BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR NEWS
March 2005
We now produce this newsletter in a Bristol & Regional version. This is the Bristol version, and the next regional version will be out during the first week in April. Please keep an eye on our message board, and other links provided, for events and news publicised between newsletters.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/
March 2005
We now produce this newsletter in a Bristol & Regional version. This is the Bristol version, and the next regional version will be out during the first week in April. Please keep an eye on our message board, and other links provided, for events and news publicised between newsletters.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/
The elections in Iraq have reinforced the fact that the vast majority of Iraqis want the occupiers to leave. Some groups took part in the elections, seeing them as the best way of ending the occupation; others boycotted them. Voters overwhelmingly supported parties opposed to the occupation. The USA hoped to use these elections to try to legitimise its hold on Iraq and to encourage those who opposed the illegal invasion to accept the occupation. Having bombed towns and cities, killed tens of thousands and left most people with little in the way of basic services, there can be no pretence that the USA and Britain have the interests of the Iraqi people at heart.
Saddam’s statue was toppled; Saddam was captured; power was transferred to Allawi’s puppet government; Falluja was destroyed. On each occasion the USA claimed that Iraqis had now accepted the occupation and all resistance was over. After these elections they are saying it again. They were wrong before and they are wrong now. The USA and Britain invaded Iraq to increase their control of the Middle East, not to bring freedom and democracy to Iraqis. While the occupying troops remain, the resistance to them will grow. The occupying troops are the problem in Iraq and can’t be part of any solution.
Our government is preparing for an election campaign. They want us to forget the lies, hypocrisy, waste of resources, loss of life and removal of civil liberties. But people are still angry at what has been done in their name. The election is an opportunity for us to hold the government to account. Come on the demonstration in London on 19th March to add your voice to the millions across the world demanding an end to the occupation.
If you can’t get to London on 19th March try to get down to the Peace Vigil opposite the Hippodrome at 3pm that day.
CONTENTS
* New Section... ^ Updated Section...
~ Bristol Events... + National/International Events...
01) ^+~ National Demonstration: March 19th
02) *~ Public Meeting: March 8th
03) ^~ Stop The War Street Stalls
04) *~ Benefit Gig: April 2nd
05) ^+ Spring Peace Camp At Brize Norton : April 21st-25th
06) ~+ National Lobby Your MP Days : March 11th-12th
07) *+ Report From Stop The War Coalition National Conference
08) *~+ General Election News
09) *~ More Bristol Events
10) ^~ Local Peace Vigils & Planning Meetings
GROUP DESCRIPTION : Bristol STW Coalition produces this newsletter to publicise events & activities in opposition to the so-called 'war on terror'. We are composed of groups & individuals with a wide variety of political & religious views. We are politically non-aligned, but we are also committed to oppose any racist backlash ...... Bristol STW is not a 'membership' organisation. Any one or group opposed to the war on terror can consider themselves part of Bristol STW, or can continue to be publicised by us while choosing to organise independently of the Coalition ...... We don't claim (or seek) a monopoly over anti-war sentiment & activity in the city & recognise that many groups & individuals have their own ways of opposing the 'war on terror'. We are also dependent on individual donations for our funding, so if you are able to make a donation please send a cheque or postal order, payable to: Bristol Stop The War Coalition. Post To: Box 45, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB.
Or you can email us privately:
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
Please Note: Internet links & emails are included for your benefit in case you
wish to go online at an internet cafe, library, etc, or at some time in the future
1) NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION – Saturday March 19th
The public meeting at the Council House with Tony Benn showed that opposition to the occupation of Iraq is still very much alive. The 850 people who came on the night went away keen to ensure that Bristol sent as many people as possible to London for the demonstration on 19th March. This enthusiasm has been shown in the number of tickets sold for the coaches to date. We have already booked four coaches and are hoping to increase this over the remaining weeks. Coaches will leave Anchor Road (opposite @Bristol) at 8.30am on Saturday 19th March). Tickets are £12 waged and £6 unwaged. They are on sale from Greenleaf Bookshop, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB. If you can’t get to Greenleaf email us at
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com with your address and phone number and we’ll get a ticket to you. Don’t leave it until the last few days. It makes planning much more difficult for us. The more tickets we sell as soon as possible the more coaches we can book.
2) PUBLIC MEETING - March 8th
Venue: Horfield Friends’ Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, BS7 8PD
Map http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=359251&y=175995&z=0&sv=bs7+8pd&st=2&pc=bs7+8pd&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Everybody welcome at this meeting to discuss the situation in Iraq after the January elections and what it might mean for the coming general election in Britain.
3) STREET STALLS
All year, Bristol Stop The War Coalition have been running a series of street stalls on Saturdays in different parts of the city. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in what we are doing and support for the call for an end to the occupation. We shall be continuing these stalls up to and past the demonstration on 19th March. If you would like to help or have an idea for a site for a stall please email us at bristolstopwar@hotmail.com. Please give your address and phone number so we can put you in touch with the people running a stall near you.
4) BENEFIT GIG : April 2nd
This is a fundraising gig for Child Victims Of War ( http://www.childvictimsofwar.org/)
Featuring: RITA LYNCH , CLOCKWORK SNIPER, ALIEN STASH TIN (www.alienstashtin.co.uk)
Venue: Bristol County Sports Club, 40 Colston Street, BRISTOL, BS1 5AE
Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=358583&y=173087&z=1&sv=358583,173087&st=4&tl=~&bi=~&lu=N&ar=y
Time: 8pm till late
Tickets (on the door): £4/£3
5) SPRING PEACE CAMP AT BRIZE NORTON : APRIL 21st-25th
Plans for the peace camp at RAF Brize Norton are now well advanced. The camp's main purpose is to have dialogue with members of the military. On Saturday the 23rd of April, there will be a march along the main road through nearby Carterton. Edd Cherrie of Veterans for Peace, and members of military families, are scheduled to speak. On days before and after the rally, we will be leafleting, and talking with people in Carterton. This and the march, are the more serious part of the event. They’re our chance t o really build bridges with people with links to the military who know how wrong the war and occupation are, and how cynically they’ve been used, Our second aim is to raise public awareness about the role of this enormous air base in ferrying British troops to Iraq. To inform ourselves about Brize, there will be a tour of the base (from the outside) given by veteran local campaigners. Other activities on offer, for those staying on camp: banner making, yoga workshop, singing workshop (we're expecting several musicians), creative writing workshop - bird-watching and plane spotting. Chatting up sentries and mod plod. Deciding what to do with our 12-foot statue of hideously grinning Tony Blair. Also water runs, and chopping carrots. Finally, we hope to do a bit of "naming and shaming" of New Labour, in the run-up to the election. To this end, a mock exorcism ceremony, with bonfire, will take place on Friday the 22nd. Participants will be invited to cast into the flames whatever evil thing they want banished from our society. (Cluster bombs? The spirit of New Labour?)
People are welcome to come for the day, or for half a day. Everyone coming to sleep will need to bring a tent and bedding. A bit of food to share, if you wish - though we will provide regular hots meals, Thursday night (the 21st) to Monday morning, in return for a small donation. For this camp to achieve its aims, we have to be chilled-out and peaceful. (All on our best behaviour!) At the risk of being boring - please, no dogs, drugs, alcohol. Please bring all your creative ideas. What would you like to see happen?
Nearest railway and National Express stations to Carterton are in Oxford, 20 mails away. Local buses run to Carterton regularly. We'll give out more detailed transport information nearer the time.
For directions to the camp from April 21, phone 07711-214-168.
To help with artwork and banner making before the camp, call Ornella (0117)- 373 00 99.
General enquiries: (0117) - 94 66 885, or e-mail Nabataat@yahoo.co.uk
Donations to: Box 1, 82 Colston St., Bristol BS1 5BB. (Make cheques out to “Rowland Dye (BN)”
6) NATIONAL LOBBY YOUR MP : 11th - 12th MARCH
Called By CAMPACC, Supported By Stop The War Coalition & Others.
WHY WE NEED TO LOBBY: "The UK government has waged war abroad & systematically terrorised migrant & Muslim communities at home. ‘Anti-terror’ laws have introduced imprisonment without trial. They have broadened the definition of terrorism to include normal political activities. They authorize stop-and-searches & even detention in the name of ‘suspicion’ or ‘association’ with terrorism. Here is what two Law Lords said in their judgement against internment powers under the 2001 anti-terror law: 'The real threat to the life of the nation, in the sense of a people living in accordance with its traditional laws & political values, comes not from terrorism but from laws such as these." Law Lord Hoffman, 18 Dec 2004.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: "Lobby your MP in their constituency to protest about the 'anti-terror' laws which are up for renewal in March, including the internment laws recently condemned as unjust by the law lords. You can do so in the weekend of 12 March, or any time before this. For more details, including arguments you can use & commitments your MP can give, please visit the CAMPACC website above."
i) Send a letter, email or fax to your MP. Urge your MP to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 426, which addresses the illegality of the detentions at Belmarsh prison. Urge your MP to to vote against any renewal or extension of ‘anti-terror’ powers. EDM 426 In Full: http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=426
ii) Take an active part in the lobby. Book an appointment to see your MP on 11th or 12th March or any time your MP agrees to meet you, preferably by mid-March.
iii) Inform us (CAMPACC) about the time & place of lobby in your constituency, with contact details, so that this information can be posted on our website. Publicity Email: humanrightslobby@yahoo.co.uk
iv) Read the Briefing Notes & other documents on our website to help you to make your case, & to help you take the initiative at getting organised in your community without feeling you have to wait for someone else to do it first. Join CAMPACC’s email list to keep up with latest developments:
Email: estella24@tiscali.co.uk Link: www.cacc.org.uk/lobbybriefing.htm
CONTACT YOUR MP BY ONE OF THESE METHODS:
To Locate Your MP, Visit: www.locata.co.uk/commons Email: hcinfo@parliament.uk
Tel: 020 7219 4272. To Fax Your Map, Visit: www.faxyourmp.org.uk/
7) REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL STWC CONFERENCE
Two delegates from Bristol, Jafar Sahari and Margaret Jones, attended the national Stop the War Coalition conference on February the 12th. Margaret reports back.
We heard inspiring speeches by Tony Benn, Caroline Lucas, and the Iraqi academic Sami Ramadani. George Galloway did the usual stirring stuff. It was interesting to hear from Hassan Jumaa, an Iraqi trade unionist, from the Oil Employees, who put a very different position from that summarised by Alex Gordon to Bristol STW a couple of months ago. Hassan Jumaa made it clear that he denounces the occupation and supports the struggle against it. Jeremy Corbyn spoke about the efforts of a group of MPs to block British military intervention in Nepal.
Jafar spoke, attacking Tony Blair as an imperialist. (Surely not?) He called for STW to distance itself totally from the Labour Party.
We heard from members of Military Families Against the War. These were people saying that they didn't blame the Iraqis for their sons' deaths - but they blamed the government of Tony Blair. They were full of compassion for the Iraqi families who had lost their children. Everyone I spoke with found this session very moving.
Two quick quotes from soldiers: George Solomo, ex TA soldier, on campaigning at barracks and bases. British troops, he said, are being used "in a vile and arrogant way ... We show them respect - and we plant a seed of doubt in their minds... None of us believe in this war. This war is for making obscene amounts of money, and we are disgusted." George says it was the Stop the War movement that made him a refusenik.
There was an intense focus, as one might expect, on the demonstration on March the 19th. There will also be a peace camp in Parliament Square in the week before the March 19th demonstration, organised by Military Families Against the War.
The majority of motions to the conference went through either unanimously, or by large majorities. These included:
i) for repeal of anti-terror laws
ii) for national and international action against DU
iii & iv) against US/UK military intervention in Nepal;
v) in support of the Coca Cola boycott and Colombia Solidarity Campaign;
vi & vii) Support for Military Families against the War. Also against army recruitment, with an undertaking to campaign at barracks and recruiting centres.
ix) A call to establish regional newsletters, and regional conveners (Swindon STW).
xvi) From Iraq Occupation Focus - for solidarity links with Iraq.
xvii)To support G8 resistance in Scotland
Others were passed supporting youth work; for solidarity with campaigns related to Africa; to work for more referendums in political life when a mass campaign seems to demand it.
The only areas of real controversy concerned (a) the STW position on the General Election, and (b) what our attitude should be to the Iraqi resistance.
(a) STW position on the General Election
The Steering Committee Resolution - carried by a large majority - focuses on publishing the voting records of MPs regarding the war, and on informing and lobbying at election gatherings, etc. It was said that voters would then know how to make their own minds up. Local Coalitions "are advised to bear in mind the cardinal importance of maintaining the unity of the anti-war movement during the election campaign, recognising our multi-party character." Motions calling for a campaign to explicitly encourage people to vote for anti-war candidates (Green Party); explicitly to call for voting against pro-war candidates; or to work for removal from office of all pro-Iraq war MPs were heavily defeated.
(b) Attitude to resistance in Iraq
Two resolutions - one from Cardiff STW, and one from the national Steering Committee - explicitly refer to the right of Iraqis to resist occupation. Both were overwhelmingly carried. From the National Steering Committee: "The continuing violence in Iraq is the responsibility of this occupation, and Iraqis have the right to resist it." The resolution condemns the killing of civilian hostages - but adds: "At the same time, we remain focussed on the far more numerous killing and torture of Iraqi civilians carried out by US and British occupying forces." It continues, "Our responsibility in Britain is to create the essential pre-condition for Iraqi self-determination by ensuring the speediest possible ending of the illegal occupation of their country." Four other resolutions, that called for taking sides with particular factions in Iraqi society, or containing slogans such as "Victory to the Iraqi Resistance!" were felt to be divisive of a currently united movement, or else open to misunderstanding by people who hear "Victory to Resistance" as a call to fund suicide bombings.
My perception is that the national Steering Committee is genuinely diverse - with Greens, Labour, Muslim, various revolutionary socialist groups represented. The make-up of delegates is probably rather less so, with dedicated left-wing socialists definitely in the majority, and the SWP the majority voting bloc.There was a sprinkling of Labour Party members, non-aligned peaceniks and Greens. There could have been fewer platform speeches, and more open debate from the floor. Many delegates seemed to be voting on insufficient information, a lot of the time. It seemed undemocratic of the Chair to refuse to allow a vote on a resolution on Tax Resistance. Admittedly, the proposal as it stood was half-baked and impractical, but to refuse even to allow the proposal to be put to the vote was, in my view, unacceptable. Conference had let the proposer go to the trouble of formulating and speaking to a motion, and then delegates were denied the opportunity to vote on it. It was definitely worth getting a feel for how the Stop the War Coalition functions, nationwide. I would recommend others to go as delegates in future years, so that they too can observe for themselves
8) GENERAL ELECTION NEWS
The general election promised in May is an opportunity for us to hold the government to account. The Labour Party looks set to run a ‘Basil Fawlty’ campaign – don’t mention the war. Bristol Stop The War Coaliton intends to insure that this isn’t possible in Bristol. We will be attempting to give people the maximum possible information regarding the views, voting records etc of all candidates. One idea we are investigating is the issuing of a questionnare to all candidates with wide publicity for the responses. Make sure you get along to any public appearances of candidates. Many people will vote on the basis of candidates opinions on Iraq. Make sure candidates give clear answers to questions on the invasion and occupation.
Two pieces of news from other parts of the country: Reg Keys, whose soldier son was killed in Iraq, is standing against Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secetary, in his Ashfield constituency; Craig Murray, until recently British ambassador to Uzbekistan, is standing against Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary, in Blackburn. Murray says "A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for a dossier of lies. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for illegal war. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for torture. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for George Bush." (Full story http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1415409,00.html)
9) MORE BRISTOL EVENTS IN MARCH
a) Bristol Social Forum: Monday 7th March
b) International Womens Day – Women In Black: Tuesday 8th March
c) International Womens Day Poetry Session: Saturday March 12th
d) Bristol Indymedia Film Night : Monday 14th March
e) Venezuala Film Night : Tuesday 15th March
f) Socialist Worker Forum ‘Debt, Disaster & The G8’: Wednesday March 23rd
g) Bristol Dissent! ‘Info For Action’ Day: Saturday 9th April
a) BRISTOL SOCIAL FORUM PRE-LAUNCH MEETING : Monday 7th March
TIME: 7:00-9:00pm. (Free Entry/Donations). VENUE: The CEED
Centre (Wilder St. building), Wilder St, St. Pauls. 5-10 minutes walk from Broadmead
bus station, off St. James Barton roundabout, & Stokes Croft. Street parking is available
as well as limited parking in the CEED car park opposite the Wilder St. building. MAP:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359335&Y=173842&A=Y&Z=1
PROPOSED AGENDA FOR THE PRE-LAUNCH MEETING:
i) Discussion on the guidelines and the type of decision making process we will use at the launch to decide the guidelines.
ii) Organisational questions, such as the general format of the launch, delegating responsibilities for the event and producing publicity.
iii) Whether we will need any additional meetings of the full organising group before the launch, or whether additional organising for the launch can be carried out in sub-groups.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The best way you can help out at the moment is to come along to the pre-launch meeting. Turning up isn’t an obligation to do anything more, but you may be surprised at what you yourself have to offer. All too often the work of important projects such as this ends up being carried out by a few overworked individuals, and if only a few more were to volunteer a few hours of their time, then the future of a new and inclusive Bristol Social Forum will be immediately far more certain and secure.
Visit our message board online:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristolsocialforum/
b) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Women In Black: Tuesday 8th March
Tuesday March 8th. 6.0-6.30pm Top of Park Street, outside the Will's Building, Bristol.
Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice. We are actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. This is the first Women in Black action to be held in Bristol and we hope it will lead to more. All women who support these aims, and non-violent forms of action, are very welcome. Please dress in black and bring a placard with your own message on it. Further information from Charlotte: 0117 973 4672
c) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Poetry Session: Saturday March 12th
As part of Bristol’s International Women Day celebrations, in the Council House, College Green on Saturday March 12th, there is a poetry session from 3pm to 4pm. Come along and read your own poems.(This is a women-only event.) For further info contact Julie Boston at j.boston@unisonfree.net or by phone on 0117 9428637. There’s lots of other International Womens Day stuff all day on March 12th at the Council House. Also other stuff around the city – see Bristol IndyMedia for details. http://bristol.indymedia.org/newswire/display/22032/index.php
d) BRISTOL INDYMEDIA FILM NIGHT – Focus On Media : Mon 14th March
(Mon 14th / 7.30pm / £3/2 - nobody turned away due to lack of fundage) Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism.
Venue: Cube Cinema: Dove St South (off Kings Square), Bristol
Map: http://www.cubecinema.com/directions.html
He owns The Sun, The Times, Sky TV and the uber-rightwing US TV news channel Fox TV. This film examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a 'race to the bottom' in television news. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of multi-national corporations taking control of the public's right to know. This version of the film is shown under
the creative commons licence (see www.creativecommons.org for more information.) Plus a supporting cast of short films.
http://bristol.indymedia.org & http://www.outfoxed.org
e) VENEZUALA FILM FOR CENTRAL AMERICA WEEK : Tuesday 15th March
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE... IN VENEZUELA
(Elisabetta Andreoli, Gabriele Muzio and Max Pugh / 90 mins)
(Tues 15th / 7.30pm / £3.50/£3cons)
Venue: Cube Cinema: Dove St South (off Kings Square), Bristol
Map: http://www.cubecinema.com/directions.html
Today Venezuela represents the only country where a democratically elected government has chosen an autonomous path away from the dogma of globalisation and neo-liberalism, and chosen instead to further the interests of it's people starting from the weakest sections of society. This is the story of a different world that is not just possible but exists in reality. Programmed as part of Central America Awareness Week, the film will be followed by a discussion on what we can learn from the Venezuelan experience. Irish Journalist, Michael McCaughan, who wrote 'The battle of Venezuela' will speak.
f) SOCIALIST WORKER FORUM - ‘Debt, Disaster & The G8’: Wednesday March 23rd
Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Kuumba Arts Centre, Hepburn Road, BS2 8UD
Speaker: John Newsinger.
All welcome – for further information 07786831646. Map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=359236&y=173995&z=0&sv=bs2+8ud&st=2&pc=bs2+8ud&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf
.
g) BRISTOL DISSENT! ‘Info For Action’ Day: Saturday 9th April
Saturday 9 April, 10.30am to 5.30pm. Malcolm X Centre,
Ashley Rd/City Road, St Pauls, Bristol BS6. All welcome!
As our daily lives become ever more dominated and controlled by large corporations and their political representatives in the G8, Bristol G8 Dissent is putting on a day open to all to share information, exchange ideas, consider alternatives, and discuss ways we can resist. And we’ll have a good time too! Entry free/donation.
The day will start & end with general assemblies. In between these will be 3 sessions of workshops/presentations, to be run by individuals and/or groups mainly based in Bristol. In brief these are: Session 1, choose from Our media; alternatives to capitalism here & now; art resistance; solidarity (acting locally, thinking globally). Session 2 Africa debt/poverty; Iraq; Zapatista rebellion; no borders/asylum seekers. Session 3 Climate change; direct action; clown army.
Also provided: cheap drinks, snacks & vegan lunch; kids space (more details to follow); free info; stalls. In the evening there will be a benefit social night at The Full Moon, Stokes Croft, with bands & DJs. For more info about the day please contact: Bristol_g8workshops@riseup.net. To get involved with the Bristol G8 Dissent Group, and in resisting the G8 and their summit in Scotland this July, email dissentbristol@susbsection.org.uk; write to Box 102, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol BS1. Or come to the next monthly Dissent meeting, 22 March, 7.30pm, at Kebele, 14 Robertson Rd, Easton BS5. See also www.dissent.org.uk
10) LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS
a) THE DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: TIMES: MON-FRI 5:30-6:30pm & SAT 3:00-4:00pm.
PLACE: City Centre (Opposite The Hippodrome. St. Augustines Parade). The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 11th Sept 2001, & we'll keep Vigil into the future, but we do need your support to keep our flame alive. If you can only make it for 15 minutes, or a couple of times a month, please still come. Everyone's welcome at the Bristol Peace Vigil.
b) EASTON PEACE VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm.
On the Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd. Easton, Bristol.
c) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey.
(Off York Street. From the railway station or bus station walk up Manvers St)
THE BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Everyone's welcome. We hold a Bristol-Stop-The-War meeting every week, as a forum for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & as a venue where large scale Bristol Demos are agreed & planned. We don't vote at these meetings, as we're not here to force adherence to a consensus view. We do instead discuss issues until we reach broad consensus. DATE: Every Thursday. TIME: 7:00-8:30pm. PLACE:
Victoria Methodist Church
1A Whiteladies Road
BRISTOL
Avon
BS8 1NU
This is at the bottom end of Whiteladies Road, next door but one to Habitat and next door to the Royal West Of England Academy. For a map go to:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=357830&y=173465&z=1&sv=357830,173465&st=4&tl=~&bi=~&lu=N&ar=y
e) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Hold Regular Meetings. For details:
Tel: 01225 315480 Email: postmaster@bathstopwar.org.uk Visit: www.bathstopwar.org.uk
For general enquiries email: bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
For News Around Bristol Visit: http://bristol.indymedia.org
"The corporate revolution will collapse if we refuse to buy what they are selling - their ideas, their version of history, their wars, their weapons, their notion of inevitability. Remember this - we be many and they be few. They need us more than we need them. Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy.
SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE
Saddam’s statue was toppled; Saddam was captured; power was transferred to Allawi’s puppet government; Falluja was destroyed. On each occasion the USA claimed that Iraqis had now accepted the occupation and all resistance was over. After these elections they are saying it again. They were wrong before and they are wrong now. The USA and Britain invaded Iraq to increase their control of the Middle East, not to bring freedom and democracy to Iraqis. While the occupying troops remain, the resistance to them will grow. The occupying troops are the problem in Iraq and can’t be part of any solution.
Our government is preparing for an election campaign. They want us to forget the lies, hypocrisy, waste of resources, loss of life and removal of civil liberties. But people are still angry at what has been done in their name. The election is an opportunity for us to hold the government to account. Come on the demonstration in London on 19th March to add your voice to the millions across the world demanding an end to the occupation.
If you can’t get to London on 19th March try to get down to the Peace Vigil opposite the Hippodrome at 3pm that day.
CONTENTS
* New Section... ^ Updated Section...
~ Bristol Events... + National/International Events...
01) ^+~ National Demonstration: March 19th
02) *~ Public Meeting: March 8th
03) ^~ Stop The War Street Stalls
04) *~ Benefit Gig: April 2nd
05) ^+ Spring Peace Camp At Brize Norton : April 21st-25th
06) ~+ National Lobby Your MP Days : March 11th-12th
07) *+ Report From Stop The War Coalition National Conference
08) *~+ General Election News
09) *~ More Bristol Events
10) ^~ Local Peace Vigils & Planning Meetings
GROUP DESCRIPTION : Bristol STW Coalition produces this newsletter to publicise events & activities in opposition to the so-called 'war on terror'. We are composed of groups & individuals with a wide variety of political & religious views. We are politically non-aligned, but we are also committed to oppose any racist backlash ...... Bristol STW is not a 'membership' organisation. Any one or group opposed to the war on terror can consider themselves part of Bristol STW, or can continue to be publicised by us while choosing to organise independently of the Coalition ...... We don't claim (or seek) a monopoly over anti-war sentiment & activity in the city & recognise that many groups & individuals have their own ways of opposing the 'war on terror'. We are also dependent on individual donations for our funding, so if you are able to make a donation please send a cheque or postal order, payable to: Bristol Stop The War Coalition. Post To: Box 45, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB.
Or you can email us privately:
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com Please Note: Internet links & emails are included for your benefit in case you
wish to go online at an internet cafe, library, etc, or at some time in the future
1) NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION – Saturday March 19th
The public meeting at the Council House with Tony Benn showed that opposition to the occupation of Iraq is still very much alive. The 850 people who came on the night went away keen to ensure that Bristol sent as many people as possible to London for the demonstration on 19th March. This enthusiasm has been shown in the number of tickets sold for the coaches to date. We have already booked four coaches and are hoping to increase this over the remaining weeks. Coaches will leave Anchor Road (opposite @Bristol) at 8.30am on Saturday 19th March). Tickets are £12 waged and £6 unwaged. They are on sale from Greenleaf Bookshop, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB. If you can’t get to Greenleaf email us at
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com with your address and phone number and we’ll get a ticket to you. Don’t leave it until the last few days. It makes planning much more difficult for us. The more tickets we sell as soon as possible the more coaches we can book. 2) PUBLIC MEETING - March 8th
Venue: Horfield Friends’ Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, BS7 8PD
Map
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=359251&y=175995&z=0&sv=bs7+8pd&st=2&pc=bs7+8pd&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Everybody welcome at this meeting to discuss the situation in Iraq after the January elections and what it might mean for the coming general election in Britain.
3) STREET STALLS
All year, Bristol Stop The War Coalition have been running a series of street stalls on Saturdays in different parts of the city. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in what we are doing and support for the call for an end to the occupation. We shall be continuing these stalls up to and past the demonstration on 19th March. If you would like to help or have an idea for a site for a stall please email us at
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com. Please give your address and phone number so we can put you in touch with the people running a stall near you. 4) BENEFIT GIG : April 2nd
This is a fundraising gig for Child Victims Of War (
http://www.childvictimsofwar.org/) Featuring: RITA LYNCH , CLOCKWORK SNIPER, ALIEN STASH TIN (www.alienstashtin.co.uk)
Venue: Bristol County Sports Club, 40 Colston Street, BRISTOL, BS1 5AE
Map:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=358583&y=173087&z=1&sv=358583,173087&st=4&tl=~&bi=~&lu=N&ar=y Time: 8pm till late
Tickets (on the door): £4/£3
5) SPRING PEACE CAMP AT BRIZE NORTON : APRIL 21st-25th
Plans for the peace camp at RAF Brize Norton are now well advanced. The camp's main purpose is to have dialogue with members of the military. On Saturday the 23rd of April, there will be a march along the main road through nearby Carterton. Edd Cherrie of Veterans for Peace, and members of military families, are scheduled to speak. On days before and after the rally, we will be leafleting, and talking with people in Carterton. This and the march, are the more serious part of the event. They’re our chance t o really build bridges with people with links to the military who know how wrong the war and occupation are, and how cynically they’ve been used, Our second aim is to raise public awareness about the role of this enormous air base in ferrying British troops to Iraq. To inform ourselves about Brize, there will be a tour of the base (from the outside) given by veteran local campaigners. Other activities on offer, for those staying on camp: banner making, yoga workshop, singing workshop (we're expecting several musicians), creative writing workshop - bird-watching and plane spotting. Chatting up sentries and mod plod. Deciding what to do with our 12-foot statue of hideously grinning Tony Blair. Also water runs, and chopping carrots. Finally, we hope to do a bit of "naming and shaming" of New Labour, in the run-up to the election. To this end, a mock exorcism ceremony, with bonfire, will take place on Friday the 22nd. Participants will be invited to cast into the flames whatever evil thing they want banished from our society. (Cluster bombs? The spirit of New Labour?)
People are welcome to come for the day, or for half a day. Everyone coming to sleep will need to bring a tent and bedding. A bit of food to share, if you wish - though we will provide regular hots meals, Thursday night (the 21st) to Monday morning, in return for a small donation. For this camp to achieve its aims, we have to be chilled-out and peaceful. (All on our best behaviour!) At the risk of being boring - please, no dogs, drugs, alcohol. Please bring all your creative ideas. What would you like to see happen?
Nearest railway and National Express stations to Carterton are in Oxford, 20 mails away. Local buses run to Carterton regularly. We'll give out more detailed transport information nearer the time.
For directions to the camp from April 21, phone 07711-214-168.
To help with artwork and banner making before the camp, call Ornella (0117)- 373 00 99.
General enquiries: (0117) - 94 66 885, or e-mail
Nabataat@yahoo.co.uk Donations to: Box 1, 82 Colston St., Bristol BS1 5BB. (Make cheques out to “Rowland Dye (BN)”
6) NATIONAL LOBBY YOUR MP : 11th - 12th MARCH
Called By CAMPACC, Supported By Stop The War Coalition & Others.
WHY WE NEED TO LOBBY: "The UK government has waged war abroad & systematically terrorised migrant & Muslim communities at home. ‘Anti-terror’ laws have introduced imprisonment without trial. They have broadened the definition of terrorism to include normal political activities. They authorize stop-and-searches & even detention in the name of ‘suspicion’ or ‘association’ with terrorism. Here is what two Law Lords said in their judgement against internment powers under the 2001 anti-terror law: 'The real threat to the life of the nation, in the sense of a people living in accordance with its traditional laws & political values, comes not from terrorism but from laws such as these." Law Lord Hoffman, 18 Dec 2004.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: "Lobby your MP in their constituency to protest about the 'anti-terror' laws which are up for renewal in March, including the internment laws recently condemned as unjust by the law lords. You can do so in the weekend of 12 March, or any time before this. For more details, including arguments you can use & commitments your MP can give, please visit the CAMPACC website above."
i) Send a letter, email or fax to your MP. Urge your MP to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 426, which addresses the illegality of the detentions at Belmarsh prison. Urge your MP to to vote against any renewal or extension of ‘anti-terror’ powers. EDM 426 In Full:
http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=426 ii) Take an active part in the lobby. Book an appointment to see your MP on 11th or 12th March or any time your MP agrees to meet you, preferably by mid-March.
iii) Inform us (CAMPACC) about the time & place of lobby in your constituency, with contact details, so that this information can be posted on our website. Publicity Email:
humanrightslobby@yahoo.co.uk iv) Read the Briefing Notes & other documents on our website to help you to make your case, & to help you take the initiative at getting organised in your community without feeling you have to wait for someone else to do it first. Join CAMPACC’s email list to keep up with latest developments:
Email:
estella24@tiscali.co.uk Link: www.cacc.org.uk/lobbybriefing.htm CONTACT YOUR MP BY ONE OF THESE METHODS:
To Locate Your MP, Visit: www.locata.co.uk/commons Email:
hcinfo@parliament.uk Tel: 020 7219 4272. To Fax Your Map, Visit: www.faxyourmp.org.uk/
7) REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL STWC CONFERENCE
Two delegates from Bristol, Jafar Sahari and Margaret Jones, attended the national Stop the War Coalition conference on February the 12th. Margaret reports back.
We heard inspiring speeches by Tony Benn, Caroline Lucas, and the Iraqi academic Sami Ramadani. George Galloway did the usual stirring stuff. It was interesting to hear from Hassan Jumaa, an Iraqi trade unionist, from the Oil Employees, who put a very different position from that summarised by Alex Gordon to Bristol STW a couple of months ago. Hassan Jumaa made it clear that he denounces the occupation and supports the struggle against it. Jeremy Corbyn spoke about the efforts of a group of MPs to block British military intervention in Nepal.
Jafar spoke, attacking Tony Blair as an imperialist. (Surely not?) He called for STW to distance itself totally from the Labour Party.
We heard from members of Military Families Against the War. These were people saying that they didn't blame the Iraqis for their sons' deaths - but they blamed the government of Tony Blair. They were full of compassion for the Iraqi families who had lost their children. Everyone I spoke with found this session very moving.
Two quick quotes from soldiers: George Solomo, ex TA soldier, on campaigning at barracks and bases. British troops, he said, are being used "in a vile and arrogant way ... We show them respect - and we plant a seed of doubt in their minds... None of us believe in this war. This war is for making obscene amounts of money, and we are disgusted." George says it was the Stop the War movement that made him a refusenik.
There was an intense focus, as one might expect, on the demonstration on March the 19th. There will also be a peace camp in Parliament Square in the week before the March 19th demonstration, organised by Military Families Against the War.
The majority of motions to the conference went through either unanimously, or by large majorities. These included:
i) for repeal of anti-terror laws
ii) for national and international action against DU
iii & iv) against US/UK military intervention in Nepal;
v) in support of the Coca Cola boycott and Colombia Solidarity Campaign;
vi & vii) Support for Military Families against the War. Also against army recruitment, with an undertaking to campaign at barracks and recruiting centres.
ix) A call to establish regional newsletters, and regional conveners (Swindon STW).
xvi) From Iraq Occupation Focus - for solidarity links with Iraq.
xvii)To support G8 resistance in Scotland
Others were passed supporting youth work; for solidarity with campaigns related to Africa; to work for more referendums in political life when a mass campaign seems to demand it.
The only areas of real controversy concerned (a) the STW position on the General Election, and (b) what our attitude should be to the Iraqi resistance.
(a) STW position on the General Election
The Steering Committee Resolution - carried by a large majority - focuses on publishing the voting records of MPs regarding the war, and on informing and lobbying at election gatherings, etc. It was said that voters would then know how to make their own minds up. Local Coalitions "are advised to bear in mind the cardinal importance of maintaining the unity of the anti-war movement during the election campaign, recognising our multi-party character." Motions calling for a campaign to explicitly encourage people to vote for anti-war candidates (Green Party); explicitly to call for voting against pro-war candidates; or to work for removal from office of all pro-Iraq war MPs were heavily defeated.
(b) Attitude to resistance in Iraq
Two resolutions - one from Cardiff STW, and one from the national Steering Committee - explicitly refer to the right of Iraqis to resist occupation. Both were overwhelmingly carried. From the National Steering Committee: "The continuing violence in Iraq is the responsibility of this occupation, and Iraqis have the right to resist it." The resolution condemns the killing of civilian hostages - but adds: "At the same time, we remain focussed on the far more numerous killing and torture of Iraqi civilians carried out by US and British occupying forces." It continues, "Our responsibility in Britain is to create the essential pre-condition for Iraqi self-determination by ensuring the speediest possible ending of the illegal occupation of their country." Four other resolutions, that called for taking sides with particular factions in Iraqi society, or containing slogans such as "Victory to the Iraqi Resistance!" were felt to be divisive of a currently united movement, or else open to misunderstanding by people who hear "Victory to Resistance" as a call to fund suicide bombings.
My perception is that the national Steering Committee is genuinely diverse - with Greens, Labour, Muslim, various revolutionary socialist groups represented. The make-up of delegates is probably rather less so, with dedicated left-wing socialists definitely in the majority, and the SWP the majority voting bloc.There was a sprinkling of Labour Party members, non-aligned peaceniks and Greens. There could have been fewer platform speeches, and more open debate from the floor. Many delegates seemed to be voting on insufficient information, a lot of the time. It seemed undemocratic of the Chair to refuse to allow a vote on a resolution on Tax Resistance. Admittedly, the proposal as it stood was half-baked and impractical, but to refuse even to allow the proposal to be put to the vote was, in my view, unacceptable. Conference had let the proposer go to the trouble of formulating and speaking to a motion, and then delegates were denied the opportunity to vote on it. It was definitely worth getting a feel for how the Stop the War Coalition functions, nationwide. I would recommend others to go as delegates in future years, so that they too can observe for themselves
8) GENERAL ELECTION NEWS
The general election promised in May is an opportunity for us to hold the government to account. The Labour Party looks set to run a ‘Basil Fawlty’ campaign – don’t mention the war. Bristol Stop The War Coaliton intends to insure that this isn’t possible in Bristol. We will be attempting to give people the maximum possible information regarding the views, voting records etc of all candidates. One idea we are investigating is the issuing of a questionnare to all candidates with wide publicity for the responses. Make sure you get along to any public appearances of candidates. Many people will vote on the basis of candidates opinions on Iraq. Make sure candidates give clear answers to questions on the invasion and occupation.
Two pieces of news from other parts of the country: Reg Keys, whose soldier son was killed in Iraq, is standing against Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secetary, in his Ashfield constituency; Craig Murray, until recently British ambassador to Uzbekistan, is standing against Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary, in Blackburn. Murray says "A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for a dossier of lies. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for illegal war. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for torture. A vote for Jack Straw is a vote for George Bush." (Full story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1415409,00.html) 9) MORE BRISTOL EVENTS IN MARCH
a) Bristol Social Forum: Monday 7th March
b) International Womens Day – Women In Black: Tuesday 8th March
c) International Womens Day Poetry Session: Saturday March 12th
d) Bristol Indymedia Film Night : Monday 14th March
e) Venezuala Film Night : Tuesday 15th March
f) Socialist Worker Forum ‘Debt, Disaster & The G8’: Wednesday March 23rd
g) Bristol Dissent! ‘Info For Action’ Day: Saturday 9th April
a) BRISTOL SOCIAL FORUM PRE-LAUNCH MEETING : Monday 7th March
TIME: 7:00-9:00pm. (Free Entry/Donations). VENUE: The CEED
Centre (Wilder St. building), Wilder St, St. Pauls. 5-10 minutes walk from Broadmead
bus station, off St. James Barton roundabout, & Stokes Croft. Street parking is available
as well as limited parking in the CEED car park opposite the Wilder St. building. MAP:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359335&Y=173842&A=Y&Z=1 PROPOSED AGENDA FOR THE PRE-LAUNCH MEETING:
i) Discussion on the guidelines and the type of decision making process we will use at the launch to decide the guidelines.
ii) Organisational questions, such as the general format of the launch, delegating responsibilities for the event and producing publicity.
iii) Whether we will need any additional meetings of the full organising group before the launch, or whether additional organising for the launch can be carried out in sub-groups.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The best way you can help out at the moment is to come along to the pre-launch meeting. Turning up isn’t an obligation to do anything more, but you may be surprised at what you yourself have to offer. All too often the work of important projects such as this ends up being carried out by a few overworked individuals, and if only a few more were to volunteer a few hours of their time, then the future of a new and inclusive Bristol Social Forum will be immediately far more certain and secure.
Visit our message board online:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristolsocialforum/ b) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Women In Black: Tuesday 8th March
Tuesday March 8th. 6.0-6.30pm Top of Park Street, outside the Will's Building, Bristol.
Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice. We are actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. This is the first Women in Black action to be held in Bristol and we hope it will lead to more. All women who support these aims, and non-violent forms of action, are very welcome. Please dress in black and bring a placard with your own message on it. Further information from Charlotte: 0117 973 4672
c) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - Poetry Session: Saturday March 12th
As part of Bristol’s International Women Day celebrations, in the Council House, College Green on Saturday March 12th, there is a poetry session from 3pm to 4pm. Come along and read your own poems.(This is a women-only event.) For further info contact Julie Boston at
j.boston@unisonfree.net or by phone on 0117 9428637. There’s lots of other International Womens Day stuff all day on March 12th at the Council House. Also other stuff around the city – see Bristol IndyMedia for details. http://bristol.indymedia.org/newswire/display/22032/index.php d) BRISTOL INDYMEDIA FILM NIGHT – Focus On Media : Mon 14th March
(Mon 14th / 7.30pm / £3/2 - nobody turned away due to lack of fundage) Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism.
Venue: Cube Cinema: Dove St South (off Kings Square), Bristol
Map:
http://www.cubecinema.com/directions.html He owns The Sun, The Times, Sky TV and the uber-rightwing US TV news channel Fox TV. This film examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a 'race to the bottom' in television news. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of multi-national corporations taking control of the public's right to know. This version of the film is shown under
the creative commons licence (see www.creativecommons.org for more information.) Plus a supporting cast of short films.
http://bristol.indymedia.org & http://www.outfoxed.org e) VENEZUALA FILM FOR CENTRAL AMERICA WEEK : Tuesday 15th March
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE... IN VENEZUELA
(Elisabetta Andreoli, Gabriele Muzio and Max Pugh / 90 mins)
(Tues 15th / 7.30pm / £3.50/£3cons)
Venue: Cube Cinema: Dove St South (off Kings Square), Bristol
Map:
http://www.cubecinema.com/directions.html Today Venezuela represents the only country where a democratically elected government has chosen an autonomous path away from the dogma of globalisation and neo-liberalism, and chosen instead to further the interests of it's people starting from the weakest sections of society. This is the story of a different world that is not just possible but exists in reality. Programmed as part of Central America Awareness Week, the film will be followed by a discussion on what we can learn from the Venezuelan experience. Irish Journalist, Michael McCaughan, who wrote 'The battle of Venezuela' will speak.
f) SOCIALIST WORKER FORUM - ‘Debt, Disaster & The G8’: Wednesday March 23rd
Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Kuumba Arts Centre, Hepburn Road, BS2 8UD
Speaker: John Newsinger.
All welcome – for further information 07786831646. Map:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=359236&y=173995&z=0&sv=bs2+8ud&st=2&pc=bs2+8ud&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf .
g) BRISTOL DISSENT! ‘Info For Action’ Day: Saturday 9th April
Saturday 9 April, 10.30am to 5.30pm. Malcolm X Centre,
Ashley Rd/City Road, St Pauls, Bristol BS6. All welcome!
As our daily lives become ever more dominated and controlled by large corporations and their political representatives in the G8, Bristol G8 Dissent is putting on a day open to all to share information, exchange ideas, consider alternatives, and discuss ways we can resist. And we’ll have a good time too! Entry free/donation.
The day will start & end with general assemblies. In between these will be 3 sessions of workshops/presentations, to be run by individuals and/or groups mainly based in Bristol. In brief these are: Session 1, choose from Our media; alternatives to capitalism here & now; art resistance; solidarity (acting locally, thinking globally). Session 2 Africa debt/poverty; Iraq; Zapatista rebellion; no borders/asylum seekers. Session 3 Climate change; direct action; clown army.
Also provided: cheap drinks, snacks & vegan lunch; kids space (more details to follow); free info; stalls. In the evening there will be a benefit social night at The Full Moon, Stokes Croft, with bands & DJs. For more info about the day please contact:
Bristol_g8workshops@riseup.net. To get involved with the Bristol G8 Dissent Group, and in resisting the G8 and their summit in Scotland this July, email dissentbristol@susbsection.org.uk; write to Box 102, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol BS1. Or come to the next monthly Dissent meeting, 22 March, 7.30pm, at Kebele, 14 Robertson Rd, Easton BS5. See also www.dissent.org.uk 10) LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS
a) THE DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: TIMES: MON-FRI 5:30-6:30pm & SAT 3:00-4:00pm.
PLACE: City Centre (Opposite The Hippodrome. St. Augustines Parade). The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 11th Sept 2001, & we'll keep Vigil into the future, but we do need your support to keep our flame alive. If you can only make it for 15 minutes, or a couple of times a month, please still come. Everyone's welcome at the Bristol Peace Vigil.
b) EASTON PEACE VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm.
On the Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd. Easton, Bristol.
c) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey.
(Off York Street. From the railway station or bus station walk up Manvers St)
THE BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Everyone's welcome. We hold a Bristol-Stop-The-War meeting every week, as a forum for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & as a venue where large scale Bristol Demos are agreed & planned. We don't vote at these meetings, as we're not here to force adherence to a consensus view. We do instead discuss issues until we reach broad consensus. DATE: Every Thursday. TIME: 7:00-8:30pm. PLACE:
Victoria Methodist Church
1A Whiteladies Road
BRISTOL
Avon
BS8 1NU
This is at the bottom end of Whiteladies Road, next door but one to Habitat and next door to the Royal West Of England Academy. For a map go to:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=357830&y=173465&z=1&sv=357830,173465&st=4&tl=~&bi=~&lu=N&ar=y e) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Hold Regular Meetings. For details:
Tel: 01225 315480 Email:
postmaster@bathstopwar.org.uk Visit: www.bathstopwar.org.uk For general enquiries email:
bristolstopwar@hotmail.com For News Around Bristol Visit:
http://bristol.indymedia.org "The corporate revolution will collapse if we refuse to buy what they are selling - their ideas, their version of history, their wars, their weapons, their notion of inevitability. Remember this - we be many and they be few. They need us more than we need them. Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy.
SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE ..... SAY YES 2 PEACE
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