BY LINDA HOOVER
Organizing against a war might make some folks weary if they remember how long they’ve been doing it.
Almost 13 and a half years ago the Twin Cities antiwar movement held its first demonstration against the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Twelve years ago it demonstrated against the U.S. bombing of Iraq. A generation of children has been born into a culture of perpetual war, been told that the U.S. has the right to unilaterally intervene in the affairs of other nations and that it is OK to kill people and destroy property as long as the bombs are dropped for humanitarian reasons. The potential for weariness is apparent.
Yet, there are also multiple reasons for hope.
The military draft is no longer a feasible way to staff U.S. wars.
Mercenaries are not a reliable replacement for citizens willing to fight for a cause.
Workers in other countries are often unwilling to fight for their U.S. installed leaders, whose allegiance is to the U.S. ruling class rather than their compatriots.
Drones carrying remote controlled bombs can now and will be increasingly intercepted by opponents.
Technology used to fight wars due to the lack of volunteer soldiers has limited usefulness. Bombing countries or sections of countries back into a pre-industrial age creates enemies in those countries and resistance at home.
The majority of Americans oppose continued U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and even NATO members oppose the U.S. further arming the current regime in the Ukraine.
Millions of people around the world have marched and rallied calling for the world’s resources to be used for the humanitarian needs of the world’s population. They represent the majority. They symbolize hope. They search for the strategies and tactics needed to win against the most powerful military in the history of the world. The ruling empire already understands that it does not have their support.
The week of March 18 – 21 will see anti-war actions throughout the Washington, D.C., area. In solidarity, the Twin Cities protest will be March 21, gathering for a 1 p.m. rally at Lake Street & Hiawatha Avenues in Minneapolis; then, marching a few blocks to Walker Community Church at 16th Avenue and 31st Street for a 2 p.m. program.
Called by the Minnesota Peace Action Coalition and endorsed by 31 Twin Cities peace and anti-war organizations, organizers will provide a public venue for those wishing to give peace a chance.
