marilyn Watkins of the Economic Opportunity Institute spoke on Social Security. Her strong, well-documented message was that Social Security is a great success story, and not just for the retired. 30% of beneficiaries collect survivors or disability insurance. Social security benefits the immediate families of 5.2 million children under age 18, and it has helped cut the poverty rate among seniors by more than 2/3 in the last half-century.

Ongoing Wednesdays, noon - 1 p.m., NW corner of Sylvester Park, corner of Legion & Capitol Way, Olympia, Peace Vigil, come for all or part of the hour to sustain Olympia *FOR’s* persistent (every week for 25 years, come mark 25th Anniversary March 9) witness for peace and nonviolence; bring signs or use ours; info Glen 360-491-9093

Ongoing Thursdays; 5 - 6 p.m., near the Westlake Park arch at 4th and Pine, downtown Seattle; Peace Vigil and leafleting by Women in Black, a group in the tradition of the women who vigil weekly in Israel / Palestine, info 206-208-9715

Ongoing Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m., in front of the Bellingham Federal Building; join Bellingham *FOR* members and others in the Whatcom Peace Vigil followed by open discussion at Port of Subs, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., info 360-738-9205

Ongoing Fridays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., south end of Percival Landing, W 4th & Water, Olympia; Please join Olympia *FOR* in this very friendly peace vigil for all or part of this time. Signs provided or bring your own. info 360-491-9093

Ongoing Saturdays, noon - 1 p.m., along Pearl St. at Locust, along Washington Park in front of library in Centralia; Vigil with focus on Peace and on Education by Fire Mountain *FOR*; info June Butler, 360-748-9658 or Larry Kerschner 360-291-3946

Saturdays March 5 & 19, April 2 & 16, 2 - 4 p.m., at the Richmond Beach Public Library, 2100 NW 196th Street, Shoreline; a series of discussions and presentations on "Security and Nonviolence" ; sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the Nonviolent Peaceforce, both *FOR* affiliates, info Patricia Scott 206-361-1314

Sun March 6, 10 am to 4 pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, corner of 65th NW and 23d NW, Seattle; Conscientious Objector Training for High School Students, by Trinity United Methodist Church with Veterans for Peace and the Mennonite Church of Seatte. Register with Rev. Rich Lang 206-784-2227

Sat March 12, 9 am - 4 pm, in Tacoma; anti-racism workshop for *WWFOR* area committee and other WWFOR activists, info 206-789-5565

Sun March 13, 2 p.m., at the Centralia Timberland Library; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* meeting, with discussion of peace vigiling: connecting training, goals, and inviting others. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946

Sun March 13, 5:15 p.m. business meeting, 6 potluck, 7 program, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program, showing of the videotape of Fr. Simon Harak's presentation 4 Feb. at Tacoma Community College, "Stop the Merchants of Death"; info Vivi 253-572-4912

Fri March 18, 7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* meeting showing the film, "Uncovered" followed by discussion; info or transportation needs Janey 360-423-7338

Sat March 19, around Lake Sacajawea; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* will participate in a peace vigil marking the anniversary of the start of the current Iraq war; info Janey 360-423-7338

Sun March 20, potluck 5 p.m., announcements 6, program 6:30, at Woodland Park Presby. Church, 225 N 70th, Seattle; Seattle *FOR* program, Ben Sherman, on "Medic! The Story of a Conscientious Objector in the Vietnam War"; info 206-789-5565

Weds March 23, 7 pm, at Temple Beth Am, 2632 NE 80th St, Seattle; Jerry Fowler, Staff at US Holocaust memorial in D.C., will be speak on "Genocide Emergency - Darfur, Sudan: Who Will Survive Today?" co-sponsored by *WWFOR*

Tues March 29, 7 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, 1710 11th Ave., Seattle; Nuclear Arms in Outer Space, a forum, with Bob Beveridge, with video followed by a discussion. Sponsored by Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Seattle *FOR* & Peace and Justice Resource Center, info Tom Walker 425-641-9247

Fri April 1, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, lower level, 816 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, info Mark 206-243-9238 or Mary Emma 206-870-2005

Sat April 2, 3 p.m., & subsequent 1st Saturdays, Keystone Cong. Ch., 5019 Keystone Pl. N, Seattle; meeting of Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq working for peace in Iraq; info Rich Gamble 206-632-6021

Sat April 2, 5 - 8 pm, at Cascade People's Center, 309 Pontius Ave N Seattle; Justice Works! Justice Works!, a *FOR* affiliate whose mission is undoing racism in the criminal justice system as experienced by African Americans, presents a Welcome Back Potluck Party For Newly Released Incarcerated People with play, "family circle", silent auction. Donations of toiletries, phone cards, gift certificates, new underwear and socks etc welcome. info Lea 206-303-7559

Weds April 6, and subsequent 1st Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Labor Temple, Hall 8, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle; Jobs With Justice Seattle Organizing Committee meeting, *WWFOR* is a member of JwJ, info 206-441-4969

Sun April 10, 2 p.m., at the Centralia Timberland Library; Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* meeting, Current concerns include de-militarization, globalized economy, Decade of Nonviolence. info June 360-748-9658 or Larry 360-291-3946

Sun April 10, 5:15 p.m. business meeting, 6 potluck, 7 program, at the Friends Center, 2508 S. 39th St, Tacoma; Tacoma *FOR* program, likely topic on efforts to renew understanding between Friends (Quakers) and native Americans; info Vivi 253-572-4912

Fri April 15, 7 p.m., at the Longview United Methodist Church, 2851-30th Ave., Longview; Cowlitz County Longview/Kelso area *FOR* meeting showing the film "Fog of War," a thought-provoking anti-war film, followed by discussion; info Janey 360-423-7338

Sun April 17, 5 p.m. potluck, 6 p.m. announcements, 6:30 program, at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N 70th near Greenwood; Seattle *FOR* program, topic Indigenous Rights in Surinam, info 206-789-5565

Sat April 23, 9 am - 4 pm, at Fauntleroy UCC Church, 9260 California SW, West Seattle; *WWFOR* Spring Membership Assembly, Network with FOR folks from throughout Western WA; preregistration, info & carpooling 206-789-5565

April 29 - May 1, at Southwestern Washington Fairgrounds; look for the Fire Mountain (Centralia-Chehalis area) *FOR* booth promoting peace and justice at the Youth Fair

Weds May 4, and subsequent 1st Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., at Labor Temple, Hall 8, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle; Jobs With Justice Seattle Organizing Committee meeting, *WWFOR* is a member of JwJ, info 206-441-4969

Fri May 6, 7 p.m., Wesley Terrace, lower level, 816 S. 216th, Des Moines; South King County *FOR* meeting, info Mark 206-243-9238 or Mary Emma 206-870-2005

Sat May 7, 3 p.m., & subsequent 1st Saturdays, Keystone Cong. Ch., 5019 Keystone Pl. N, Seattle; meeting of Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq working for peace in Iraq; info Rich Gamble 206-632-6021

Sat May 14, 10 am - 4 pm, call for location, probably in Seattle; *WWFOR* Area Committee Quarterly Meeting, our governing and coordinating board. Everyone is welcome. info 206-789-5565

Fri - Mon July 1 - 4, Seabeck Conference Center, on Hood Canal, Seabeck WA, 47th annual FOR Regional Conference with speakers, workshops, music and fun for all ages, theme is Nonviolent Resistance, info 206-789-5565

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