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.

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