“No War on Iran” Protest Vigil Wednesday Jan 8th at the SC Statehouse

No War on Iran Protest Vigil
WEDNESDAY Jan 8th 5PM-6:30PM
SC Statehouse (corner Main & Gervais)

Join us for a “No War on Iran” Protest Vigil held in response to rapid and disproportionate escalation and threats of war with Iran. Gather in front of the SC Statehouse for a sign line vigil, 1100 Gervais Street (corner of Main & Gervais). Some signs provided. Please no profanity. Media will be invited.

Facebook Event

The recent assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani via drone strike constituted a disproportionate and reckless escalation of a proxy war with Iran. Continue reading ““No War on Iran” Protest Vigil Wednesday Jan 8th at the SC Statehouse” →

Hiroshima Vigil, Thu, Aug 6, 6:30 pm

Please join us for a reflective vigil remembering the 70th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb. Let us work for nuclear disarmament to ensure that the atomic horror is never repeated. Features poster display, short film & panel discussion on importance of peace with Iran.

Augusta Library, 823 Telfair St, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

Free and open to the public.

RSVP & share on Facebook. Retweet announcement.

ACTION ALERT: Netanyahu Speech Undermines Diplomacy with Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fearmongering speech to Congress today undermines President Obama and our allies’ efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. Containing naked fearmongering, outright lies, illogical statements, unrealistic demands and even a few valid points, Bibi Netanyahu’s speech is at best an Israeli election year ploy and at worst an attempt to inject a foreign government’s agenda into Congress, sabotaging an Iran peace deal. The time to speak out is NOW…

TAKE ACTION! Tell Your Congressman to Support Diplomacy with Iran

1. Take Netanyahu’s Speech with a Grain of Salt

2. Support President Obama and our Allies’ Diplomatic Efforts for a Nuclear Deal with Iran.

Email & Call your Congressmen! A list of contact information is below.

*Representative James Clyburn (SC-6) was the lone South Carolina Congressman to have skipped the speech. Please thank him for taking a stand and voice your support for diplomacy.

Willing to write a letter to your newspaper on this? Or meet with your Rep’s local office?

Look up your Congressmen & Learn More…

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTACTING YOUR CONGRESSMEN…

1. Write one email message; copy and paste to send to your 1 Representative in the House & two Senators. Three birds, one stone. Keep it short and to the point, but put it in your own words.

2. Call your Rep in the House, and then call the two Senators if you have time. Reps are more responsive to phone calls. They will ask for your name, city/address. Make your points briefly, short and to the point. They are likely just keeping a tally so they don’t need to hear your opinion in depth.

South Carolina Congressional Contact Info:

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Phone: Washington DC Office (202) 224-5972

Email: http://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.EmailSenatorGraham

Local Offices: http://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.OfficeLocations

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)

Phone: Washington DC Office (202) 224-6121, Toll Free: (855) 425-6324

Email: http://www.scott.senate.gov/contact/email-me

Local Offices: http://www.scott.senate.gov/office/washington-dc

Rep. Mark Sanford (SC-1, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202)

Email: http://sanford.house.gov/contact/email-me

Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202) 225-2452

Email: http://joewilson.house.gov/contact/email-me

Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-3, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202) 225-3216

Email: https://jeffduncan.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC-4, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202) 225-6030

Email: http://gowdy.house.gov/contact/default.aspx

Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC-5, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202) 225-5501

Email: https://mulvaney.house.gov/email-mick

Rep. James Clyburn (SC-6, D)* Skipped the Speech, Thank Him!

Phone Washington DC Office: (202) 225-3315

Email: https://clyburn.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

Rep. Tom Rice, (SC-7, R)

Phone Washington DC Office: (202)

Email: http://tomriceforms.house.gov/contact/

Learn More…

FCNL (Friends Coalition on National Legislation) Kate Gould: “What Netanyahu Got Wrong” http://fcnl.org/blog/2c/netanyahu_wrong/

Lara Friedman of Americans for Peace Now, “11 Lies Netanyahu Told Congress”: http://m.forward.com/blogs/forward-thinking/215878/-lies-netanyahu-told-congress-on-iran/

Arms Control Association: Netanyahu on the Iran Nuclear Deal, A Reality Check: http://www.armscontrol.org/Issue-Briefs/2015-03-03/Netanyahu-On-the-Iran-Nuclear-Issue-A-Reality-Check

Judge for Yourself [Netanyahu Speech to Congress 2015 FULL TRANSCRIPT]: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/03/03/full-text-netanyahus-address-to-congress/

Congressmen who skipped the speech: http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/26/politics/democrats-missing-netanyahu-whip-list/index.html

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AIPAC’s Agenda vs. the Interest of Peace

The AIPAC Agenda & Senator Graham’s Preemptive Attack on Iran Resolution

This past weekend AIPAC (the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee), one of the most powerful lobbies in DC, held its policy conference in Washington DC to push the Israeli government’s agenda on Congress. Thousands of AIPAC conference attendees are swarming Capitol Hill this week to press that agenda which includes a Senator Graham sponsored Senate Resolution 65 supporting an Israeli preemptive attack on Iran, exempting $3.1 billion in US military aid to Israel from sequestration cuts while we make painful cuts here at home, and silencing US criticism of settlements.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress You Don’t Support AIPAC’s Agenda!

Click “Read More” for Links to Contact Congress & More Info

Background:

Senate Resolution 65 declaring support for an Israeli preemptive attack on Iran, sponsored by our own Senator Graham, was rolled out not coincidentally right before the AIPAC conference. S. Res. 65 is dangerous step toward preemptive war with Iran.

Israel receives $3.1 billion in military aid from the US each year despite continuing to build settlements and human rights abuses in the Israeli Occupied Palestinian West Bank. Tell Congress to condition aid to Israel on a settlement freeze and respect for human rights. Plus, we can’t afford to be furnishing Israel with billions in aid while we cut needed programs here at home.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress You Don’t Support AIPAC’s Agenda!

Contact Your Senators and Your Representative!

Send emails to your Congressmen. An individually written letter is given more weight than a form letter; however, a form letter is better than nothing if you are pressed for time!

AIPAC Doesn’t Speak for Me! Action Alert from Jewish Voice for Peace

Customizable Message Sent to All Your Elected Officials

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/301/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12656

No Back Door War with Iran Action Alert

Customizable Message Sent to Senators in Opposition to S. Resolution 65

http://www.capwiz.com/peaceactionwest/issues/alert/?alertid=62464786#

MOST EFFECTIVE: Write Your Own Letter. Write one original short letter (2 paragraphs) and modify it slightly re: S. Res 65 for each Senator. Use the sample letters below as an example of how to modify for each Senator.

Contact Your Senators

Senator Lindsey Graham (SC-R): http://lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.EmailSenatorGraham

Send a short email to Senator Graham telling him you are disappointed that he has sponsored S. Resolution 65 and your what you think about preemptive war with Iran. Then tell him what you think about US military aid to Israel.

Senator Tim Scott (SC-R): http://www.scott.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Send a short email to Senator Scott asking him to NOT sponsor S. Resolution 65 and what you think about preemptive war with Iran. Then tell him what you think about US military aid to Israel.

Senators outside of SC: senate.gov

Contact Your Representative

Tell your Representative you oppose preemptive war with Iran and what you think about US military aid to Israel.

SC-1, formerly Rep Tim Scott’s seat: Currently South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District has no vote in Congress pending a special election to replace Tim Scott who was appointed a US. Senator.

Rep Joe Wilson (SC-2) :https://joewilsonforms.house.gov/Forms/WriteYourRep/default.aspx

Rep Jeff Duncan (SC-3) https://jeffduncan.house.gov/contact-me

Rep Trey Gowdy (SC-4) http://gowdy.house.gov/Contact/default.aspx

Rep Mick Mulvaney (SC-5) https://forms.house.gov/mulvaney/webforms/zipauthen_contact.shtml

Rep Jim Clyburn (SC-6): https://forms.house.gov/clyburn/zipauth.shtml

Don’t know your Congressman? Outside SC? Go here: house.gov

SAMPLE LETTERS:

AIPAC Doesn’t Speak for Me!

As your constituent and a supporter of peace, I ask you not to let AIPAC dictate US policy in the Middle East. In the next few days, they will:

– Ask that aid to Israel be exempted from sequestration.

– Demand U.S. support for an Israeli strike on Iran, which would outsource decisions about the safety of the American people.

-Ask you to stay silent on settlement building in E-1, which enables the Israeli government to drive a nail in the coffin of the peace process.

Please say NO to these requests and NO to AIPAC. Aid to Israel should be conditioned on adherence to international law– Israel must stop and reverse settlement construction. Most Americans want peace and fair policies, not one-sided support for war and expansionist policies.

Just Foreign Policy’s Letter’s Re: S. Resolution 65 supporting a preemptive Israeli attack on Iran

OPENING:

I am very disappointed that you are cosponsoring S. Res. 65. This bill is dangerous and undermines diplomatic efforts with Iran. (for Senator Graham)

I am writing to very strongly urge you not to cosponsor S. Res. 65. This bill is dangerous and undermines diplomatic efforts with Iran. (for Senator Scott)

BODY:

The language in [S. Res. 65] which “urges that, if the Government of Israel is compelled to take military action in self-defense, the United States Government should stand with Israel and provide diplomatic, military, and economic support to the Government of Israel in its defense of its territory, people, and existence,” is very disturbing. The US Senate should not go on record declaring support for a potential military action against Iran. It is a small step toward accepting the idea of attacking Iran. A war with Iran would be catastrophic and would not make the US safer.

CLOSING:

Please remove your name from the bill. I would like a response explaining your actions on this issue. (for Senator Graham)

Please do not cosponsor S. Res. 65. I look forward to your response. (for Senator Scott)

Source: No Back Door War with Iran Action Alert

http://www.capwiz.com/peaceactionwest/issues/alert/?alertid=62464786#

Oct 1 Was a Great Day for Peace in the CSRA

Senator Lindsey Graham came to North Augusta on October 1, and the CSRA Peace Alliance, along with members from Aiken Peace and the Carolina Peace Resource Center, planned a demonstration to let the Senator and the public know that sabre-rattling against Iran is a bad idea. Continue reading “Oct 1 Was a Great Day for Peace in the CSRA” →

Sen. Graham Calling for War with Iran?

Beginning with a speech to the conservative American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC on Sept 20th, in stump speeches during the election, and mostly recently at Halifax International Security Forum, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has been calling for “regime change” and war with Iran. As the State newspaper reports (Nov 15):

At a recent security conference in Canada, our very own Sen. Lindsey Graham actually said that America should go to war with Iran to neuter the regime and destroy its ability to fight back. According to Graham, we should wage war “not to just neutralize their nuclear program, but to sink their navy, destroy their air force and deliver a decisive blow to the Revolutionary Guard, in other words neuter that regime” (online, www.thestate.com).

While Sen. Graham calls war with Iran a “last resort” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, we have all seen where “preemptive war,” “regime change” and a “last resort” took us in Iraq. It’s time to stop the next war now, by flooding Sen. Graham’s office and our local newspapers with what he think about the Senator’s ideas of war of with Iran. Submit a letter to The State newspaper: http://www.thestate.com/letters/

Only Three Degrees of Separation –

Only three degrees of separation –

We’ve all heard of “six degrees of separation” – the theory that any person in the world can be connected to any other person within just six relationships. Well, the world is shrinking. Grave injustices that often seem distant from the freedom and opportunities afforded to us here in the US are much closer than you think – in this case, only three degrees. I am a lifelong Columbia, SC, resident, and my oldest daughter graduated from Dreher High School in 1993. The following excerpt is from a letter written by her husband, my son-in-law, who escaped from Iran when he was only 17 years old. His sister Fariba, who is currently imprisoned in Tehran for providing university education to Baha’i youth, is scheduled to go to trial along with six other Iranian Baha’i leaders on October 18, 2009. They are being held in horrible conditions, and they likely face execution, though their only “crime” is holding true to the beliefs and practices of their religion. Please help increase awareness of this terrible violation of human rights by circulating this e-mail and by contacting members of your state delegation and the US State Department to request attention to this urgent matter. The injustice may be in your backyard next.

Thank you for your help.

Rachel Silver

Columbia, SC

US Department of State

Main Switchboard – 202-647-4000

You may be aware that in spring of 2008, seven leaders of the Baha’i community were arrested in Iran and have been held since without bail under terrible conditions in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. After months of cramped solitary conﬁnement and more than a year of severe malnutrition, illness, and mistreatment by guards, charges such as “insulting religious sanctities” and “propaganda against the Islamic republic” were ﬁnally brought against them. Though the accusations are completely baseless, the seven prisoners may face the death penalty at their trial, which is scheduled for October 18, 2009. Despite this pretense of judicial due process, not only have the authorities systematically denied them access to “evidence”, but also their lead defense lawyer was imprisoned while Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has had to flee to Europe after threats to her life and raids on her office because of her involvement in this case.

Sadly, I am all too familiar with their desperate situation since one of the seven prisoners, Fariba Kamalabadi, is my sister.

The Iranian authorities have a long history of persecuting the more than 300,000 Baha’is in Iran by denying them basic rights – such as access to employment and education – that are aﬀorded to other religious minorities such as Christians and Jews. My sister Fariba has devoted her life to supporting the Iranian Baha’i community, speciﬁcally by administering a Baha’i institution for higher education in deﬁance of the ban on higher education for Baha’is. Although her brave and principled leadership has led to numerous raids, arrests, and harassment over the years, the recent actions by the Iranian authorities against her and the other six leaders of the Baha’i community are nonetheless unprecedented in scope and tragic in their potential consequences.

I share my sister’s deep commitment to the education of young people and her unwavering belief in tolerance and freedom. Unlike my sister, however, I was fortunate enough to escape Iran in 1984 and come to the United States as a refugee, ultimately gaining naturalized citizenship in 1991. I am profoundly grateful for the vast opportunities that this great country has oﬀered me, and I have strived to become the exemplary citizen that such circumstances warrant. I take pride in having achieved the status of professor at the ﬂagship institution of our state’s (Illinois) higher educational system in a department ranked second in the nation. My personal accomplishments are nonetheless bittersweet when I reﬂect on the unrelenting oppression my sister has faced for eﬀorts similar to mine, and it saddens me that while I ﬂourish in a society conducive to such success, she instead suﬀers unjust and inhumane treatment and awaits possible execution.

I believe that public awareness played a signiﬁcant role in the recent release of the Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi,who was arrested by the Iranian authorities in January, 2009, and in fact shared a cell with my sister during her imprisonment. While I applaud the eﬀorts of Rep. Mark Kirk in introducing a bipartisan resolution condemning Iran’s persecution of Baha’is, I feel that further action is needed to magnify the voices of concerned Americans on this issue before the trial takes place on October 18. I appeal to all who appreciate their freedom and their right to access higher education to pay special attention to this serious and urgent matter. It could truly be a matter of life or death.

With great appreciation for your time and eﬀorts, and greater hope for a more just and peaceful world –“

Dr. Farzad Kamalabadi

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Illinois