December, 2001

Dear Friends,

Many of us are feeling isolated and heart sick about the September 11 attacks and our government's violent and repressive response. Growing talk from Washington of widening the war to Iraq deepens our fears that the US is taking the world down a tragic path. The Italian newspaper La Stampa quoted former US ambassador to UN Richard Holbrook as saying that the US government is getting prepared to attack Iraq, "We will attack Iraq without needing to give any evidence connecting Saddam Hussein to the perpetuators of the Sept 11 events." Are we to wait for this escalation to happen and then hold up our well-worn "Stop the Bombing" signs -- or can we take pro-active steps to prevent the escalation?

The Fellowship of Reconciliation, proposes an all-out national and international effort to prevent an escalation. We suggest an immediate campaign co-sponsored by the major national peace organizations and faith communities including a peace pledge and a grassroots and national media campaign. We urge national organizations to contact their affiliates in other countries to spread this campaign. With e-mail list serves and emergency mailings we have a potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people in short order. This effort to prevent all-out war on Iraq could be the first step in mobilizing people for a positive new foreign policy of peace, justice and sustainability and away from militarism and repression. While waiting for other organizational sponsors we are asking you to promote the pledge as widely as you can. Think of slipping one in with your holiday cards. Won't you feel better in this season when many faiths focus on Peace and Justice on Earth if you have taken action for peace in concert with thousands of others? Let's create a revitalized peace movement!