[News-releases] NOW Calls for Bush Administration to End Cycle of Violence

NOW Press Office
202-628-8669 Lisa Bennett, x 123
202-785-8576 (fax)


NOW Joins Peace Vigil at White House: Calls for Bush Administration to End 
Cycle of Violence

Statement of NOW Action Vice President Olga Vives

December 10, 2002

The National Organization for Women stands in front of the White House 
today, on International Human Rights Day, to say "No" to the war on 
Iraq.  We are here to send George W. Bush the message--loud and clear--that 
violence is not the answer.

Feminists deplore the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and other recent 
offenses. However, the Bush administration has made no valid case that Iraq 
is preparing to attack the United States, that it has collaborated with al 
Qaeda or that it harbors terrorists.  In fact, a U.S. war against Iraq may 
actually serve as a recruiting tool for more terrorists, making us less 
safe here at home.

We must also take into account the lives that will be lost, women and men 
in our military and in Iraq, the increased instability of the Middle East, 
the proliferation of hate and fear around the globe, and the devastation of 
the infrastructure and the environment as a result of war.

The cost of a war in Iraq would do serious harm to an already faltering 
U.S. economy.  Members of Bush's own administration--former members, that 
is--have projected costs in the hundreds of billions.  Bush can only 
increase military spending at the expense of domestic programs--many of 
which assist women, people of color and all low-income families struggling 
to get by in these disastrous economic times.

NOW is proud to stand with the other social justice organizations who have 
united to form this Peace Vigil.  We encourage the U.S. government to 
cooperate with our international partners in resolving conflict around the 
world.  Only through the promotion of peace, equality and self-sufficiency 
can we truly end terrorism.

In honor of the rights of every human being on Earth, NOW demands that the 
Bush administration help create true security in the U.S. and abroad, not 
simply further the cycle of violence.