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Polly Mann, W A M M
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Woman of Valor: Charmaine Means
U.S. Army Major Charmaine Means, formerly the public relations officer at Mosul, a northern Iraqi city with a population of 748,000 (1991 estimate), was ordered to close down the local television station because it sometimes broadcast the Arab-language network, Al-Jazeera. Major Means refused to do so, stating that as the city had no newspapers or radio station, it was essential that the television station be permitted to operate. As a result her superiors relieved her of duty and flew her out of Mosul. Not one word of this action was reported in any of the major newspapers in the U.S. If the message that obeying one’s conscience can and should take precedence over Army orders would spread and reach the military, who can tell what would happen? (Source: Dr. Ira Chernus, professor of religious education at the University of Colorado at Boulder.)
A Growing Peace Movement that Can Change the World
The Fellowship of Reconciliation, in its spring newsletter, reminds us that we in WAMM are part of the largest, most broadly based, articulate, and responsible peace movement in world history. “Never before was there anything like it. Things like 603 simultaneous demonstrations uniting the voices of millions. Never before, such a witness of spiritual leaders, across a wide spectrum of faiths. Never before, quite such a diversity among those who want peace. All ages. Unions and business executives. Academics and children. And at peace while demanding peace, without, with rare exceptions, counter-productive violence.” The newsletter notes that the first mobile nonviolent force in world history (organized here in the Twin Cities) will be moving into Sri Lanka this fall (FFI: www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org). The newsletter closes with an invitation to be part of the FOR Middle East delegation that leaves August 1, 2003 (FFI: FOR@forusa.org or www.forusa.org).
American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights Formed
On June 10, 2003, the American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights (AAPER) was established. AAPER has two missions: one focused on education and the other on lobbying. AAPER Foundation’s mission is to inform the public about Palestinian rights and the U.S. role in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The lobbying wing’s mission is to shape a U.S. foreign policy that recognizes and seeks to advance the human and national rights of the Palestinian people. According to Michael Lerner, editor of the Jewish magazine Tikkun, “this is the first attempt to build a national organization that is an alternative to AIPAC (the American Israeli Political Affairs Committee).” |
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© 2003 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete July/August 2003 Index - click here
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