MESSAGE FROM UFPJ ACTION ALERT - Aug 6-9: No Nukes! No Wars! Defend Democracy!
August 6 and 9, 2005 mark the 60th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States. United for Peace and Justice urges you to join with thousands of people at four central U.S. nuclear weapons sites to call for an end to the development and production of nuclear warheads. For more information about the four regional actions, visit: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=2955 There are also activities planned in scores of cities around the nation, and you can find out what might be happening close to you by going to: http://www.besafenet.com/2005Calendar.htm

In Iraq, they never found nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, yet the daily reality of death and annihilation continues, sparked by the Bush administration's invasion and fueled by the ongoing U.S. military occupation. A majority of people in this nation now oppose the war, but the White House and most members of Congress are resisting the only solution to the crisis: bring the troops home immediately. This year, the 60th anniversaries of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki also coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act on August 3, 2005. Ensuring our basic voting and civil rights is at the heart of keeping our democracy alive and healthy. A vibrant democracy with open public debate is essential to keep U.S. power in check. Given that U.S. power is directly expressed and projected through its possession and threat to use nuclear weapons, the links between democracy, power and nuclear weapons becomes clear. To read a statement drafted by in February 1999 that addresses these crucial links, visit: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=2953

United for Peace and Justice encourages those of you in driving distance of Atlanta, GA to participate in a demonstration organized by the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition on Saturday, August 6th. The march and rally will bring together people from all walks of life in a call for Congress to re-authorize key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that will expire in 2007. Visit http://www.rainbowpush.org to learn more about the August 6th demonstrationin Atlanta, Georgia. And wherever you are this weekend...in Atlanta, at one of the four regional anti-nuclear protests, at a local demonstration...we hope you will use this as an opportunity to help spread the word about the Sept. 24 - 26 antiwar mobilization in Washington, DC. Momentum is building for what promises to be an historic gathering, but each time people come together we must make sure they know about the September plans. Please check the UFPJ web site for leaflets and organizing materials you can download and use this weekend by going to: http://unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=2872

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Non violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. Mahatma Gandhi

A VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY
By Paul Hackett via DFA

Yesterday, one of the reddest regions in America turned a whole lot bluer. I ran in a special election to serve in the United States House of Representatives from the 2nd District of Ohio. I am a Marine recently returned from Iraq, a husband, a father, an attorney, and a Democrat. When I won the Democratic primary for this contest, few people believed we had a shot at victory. But DFA put its faith in me -- and went to work organizing on the ground and online. Your support helped build the greatest Democratic get-out-the-vote effort this district has ever known. While we didn't pull out a victory yesterday -- we came incredibly close. We got 48 percent of the vote. And in those results rests hope for the future.

It had been 15 years since a Democratic candidate for Congress received more than 30 percent of the vote in Ohio's 2nd District and decades since a Democrat held the seat. Your support helped me improve Democratic performance by nearly 20 percent. This is a victory for democracy. And if we can do this in Ohio -- we can do it anywhere. We have the power to win back Congress. Yesterday proved it. And DFA is on the front lines of the fight -- determined, hopeful and fearless. I believe we can change this country. I believe we can win in every state -- and I know that you do too. Please join me today: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/bat

MESSAGE FROM OHIO CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH - August is for Organizing
Congress is now on recess and I am back in my district in Ohio for the month of August, where I am finalizing plans for a major organizing effort. As you know if you follow the news on http://www.kucinich.us, I have been relentless in Congress this session. I will be asking for your help on these issues and more:

1] I have been continuing my challenge to the war in Iraq, and helped to develop a bi-partisan withdrawal Bill to hasten the return home of our troops without partisan wrangling, deadlock or defeat.

2] I have developed a detailed response to the Administration's attempts to privatize Social Security, which we will see build to full steam when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day.

3] I am continuing to shine light on the positive benefits of - and the critical need for - national single-payer health care which, along with universal coverage for citizens, offers significant economic advantages for employers.

4] I continue to spearhead positive alternatives to destructive and misguided policies which set America apart from the rest of the world's aspirations for peace, harmony and a sustainable planet.

We are beginning a nation-wide organizing effort which will focus on issues as they are slated to come up in Congress. Our initial focus for August and September will be Iraq, a Department of Peace, and Social Security.

1] The tragedy of the war in Iraq continues to be compounded by increasing casualties of US troops and Iraqi civilians. I need you to contact your congressional Representative and ask him or her to join in co-sponsoring H.J. Res. 55, which will require the Administration to submit to the Congress a plan to withdraw from Iraq by the end of this year and to begin the withdrawal no later than October of 2006. Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC), Ron Paul (R-TX), Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), and I have organized this effort which will be instrumental in the United States taking steps to finally end the war.

2] The readiness to go to war in Iraq points to a larger problem in our society, one which the creation of a Department of Peace is intended to address. In September, thousands will travel to Washington in support of legislation to create a Department of Peace, to make nonviolence an organizing principle in our society. We will focus on the domestic purposes of the legislation: programs to address domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, violence in the schools, racial violence, violence against gays, police-community disputes and more. I have gathered more than fifty members of Congress to support the legislation. Help us gain more. The bill will be introduced in September.

3] The leadership of the House plans to bring up Social Security legislation in September. The attempt to privatize Social Security is theft, pure and simple. I spent a considerable amount of time studying this issue and have produced a 55 minute DVD which is available for house parties, town hall meetings, or broadcast on local television. This video is the definitive response to privatization. Order your copy from http://store.kucinich.us

We will soon deliver tools on kucinich.us to help you organize town hall meetings, house meetings and teach-ins on these issues, but don't wait for us. Organize events now and write to us at http://kucinich.us with event details and, if appropriate, we'll help with publicity. I will participate as my schedule allows by calling in to meetings or, where I can, arranging to be present to speak. Remember when we began this journey a few years ago? That same vision which animated my involvement on the national scene is more important than ever: Peace and social justice. Peace and economic justice. Peace and human rights. Peace and human freedom. You are an essential part of everything I do in Congress - thank you. I work for you, but I can't do it without you.