NYC's Biggest Union Supports Oct. 25th

NYC's Biggest Union Supports Oct. 25th/ Message to VoteNoWar Members

September 15, 2003--The overwhelming support shown by VoteNoWar members for the upcoming October 25 National March on Washington DC to BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW! is really making a difference in the success of this mobilization.

We have just learned that the largest union in New York, 1199/SEIU Health and Hospital Workers Union, has decided to support the October 25th march in Washington. Representing 200,000 workers, the union has agreed to provide free bus transportation to its members and their families who want to come to the protest.

We are also raising funds to subsidize buses for high school students who want to attend the protest. Transportation centers, that will provide buses and vans to DC, have been established in more than 50 cities and we expect that number to reach the 150 mark in the next weeks.

Having a huge turnout in Washington DC couldn't come at a more timely moment. The just-released Gallup Poll reveals a sea change taking place in the population. Bush's approval ratings have slipped to their lowest level since September 11, 2001. There is a rising tide of disgust with Bush's lies about Iraq, and a growing understanding that the Administration must be held accountable for the shameful and illegal war and occupation of Iraq.

The renewed antiwar movement can and will emerge as the single biggest obstacle to the Administration. Now is the time to remember how the war and occupation of Vietnam finally came to an end. More than remembering, we must all act now with the same spirit, commitment and determination of those whose actions profoundly altered the political landscape in the 1960's and 70's and made the prolongation of the war impossible.

We are hearing from people all over the country who have never previously been involved in progressive movements. Many are the family members of soldiers as well as a large number of veterans. People are so angry and frustrated that they want to become involved in building and organizing for the March on Washington. We are optimistic that with the continued support of the VoteNoWar members we can reach millions of others and bring them into this growing movement.

As we organize for October 25th we must mount a huge effort to tell the Congress that people in this country oppose Bush's request for $87 billion more for the war and occupation of Iraq (Congress previously agreed to a $79 billion spending bill for the invasion). The Congress must not be allowed to again rubber-stamp Bush's illegal and immoral actions in Iraq.

We encourage all VoteNoWar.org members to take advantage of the free new instant communications tools at the VoteNoWar.org web site to besiege Congress and the media with a clear message: Vote No! -- No money to a colonial-type occupation of Iraq. Vote Yes! -- Yes, we need to fund money for schools, healthcare, housing, and jobs. Tens of thousands will be in the streets in ear shot of the Congress and White House on October 25th with this message but there is no reason to wait. Go to VoteNoWar.org and tell these politicians what you think. It's our hard earned tax dollars that will be spent for more killing in Iraq (less than 25% of the $87 billion is earmarked for 'reconstruction' in Iraq with the vast amount dedicated to military operations to kill those resisting the occupation).

The war and occupation of Iraq represent a turning point. We encourage everyone to do their part for October 25. Volunteers are needed right now to help spread the word. Funds are urgently needed to help cover the costs of this huge undertaking. All of us working together can make sure that Bush's foreign and domestic program can be overturned.

For information on transportation to Washington, D.C. for October 25, visit

http://www.internationalanswer.org/campaigns/o25/oct25transp.html .