Challenging the disease, not just the symptoms
By Brian Becker, National Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism). This statement was prepared on behalf of ANSWER, the primary organizer of the March 17, 2007, March on the Pentagon, to orient anti-war organizers and activists in the weeks leading up to the demonstration.
This is not a time for mealy-mouth genuflections before Congress, insisting that they “do the right thing.” It is not the time for band-aids. This movement must be massive, it must be angry, and it must blaze a new path. If there was ever a time for the creation of a truly radical movement, it is right now.
The Bush administration is a criminal monstrosity. But replacing it with a new group of politicians who are dependent on and deferential to the military-industrial complex can only treat the symptoms without treating the disease itself.
Instead of war and occupation, the peoples and countries of the Middle East must be free to determine their own destiny. The era of the old colonialism is over.
It is up to people everywhere to stop the new colonialism as well. There will be no better place than the steps of the Pentagon to make this statement resound throughout the country and the world.
There will also be mass marches and protests in L.A., S.F., and dozens of other cities on March 17. Given we are moving to Connecticut soon, I plan to be at the D.C. demo.
Quick clarification — due to a local situation, the SF march will be held on March 18.