"No You Can't!" Protesters To Tell Obama at December 12 Rally

Peace Movement Groups Unite Against Obama War Escalation
Warning of Reprisals to Troop Surge

WASHINGTON DC, December 1, 2009 – More than 100 leading peace activists haveannounced an "Emergency Anti-Escalation Rally" at the White House onDecember 12, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, to reject President Obama’s announcedmilitary escalation in Afghanistan. The rally is organized by End US Wars, a newly formed coalition of national and grass-roots antiwar organizations,with endorsements from leading peace activists.

Rally organizers are calling for the left to end its support for Obama nowthat he has committed to a troop surge, and to condemn and oppose Obama’swar policy. In addition, the process will begin to replace Obama with ananti-war candidate, and to remove any pro-war legislators. Protests willintensify against U.S. war involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and any othercountries.

Speakers include: Cynthia McKinney, Sen. Mike Gravel, Kathy Kelly, ChrisHedges, David Swanson, Rev. Graylan Hagler, Coy McKinney, Debra Sweet, BrianBecker, Mathis Chiroux, Lynne Williams, Hon. Betty Hall, Elaine Brower,Marian Douglas, Michael Knox, Ralph Lopez, Ron Fisher. Statements will alsobe read from Col. Ann Wright, Stephen Zunes and Granny D (turning 100).Jordan Page and Emma’s Revolution will be among the musical performers. End US Wars’ "Open Letter to Obama," posted on the website, demands thatObama keep his promise and end the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars; call a cessation of Predator drone attacks over Pakistan; and begin immediatereconstruction and recovery in war-torn regions.

Prior to the rally on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. in Lafayette Park,the film "Rethink Afghanistan" will be shown Friday December 11, from 6:00to 8:00 p.m., at Busboys & Poets, 14th and V Streets, NW, Washington, DC.

For information, email: [email protected] or visit www.enduswars.org.For press inquiries, phone: 207-604-8988.