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 The War is Over ? 

 

 

 

Coalition forces in Iraq may claim that the war is over, but this is not the case for the people of Iraq. The number of deaths is in four figures and is scheduled to rise still higher. Now that the bombing looks like it’s going to stop the illegal occupation of Iraq will continue & the looting of the countries resources by neo-colonialists will begin. Our demand to end the war and the killing is now more important than ever.

Six Things You Can Do to Stop The War

1. Get informed

Knowledge is power. Images on the TV & newspaper are heavily censored & therefore don’t give a true reflection of what actually happens in war. The One World Centre on 4 Lower Crescent (off Botanic Ave, beside the Fly) is a library/resource space that stocks a range of information on the causes & impact of wars. www.guardian.co.uk has a comprehensive list of links to anti-war/peace websites. Do a little research on the world wide web & you’ll find a limitless supply of anti-war websites (there is free internet access in all public libraries).

2. Get empowered

It is easy to internalise feelings of anger & disgust about the war and to feel isolated & apathetic. Get together with friends & neighbours, people at work or school to express your feelings on this war & discuss actions you can take to oppose it. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers, you don’t need to be an expert to know that you don’t ‘liberate’ people by bombing them. Organise a local peace/anti-war group. Never underestimate the power your actions can have.

3. Have your say

Vocalise how this war makes you feel. Writing letters to newspapers & radio talk shows is a useful way to help spread the anti-war message. Utilise online Independent Media Centres (Indymedia).  www.indymedia.ie  and uk.indymedia.org You can upload your own news & comments & read those of others. It is a valuable resource for those opposed to war & involved in other movements of social change. Come along to the Public Speak Out, which meets regularly inside the front gates of City Hall  (check events for details) to share your feelings about this war with others. This will be an opportunity to have your say rather than listen to the opinions of experts on platforms.

4. Take action

Since the outbreak of war in Iraq there has been ongoing anti-war activity in Belfast including Food Not Bombs (like today- hope you’ve enjoyed the biscuits!), civil disobedience, sit downs, die-ins, marches, pickets, bike demos, garage blockades, army base blockades, peace parties, vigils, street theatre, info stalls, shadow painting (body outlines), spray painting, stickering and postering subvertising throughout the city. It’s important to bear in mind that not every action may appeal to you; think about what kind of action can best express how you feel about war. Before any action discuss what it is you want to achieve (for example media coverage or personal empowerment) and various possible outcomes of the event. Once you start to organise & take responsibility for your own actions, you feel positively empowered & will help to empower others around you.

5. Everyday

The root causes of war are the same the world over - poverty, an unequal distribution of resources and the greed of western-based corporate interests.  Wars such as the current Gulf War will continue as long as people continue to adhere to a culture of consumerisms. Here are some examples of things you can do: use less oil (get a bike, use public transport, take bus & rail within Europe, turn your heating down). Invest ethically, consume ethically, consume sensibly, consume less, & look after the people around you. Remember you cannot change everything at once, but you can make a difference.

6. We don’t have all the ideas ! Insert your own ideas here.

 

(Continue on a separate sheet if necessary)

 

Written by individuals involved in ‘Our Kitchen’.

 

 

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