Socialist Alternative

Saturday, October 24th @ 1:00pm @ Lake and Hiawatha, Minneapolis

The people of Honduras have bravely and massively resisted the June 28 military coup that removed President Manuel Zelaya. They have carried out huge protests and strikes. The military has responded with brutal repression including tear gas, clubs, and gunfire. They have arrested many people, killed many people, and closed down all independent news media.

The U.S. has continued funding the Honduran government, and has criticized President Zelaya as irresponsible for trying to return to Honduras to resume his rightful place as president, while they have not condemned the repression. Groups of U.S. legislators have traveled to Honduras in support of a phony “election” set for November 29. All supporters of human rights should demand a change in this policy, in the name of solidarity with the Honduran people.

End US Aid to Honduras! Close the School of the Americas!

Organized by the Hands off Honduras Coalition. Endorsed by the Anti-War Committee.

As the Obama administration debates adding tens of thousands more troops to occupy Afghanistan, we say…

Main October 17th demonstration endorsed by: Anti-War Committee; Bread and Roses Forum of the Sisters of St. Joseph; Burnsville and Eagan Peace Vigil; FMLN Minnesota; Freedom Road Socialist Organization; Growing Communities for Peace; Hands Off Venezuela; Iraq Peace Action Coalition; Iraq Veterans Against the War; Lyndale United Church of Christ; Mayday Books; Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers; Minnesota Tenants Union; Military Families Speak Out; Minnesota Cuba Committee; Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign; St. of Arc Peacemakers; St. Paul Regional Labor Federation; Sacred Heart Church, Peace and Justice Committee; Socialist Action; Socialist Alternative; Students for a Democratic Society (U of M); Twin Cities Peace Campaign - Focus on Iraq; Veterans for Peace; Welfare Rights Committee; White Bear Unitarian Church Social Action Committee; Women Against Military Madness; Workers’ International League; Youth Against War and Racism.

These actions are part of a national day of action, with protests happening in dozens of cities across the country. See: http://october17.org/

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WHY WE’RE PROTESTING THE WARS ON OCTOBER 17

Because there are currently more combined troops in Iraq and Afghanistan than at any time under Bush, despite Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize victory.

Because we oppose sending tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan. Already, the Obama administration has added over 30,000 troops there, doubling the numbers under Bush - but now, they want to send 10,000-45,000 more! 58% of Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan (and only 25% support adding more troops).

Because we want money for jobs, health care, and education, not war. The U.S. spends as much on its military as the rest of the world combined - $713 billion in 2009 - while millions are losing their jobs and homes in the economic crisis.

Because we want our friends and family in the military home now, not risking their lives in unjust foreign occupations. More troops were killed in July and August in Afghanistan than in any other months since the war began. 5,130 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan thus far, and tens of thousands more severely wounded. 1/3 of all soldiers return with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or traumatic brain injury.

Because 8 years of occupation in Afghanistan does not equal liberation. The lives of Afghans have been worsened through military occupation. Thousands of civilians have been killed by bombs dropped by U.S. and NATO planes. 53% of the population still lives on less than $1 per day, and 77% lack access to clean water. Female literacy rates, 1t 13%, haven’t improved despite the overthrow of the Taliban. Recent elections were marred by fraud and low voter turnout, and the country continues to be ruled by corrupt warlords who have cut deals with the U.S. occupying forces.

Because we are opposed to unjust foreign military occupations and empire. The U.S. was founded by a revolution against British occupying armies. The Iraqi and Afghan people have the right to run their own countries, free from foreign occupation.

It is only by building a movement in the streets that we can force the politicians to end these unjust wars!

Hey friends. Have you heard about the National March for Equality going on in Washington DC October 10-11?

Frustrated by the inaction of the Obama Administration and unwilling to continue to accept their oppression and second-class status, gay
rights activists have called for a National March for Equality in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 11. This demonstration will coincide with National Coming Out Day, and is 30 years after the first National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights in 1979. The march has one simple demand: Full equality under the law for all lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender (LGBT) people in all 50 states.

So, for those of us who can not go to Washington DC, let’s have a rally gosh darn it! Minnesotans rallying for LGBT rights! what could
be better!

Sunday October 11th 12pm- MEET ON THE IRENE HIXON WHITNEY BRIDGE!!!

Please bring yourself, friends, parents, grand parents, heroes, spouses, children, pets, enthusiasm, signs, banners and noise makers!!!

This is a simple event, but the cause we are fighting for is grand!!!

for more information about the National March please visit:
http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=19”            ”

link to the facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171519603553&index=1