Education not bombs
Saturday 6th March 2010
EIS National Demonstration Against Budget Cuts in Education, Why Must our Children Pay?
Assemble 10.30am Saturday, March off 11am, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow.
Buses leave Edinburgh, Waterloo Place at 9am.
More info: http://www.eis.org.uk/campaign/
With the latest polls in the UK stating that 64% say the war in Afghanistan is unwinnable it is time the troops withdrew. http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1757/1/
Stop the War believes that the money spent on the Afghanistan war would be better spent on teachers, schools and books.
Join the STW Education not Bombs contingent on the march on this Saturday.
WHAT GORDON BROWN COULD HAVE DONE WITH £8.5BN
Gordon Brown happily signed the cheques for the Iraq war. In2005 he said, "I would have behaved exactly like Tony over thewar."As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Brown was the paymastergeneral for the Iraq war. Instead of spending £8.5 billion onmass slaughter of Iraqis, Brown could have funded:
* The recruitment and retention of over 25,000 new teachersfor ten years.* All NHS maternity care for four years.
* All NHS Accident and Emergency provision for four and a halfyears.
* All government spending on the railways for five years.(SEE http://bit.ly/avwT4v) But not content with this astronomical waste, Brown is nowspending sums on the war in Afghanistan which -- at £12billion and rising fast -- dwarf his Iraq spending. (SEEhttp://bit.ly/4bRSM)
continue to check out http://www.stopwar.org.uk/ for campaign updates.
Please help fund the activities of Glasgow Stop the War Coalition by donating online at http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk/
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Saturday, 26 December 2009
A MESSAGE TO ALL STOP THE WAR COALITION SUPPORTERS
STOP THE WAR COALITION
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1) A MESSAGE TO ALL STOP THE WAR SUPPORTERS
2) REMEMBER GAZA: GEORGE SQUARE & NELSON MANDELA PLACE, 27 DECEMBER
3) VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY GAZA 27 DECEMBER
4) STOP THE WAR'S SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK
******************************
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1) A MESSAGE TO ALL STOP THE WAR SUPPORTERS
2) REMEMBER GAZA: GEORGE SQUARE & NELSON MANDELA PLACE, 27 DECEMBER
3) VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY GAZA 27 DECEMBER
4) STOP THE WAR'S SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK
******************************
***
1) A MESSAGE TO ALL STOP THE WAR SUPPORTERS
Dear Friends,
We are writing to thank you for all your work and support over
the past year.
The Stop the War Coalition began 2009 by mobilising to stop
the attack on Gaza, which included the biggest demonstration
for Palestine ever held in Britain, when over 100,000
protested on 10 January.
We have ended it campaigning to get the troops out of
Afghanistan and remembering Gaza on the anniversary of
Israel's attack.
Over this week alone we organised a protest by military
families at Downing St, where we handed in our petition
calling for British troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan;
we held a successful Beats Beat Bullets gig for Gaza, and --
together with PSC, CND and BMI -- we will be holding a vigil
at the Israeli Embassy in London on 27 December (see below).
Over the year we have organised -- both nationally and locally
around the country -- a series of demonstrations, vigils,
meetings, rallies, cultural and fundraising events. We will
begin the new year with two important initiatives.
In London on 28 January, Gordon Brown has convened an
international conference to discuss further escalation of the
war in Afghanistan. Stop the War will be organising a protest,
details of which will be available at the beginning of
January.
Also in January or possibly February, it is expected that Tony
Blair will appear at the Chilcot inquiry on Iraq. We want to
mobilise the biggest possible protest against the man now
widely regarded as having broken international law in taking
Britain to war.
There is likely to be a major national demonstration in March
as part of an international day of action, calling for all
foreign troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan.
A general election will be called in the first half of 2010
and Stop the war will be organising a campaign to ensure that
the war in Afghanistan is a prominent issue.
Our priority for 2010 will be to intensify the pressure on the
government to bring the troops home, reflecting the view of an
ever increasing majority of people in Britain. The recent US
and British troop surge, the extension of the Afghan war into
Pakistan and Yemen, and the threats against Iran, make our
campaign more important than ever.
The coming year is clearly going to be as busy for Stop the
War as any in our eight year history. Please continue to
support our work and our activities.
We rely entirely on contributions by our supporters to fund
all of our campaigns. If you are not
already a member of Stop the War, we urge you to consider
becoming one now, or make a donation to help us sustain our
anti-war work as effectively as we can. You can join or donate
online, here: http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
We wish you a happy holiday and new year, and we hope that by
active opposition to our government's war policies, together
we can help make 2010 more peaceful than the year just ending.
Best wishes,
Glasgow Stop the War Coalition
*********************************
2) REMEMBER GAZA: ISRAELI EMBASSY 27 DECEMBER
To mark that anniversary of Israel's attach and to protest at
the continuing siege of Gaza, there will be a vigil in George Square& Nelson Mandela Place, 3.45 - 5.00pm 5pm
REMEMBER GAZA: END THE SIEGE
SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 2009 345-5PM
GEORGE SQUARE & NELSON MANDELA PLACE, GLASGOW.
Sunday 27th December marks one year on from the beginning of Israel's 22-day bombing campaign on Gaza.
It is also the day of Ashura when Sunni Muslims believe that Moses delivered the Jews from Pharaoh, when the sea was parted. It is a day laden with symbolism given the oppression of the Gazans. Who will deliver the Palestinians now?
Ashura is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, and members of the Jewish and others will this year be joining with Muslims in this act to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.
Those fasting should join us to break fast in Glasgow's George Square (break fast is at 15:56, suggest we meet around 15:45) (prayer facilities available at Strathclyde Uni mosque). Please bring some simple food!
VIGIL
16:30 at Nelson Mandela Place for a candle lit vigil, where we will hear from those on the Gaza Freedom March, so we can send our messages to Gaza, Pauline McNeill MSP, Cross-Party Group on Palestine and Barry Levine from Jews for a Just Peace (other speakers to be confirmed!)
*********************************
3) VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY GAZA 27 DECEMBER
The Viva Palestina convoy taking 100 vehicles full of aid from
Britain to break the siege plans enter Gaza on 27 December,
when it will be joined by convoys from Turkey and the United
States. For updates on the convoy,
http://www.vivapalestina.org or Twitter: viva_palestina
*********************************
4) STOP THE WAR'S SONGS FOR XMAS WEEK
We've chosen two songs for Christmas week.
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon, which is about
Christmas Day 1914 when all sides in World War I laid down
their weapons and made peace by playing a game of soccer.
Barra Barra by Rachid Taha is the soundtrack to a video called
Israel - An Apartheid State, which powerfully captures life
for Palestinians under Israeli occupation and siege. Plus
we've included a bonus video of Rachid Taha and Brian Eno
performing Barra Barra live at the great benefit concert they
did for Stop the War in 2005.
FOR BOTH SONGS, GO TO: http://bit.ly/6vnfKN
1) A MESSAGE TO ALL STOP THE WAR SUPPORTERS
Dear Friends,
We are writing to thank you for all your work and support over
the past year.
The Stop the War Coalition began 2009 by mobilising to stop
the attack on Gaza, which included the biggest demonstration
for Palestine ever held in Britain, when over 100,000
protested on 10 January.
We have ended it campaigning to get the troops out of
Afghanistan and remembering Gaza on the anniversary of
Israel's attack.
Over this week alone we organised a protest by military
families at Downing St, where we handed in our petition
calling for British troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan;
we held a successful Beats Beat Bullets gig for Gaza, and --
together with PSC, CND and BMI -- we will be holding a vigil
at the Israeli Embassy in London on 27 December (see below).
Over the year we have organised -- both nationally and locally
around the country -- a series of demonstrations, vigils,
meetings, rallies, cultural and fundraising events. We will
begin the new year with two important initiatives.
In London on 28 January, Gordon Brown has convened an
international conference to discuss further escalation of the
war in Afghanistan. Stop the War will be organising a protest,
details of which will be available at the beginning of
January.
Also in January or possibly February, it is expected that Tony
Blair will appear at the Chilcot inquiry on Iraq. We want to
mobilise the biggest possible protest against the man now
widely regarded as having broken international law in taking
Britain to war.
There is likely to be a major national demonstration in March
as part of an international day of action, calling for all
foreign troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan.
A general election will be called in the first half of 2010
and Stop the war will be organising a campaign to ensure that
the war in Afghanistan is a prominent issue.
Our priority for 2010 will be to intensify the pressure on the
government to bring the troops home, reflecting the view of an
ever increasing majority of people in Britain. The recent US
and British troop surge, the extension of the Afghan war into
Pakistan and Yemen, and the threats against Iran, make our
campaign more important than ever.
The coming year is clearly going to be as busy for Stop the
War as any in our eight year history. Please continue to
support our work and our activities.
We rely entirely on contributions by our supporters to fund
all of our campaigns. If you are not
already a member of Stop the War, we urge you to consider
becoming one now, or make a donation to help us sustain our
anti-war work as effectively as we can. You can join or donate
online, here: http://glasgowstopwar.express.
We wish you a happy holiday and new year, and we hope that by
active opposition to our government's war policies, together
we can help make 2010 more peaceful than the year just ending.
Best wishes,
Glasgow Stop the War Coalition
2) REMEMBER GAZA: ISRAELI EMBASSY 27 DECEMBER
To mark that anniversary of Israel's attach and to protest at
the continuing siege of Gaza, there will be a vigil in George Square& Nelson Mandela Place, 3.45 - 5.00pm 5pm
REMEMBER GAZA: END THE SIEGE
SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 2009 345-5PM
GEORGE SQUARE & NELSON MANDELA PLACE, GLASGOW.
Sunday 27th December marks one year on from the beginning of Israel's 22-day bombing campaign on Gaza.
It is also the day of Ashura when Sunni Muslims believe that Moses delivered the Jews from Pharaoh, when the sea was parted. It is a day laden with symbolism given the oppression of the Gazans. Who will deliver the Palestinians now?
Ashura is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, and members of the Jewish and others will this year be joining with Muslims in this act to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.
Those fasting should join us to break fast in Glasgow's George Square (break fast is at 15:56, suggest we meet around 15:45) (prayer facilities available at Strathclyde Uni mosque). Please bring some simple food!
VIGIL
16:30 at Nelson Mandela Place for a candle lit vigil, where we will hear from those on the Gaza Freedom March, so we can send our messages to Gaza, Pauline McNeill MSP, Cross-Party Group on Palestine and Barry Levine from Jews for a Just Peace (other speakers to be confirmed!)
******************************
3) VIVA PALESTINA CONVOY GAZA 27 DECEMBER
The Viva Palestina convoy taking 100 vehicles full of aid from
Britain to break the siege plans enter Gaza on 27 December,
when it will be joined by convoys from Turkey and the United
States. For updates on the convoy,
http://www.vivapalestina.org or Twitter: viva_palestina
******************************
4) STOP THE WAR'S SONGS FOR XMAS WEEK
We've chosen two songs for Christmas week.
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon, which is about
Christmas Day 1914 when all sides in World War I laid down
their weapons and made peace by playing a game of soccer.
Barra Barra by Rachid Taha is the soundtrack to a video called
Israel - An Apartheid State, which powerfully captures life
for Palestinians under Israeli occupation and siege. Plus
we've included a bonus video of Rachid Taha and Brian Eno
performing Barra Barra live at the great benefit concert they
did for Stop the War in 2005.
FOR BOTH SONGS, GO TO: http://bit.ly/6vnfKN
Thursday, 10 December 2009
DECEMBER 2009
Glasgow Stop the War CoalitionIn this newsletter:
1 Opening of Gaza Now Exhibition, 11 December 2009
2 Why have 100 British soldiers died in Afghanistan this year?
3 UPDATE: Joe Glenton – arrested for speaking out against war
4 Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
1 Opening of Gaza Now Exhibition
Glasgow Central Mosque
Friday 11th December
5.30pm - 8.30pm (Refreshments & food)
Note start time - 5.30pm sharp (doors open 4.30pm)
A Picture Exhibition on the 1st anniversary of Gaza War (Pictures taken by Edinburgh Direct Aid while on their Aid/humanitarian mission - earlier this year).
Opening ceremony with Denis Rutovitz (Founder of Edinburgh Direct Aid), Pauline McNeil (Chair of Palestine Cross Party Group), Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister), Ismael Patel (Founder of Friends of Al Aqsa), Dr Colin Cooper (Aid Envoy to Gaza Glasgow) , Dr M S Kauser (Central Mosque Secretary) and live link with Gaza. Exhibition from Fr 11 Dec - Fri 18 Dec
2 Why have 100 British soldiers died in Afghanistan this year?
Gordon Brown claims the 100th British soldier to die this year in Afghanistan died "doing what is right for Britain". He didn't. He died to save the face of politicians like Brown who cannot face admitting that the 100th soldier to die lost his life in a pointless war, as did all the other British soldiers and countless thousands of Afghans who have been killed in the past eight years.The hundredth British soldier to die in Afghanistan this year was killed because Gordon Brown refuses to learn the lesson of history: that the people of Afghanistan never accept occupation by foreign powers.He died fighting to support one of the most corrupt governments in the world, which is dominated by war lords and drug traffickers and which has no legitimacy following a breathtakingly fraudulent election.Gordon Brown says the 100th soldier died to safeguard Britain against terrorist attack. But no Afghan has ever attacked Britain or any other country.He died, says Brown, to help defeat al-Qaeda. But more British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in 2009 than the total number of al-Qaeda in the country, which the US government admits is just a few dozen.He died according to Brown helping to bring stability and security to Afghanistan. But it is the eight years of war that is the cause of the insecurity, having brought nothing but ever increasing levels of death and devastation.Brown says the 100th soldier died because the British army has a mission to train Afghan security forces to take responsibility for fighting the forces opposing occupation. But all there is to show after eight years of "training" Afghans to replace British soldiers is a phantom army and ghost police force. Nato instructors openly admit it is a hopeless task, but Brown says this is the escape plan for bringing British troops home from Afghanistan. By increasing to over 10,000 the number of British troops sent to kill and be killed in Afghanistan, Gordon Brown has condemned many more soldiers and countless Afghans to die in an unjustified and unwinnable war.The truth is Britain has no national security interests in Afghanistan. The war is being continued for no other reason than to save the face of politicians and military commanders who cannot faceadmitting defeat after eight years of conflict which has brought only mass slaughter and devastation to Afghanistan.The 100th soldier to die this year did so on a sea of lies about why Britain is fighting a war in the world's second poorest country, against a people who are no threat to any other country and who only want to be free of foreign occupation. Campaigning to bring the troops homeTo mark the 100th death this year, Stop the War groups across the country will hold vigils and naming the dead ceremonies, at which the names of all 100 soldiers killed will be read out, together with the names of 100 Afghans to represent the countless thousands who have died.On Monday 21 December, many military families will join with former soldiers to deliver Stop the War's Bring the Troops Home petition to Gordon Brown at Downing Street. In the coming months Stop the War will be intensifying its campaign to bring pressure on the Gordon Brown's government to withdraw all British troops from Afghanistan, which all opinion polls show is supported by an overwhelming majority of the British public.We are a few months away from a general election and Stop the War plans to hold protests, lobbies and other events across the country to ensure that every politician standing for office knows that if they support the sensless war in Afghanistan they are opposing the view of most people whose vote they are seeking.
SIGN THE PETITION HERE TO BRING THE TROOPS HOMEhttp://www.petitiononline.com/mfaw09/petition.html
3. UPDATE: Joe Glenton – arrested for speaking out against war
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton was arrested for refusing to return to Afghanistan, leading an anti-war demonstration and speaking to the media in defiance of orders.He is being held in an army jail while he awaits trial for charges which carry a sentence of up to 10 years.LATEST NEWS 09.12.09: Joe was released today from prison on very restrictive bail conditionsMessages of support can still be sent to: defendjoeglenton@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Court hearing Wednesday 16 DecemberJoe appears before a judge for a preliminary hearing of his case. Stop the War will organise a picket of the court in support: Wednesday 16 December, 9.30am, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 81 Chancery Lane, London WC22A 1BQ. Please join us if you can.
• Email: Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth: defencesecretary@mod.uk or ainsworthr@parliament.uk
• Write: Secretary of State for Defence, Floor 5, Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB • FAX: 020 7218 6538• Petition: Download the Defend Joe Glenton petition...
Joe Glenton's mother, Sue Glenton, has highlighted the hypocrisy in the silencing of her son: "You've got government ministers, army commanders and MPs speaking every day in support of the war. What's so scary about a lance corporal having his say? My son is only speaking out for what he thinks is right." - Sue Glenton
The following message has been received from Malalai Joya, the Afghan MP who has been called "the bravest women in Afghanistan", and who has received numerous international awards for her defence of human rights:"
Dear Joe, Stay strong! The majority of the Afghan people are with you and we respect and admire the stand you have taken. When there is no justice, it is better for honest people to go even to jail rather than go to war. Down with the occupation. I send you my warmest greetings and solidarity." - Malalai Joya
5. Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
In the last few months Presidents Obama’s surge of troops to Afghanistan, the growing death toll of soldiers and Afghan civilians, the bombing of Pakistan and Gaza earlier this year have demonstrated that the need for a thriving Stop the War Coalition is as great as ever.Recently we sent a coach to the National demonstration to get the Troops out of Afghanistan in London, led by led by Lance Corporal Joe Glenton -- the first serving soldier in the British army to join an anti-war march - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1561/1/ .We have received great support from trade unions, peace and groups working for social justice and you as an individual, over the years and together we have achieved much.We would like to continue being able to respond as we did earlier this year, when we seen the bombing of Gaza and the biggest ever wave of protests since the invasion of Iraq. The anti-war movement needs to be both organised and mobilised.Printing leaflets, petitions and posters; booking buses to get to the demonstrations; meetings and event room hires all cost well spent money and keep our movement organised, united and mobilised.
Please consider making a donation to Glasgow Stop the War Coalition.
DONATE ONLINE: http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
BY POST: Cheques made to 'GLASGOW STOP THE WAR COALITION' C/o Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, TGWU Offices, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD. (drop us a quick email to let us know you’ve sent it)
IN PERSON: TEXT 07912348366 and we will arrange collection.Go to www.stopwar.org.uk and for more info on the Stop the War Coalition and its activities.
Get your Christmas Cards at – http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.ukDesigned by supporters of Stop the War in Glasgow you get 9 cards for £4.50 with £1.00 postage costs.Please forward and circulate this email to all your contacts.
Post the following to on your facebook – checking out the latest Glasgow Stop the War newsletter at http://glasgowstopwar.blogspot.com/
Get involved in the campaign to bring the troops home
Email: glasgowstopwar@gmail.com
1 Opening of Gaza Now Exhibition, 11 December 2009
2 Why have 100 British soldiers died in Afghanistan this year?
3 UPDATE: Joe Glenton – arrested for speaking out against war
4 Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
1 Opening of Gaza Now Exhibition
Glasgow Central Mosque
Friday 11th December
5.30pm - 8.30pm (Refreshments & food)
Note start time - 5.30pm sharp (doors open 4.30pm)
A Picture Exhibition on the 1st anniversary of Gaza War (Pictures taken by Edinburgh Direct Aid while on their Aid/humanitarian mission - earlier this year).
Opening ceremony with Denis Rutovitz (Founder of Edinburgh Direct Aid), Pauline McNeil (Chair of Palestine Cross Party Group), Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister), Ismael Patel (Founder of Friends of Al Aqsa), Dr Colin Cooper (Aid Envoy to Gaza Glasgow) , Dr M S Kauser (Central Mosque Secretary) and live link with Gaza. Exhibition from Fr 11 Dec - Fri 18 Dec
2 Why have 100 British soldiers died in Afghanistan this year?
Gordon Brown claims the 100th British soldier to die this year in Afghanistan died "doing what is right for Britain". He didn't. He died to save the face of politicians like Brown who cannot face admitting that the 100th soldier to die lost his life in a pointless war, as did all the other British soldiers and countless thousands of Afghans who have been killed in the past eight years.The hundredth British soldier to die in Afghanistan this year was killed because Gordon Brown refuses to learn the lesson of history: that the people of Afghanistan never accept occupation by foreign powers.He died fighting to support one of the most corrupt governments in the world, which is dominated by war lords and drug traffickers and which has no legitimacy following a breathtakingly fraudulent election.Gordon Brown says the 100th soldier died to safeguard Britain against terrorist attack. But no Afghan has ever attacked Britain or any other country.He died, says Brown, to help defeat al-Qaeda. But more British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in 2009 than the total number of al-Qaeda in the country, which the US government admits is just a few dozen.He died according to Brown helping to bring stability and security to Afghanistan. But it is the eight years of war that is the cause of the insecurity, having brought nothing but ever increasing levels of death and devastation.Brown says the 100th soldier died because the British army has a mission to train Afghan security forces to take responsibility for fighting the forces opposing occupation. But all there is to show after eight years of "training" Afghans to replace British soldiers is a phantom army and ghost police force. Nato instructors openly admit it is a hopeless task, but Brown says this is the escape plan for bringing British troops home from Afghanistan. By increasing to over 10,000 the number of British troops sent to kill and be killed in Afghanistan, Gordon Brown has condemned many more soldiers and countless Afghans to die in an unjustified and unwinnable war.The truth is Britain has no national security interests in Afghanistan. The war is being continued for no other reason than to save the face of politicians and military commanders who cannot faceadmitting defeat after eight years of conflict which has brought only mass slaughter and devastation to Afghanistan.The 100th soldier to die this year did so on a sea of lies about why Britain is fighting a war in the world's second poorest country, against a people who are no threat to any other country and who only want to be free of foreign occupation. Campaigning to bring the troops homeTo mark the 100th death this year, Stop the War groups across the country will hold vigils and naming the dead ceremonies, at which the names of all 100 soldiers killed will be read out, together with the names of 100 Afghans to represent the countless thousands who have died.On Monday 21 December, many military families will join with former soldiers to deliver Stop the War's Bring the Troops Home petition to Gordon Brown at Downing Street. In the coming months Stop the War will be intensifying its campaign to bring pressure on the Gordon Brown's government to withdraw all British troops from Afghanistan, which all opinion polls show is supported by an overwhelming majority of the British public.We are a few months away from a general election and Stop the War plans to hold protests, lobbies and other events across the country to ensure that every politician standing for office knows that if they support the sensless war in Afghanistan they are opposing the view of most people whose vote they are seeking.
SIGN THE PETITION HERE TO BRING THE TROOPS HOMEhttp://www.petitiononline.com/mfaw09/petition.html
3. UPDATE: Joe Glenton – arrested for speaking out against war
Lance Corporal Joe Glenton was arrested for refusing to return to Afghanistan, leading an anti-war demonstration and speaking to the media in defiance of orders.He is being held in an army jail while he awaits trial for charges which carry a sentence of up to 10 years.LATEST NEWS 09.12.09: Joe was released today from prison on very restrictive bail conditionsMessages of support can still be sent to: defendjoeglenton@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Court hearing Wednesday 16 DecemberJoe appears before a judge for a preliminary hearing of his case. Stop the War will organise a picket of the court in support: Wednesday 16 December, 9.30am, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 81 Chancery Lane, London WC22A 1BQ. Please join us if you can.
• Email: Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth: defencesecretary@mod.uk or ainsworthr@parliament.uk
• Write: Secretary of State for Defence, Floor 5, Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB • FAX: 020 7218 6538• Petition: Download the Defend Joe Glenton petition...
Joe Glenton's mother, Sue Glenton, has highlighted the hypocrisy in the silencing of her son: "You've got government ministers, army commanders and MPs speaking every day in support of the war. What's so scary about a lance corporal having his say? My son is only speaking out for what he thinks is right." - Sue Glenton
The following message has been received from Malalai Joya, the Afghan MP who has been called "the bravest women in Afghanistan", and who has received numerous international awards for her defence of human rights:"
Dear Joe, Stay strong! The majority of the Afghan people are with you and we respect and admire the stand you have taken. When there is no justice, it is better for honest people to go even to jail rather than go to war. Down with the occupation. I send you my warmest greetings and solidarity." - Malalai Joya
5. Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
In the last few months Presidents Obama’s surge of troops to Afghanistan, the growing death toll of soldiers and Afghan civilians, the bombing of Pakistan and Gaza earlier this year have demonstrated that the need for a thriving Stop the War Coalition is as great as ever.Recently we sent a coach to the National demonstration to get the Troops out of Afghanistan in London, led by led by Lance Corporal Joe Glenton -- the first serving soldier in the British army to join an anti-war march - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1561/1/ .We have received great support from trade unions, peace and groups working for social justice and you as an individual, over the years and together we have achieved much.We would like to continue being able to respond as we did earlier this year, when we seen the bombing of Gaza and the biggest ever wave of protests since the invasion of Iraq. The anti-war movement needs to be both organised and mobilised.Printing leaflets, petitions and posters; booking buses to get to the demonstrations; meetings and event room hires all cost well spent money and keep our movement organised, united and mobilised.
Please consider making a donation to Glasgow Stop the War Coalition.
DONATE ONLINE: http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
BY POST: Cheques made to 'GLASGOW STOP THE WAR COALITION' C/o Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, TGWU Offices, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD. (drop us a quick email to let us know you’ve sent it)
IN PERSON: TEXT 07912348366 and we will arrange collection.Go to www.stopwar.org.uk and for more info on the Stop the War Coalition and its activities.
Get your Christmas Cards at – http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.ukDesigned by supporters of Stop the War in Glasgow you get 9 cards for £4.50 with £1.00 postage costs.Please forward and circulate this email to all your contacts.
Post the following to on your facebook – checking out the latest Glasgow Stop the War newsletter at http://glasgowstopwar.blogspot.com/
Get involved in the campaign to bring the troops home
Email: glasgowstopwar@gmail.com
Monday, 9 November 2009
Novermber 2009 newsletter
Why Are We in Afghanistan? The Great Debate - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1592/1/
In this newsletter
1. Troops out of Afghanistan - Edinburgh
2. Demonstrate Against Islamophobia, Racism and Fascism - Glasgow
3. Noam Chomsky - public meeting (Edinburgh and Glasgow)
4. Responding to the Afghan election farce
5. NOTE: Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Troops out of Afghanistan
The NATO defence ministers are meeting at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre the weekend of the 14th. The war in Afghanistan is waged under the NATO banner. Opinion polls make it clear that a big majority want the troops home now.
Called by Stop the War Scotland, supported by STW UK, CND, SCND, Scottish Afghan Society, & SACC.
Scottish Demonstration: Edinburgh
Saturday 14th November
Troops Out of Afghanistan Now / No to Nato / Scrap Trident
Assemble 10.30am East Market Street leaving at 11am
DOWNLOAD LEAFLET FROM - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1582/186/
Travel from Glasgow:
Trains from Glasgow to Edinburgh are reasonably priced at £5.00 return if you are travelling in a group of four. You must travel both ways in your group of four.
NOTE: If there is a large group in your party wishing to travel through to the demonstration please do get back in touch by midnight on Wednesday 11 November and if there is a demand we will book some coaches to take people through.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Demonstrate Against Islamophobia – Glasgow
For supporters of Stop the War who wish to stay in Glasgow on Saturday we are calling on everyone to oppose the Islamophobia of the British National Party and the Scottish Defence League and join the Scotland United demonstration at Glasgow Green and march through the city.
Scotland United Against Racism and Fascism - http://www.scotlandunited.org/
Supported by Stop the War Coalition
Saturday 14 November
Assemble 12 noon, Nelson’s Column, Glasgow Green
Speakers include:Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First MinisterAnnabel Goldie MSP, Conservative leader in the Scottish ParliamentMohammad Sarwar MPRobert Brown MSPGrahame Smith, Secretary General, STUCAamer Anwar, human rights lawyer
Performers include:Laura McGhee - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCm51WFzXkY
"We the undersigned strongly oppose plans by the 'Scottish Defence League' - a group linked to the fascist BNP - to demonstrate in Glasgow city centre and march on the local mosque. The SDL is a racist group dedicated to attacking Asian people and Muslims. Islamophobia - bigotry against Muslims - is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. Its aim is to divide us by making scapegoats of one community, just as the far-right did with Jews in the 1930s. We have a simple message for these racist and fascist groups. We will not let you turn the clock back to the 1970s when their thugs could attack black and Asian people with impunity. An injury to one is an injury to all – and their attempts to target and scapegoat Muslims will fail. Today they threaten the Mosque, tomorrow it could be a Synagogue, Temple or Church. Today they threaten Muslims, tomorrow it could be Jewish people, Hindus, Sikhs, black people, lesbians & gay men, trade unionists, travellers or Eastern Europeans. There is no place for Nazis, racists or the BNP in Glasgow’s multiracial, multi-cultural and multi-religious community. We call on the Leader of Glasgow City Council and the Police to ban the SDL/EDL action."
Get in touch if can take a pile of leaflets to distribute on the demonstration.
Stop the War statement on the BNP - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
In doubt over the rise of Islamophobia? Here are a list of articles available on our website http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php?searchword=ISLAMOPHOBIA&option=com_search&Itemid=186
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Noam Chomsky - public meeting (Edinburgh and Glasgow)
7.30pm Tue 10 Nov St George's West Church, (Candlish Hall) 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT and Quaker Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PS
with Noam Chomsky by live link from the US,
What does Barack Obama'a apparent dithering over Afghanistan really mean? Ask America's leading intellectual
Meeting supported by: Radio Ramadan Edinburgh; Scotland Against Criminalising Communities; Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Responding to the Afghan election farce
NATO's operation in Afghanistan has descended into farce. Gordon Brown and Barack Obama have both congratulated Hamid Karzai - a man they installed as Afghanistan's ruler in the first place - for winning an election they themselves have condemned as corrupt.
The result of this charade will be to further weaken support for the war here. The fact that there are now establishment voices arguing the war is pointless also strengthens the hand of those of us who want to bring the troops home altogether. We need to use the weeks up to Christmas to put maximum pressure on the government.
We are asking all our supporters to do as many of the following as possible:
- PETITION:
Get everyone you know to sign the Bring the Troops Home petition. We plan to hand it in very publicly to Gordon Brown in December, so we need the maximum possible number of signatures by then. You can sign it online (http://bit.ly/ft6BP) or download a copy (http://bit.ly/rNaTZ) and take it round your workmates, neighbours, friends etc.
- LOBBY YOUR MP:
Lobby your MP and demand he or she does everything possible to end the occupation. Send a Bring the Troops Home postcard (available from the office@stopwar.org.uk) to your MP.
- MILITARY FAMILIES:
If you have family connections with the military or know anyone who does and is against the war, please contact us. More and more military families are getting in touch. As Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute is quoted as saying in the Guardian 'The cynicism that eventually corroded the morale of US forces in Vietnam is a spectre that is beginning to haunt the whole Afghanistan enterprise'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
In the last few months Presidents Obama’s surge of troops to Afghanistan, the growing death toll of soldiers and Afghan civilians, the bombing of Pakistan and Gaza earlier this year have demonstrated that the need for a thriving Stop the War Coalition is as great as ever.
Recently we sent a coach to the National demonstration to get the Troops out of Afghanistan in London, led by led by Lance Corporal Joe Glenton -- the first serving soldier in the British army to join an anti-war march - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1561/1/ .
We have received great support from trade unions, peace and groups working for social justice and you as an individual, over the years and together we have achieved much.
We would like to continue being able to respond as we did earlier this year, when we seen the bombing of Gaza and the biggest ever wave of protests since the invasion of Iraq. The anti-war movement needs to be both organised and mobilised.
Printing leaflets, petitions and posters; booking buses to get to the demonstrations; meetings and event room hires all cost well spent money and keep our movement organised, united and mobilised.
Please consider making a donation to Glasgow Stop the War Coalition.
DONATE ONLINE: http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
BY POST: Cheques made to 'GLASGOW STOP THE WAR COALITION' C/o Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, TGWU Offices, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD. (drop us a quick email to let us know you’ve sent it)
IN PERSON: TEXT 07912348366 and we will arrange collection.
Go to www.stopwar.org.uk and for more info on the Stop the War Coalition and its activities.
Get your Christmas Cards at – http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
Designed by supporters of Stop the War in Glasgow you get 9 cards for £4.50 with £1.00 postage costs.
Please forward and circulate this email to all your contacts.
Post the following to on your facebook –
checking out the latest Glasgow Stop the War newsletter at http://glasgowstopwar.blogspot.com/
In this newsletter
1. Troops out of Afghanistan - Edinburgh
2. Demonstrate Against Islamophobia, Racism and Fascism - Glasgow
3. Noam Chomsky - public meeting (Edinburgh and Glasgow)
4. Responding to the Afghan election farce
5. NOTE: Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Troops out of Afghanistan
The NATO defence ministers are meeting at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre the weekend of the 14th. The war in Afghanistan is waged under the NATO banner. Opinion polls make it clear that a big majority want the troops home now.
Called by Stop the War Scotland, supported by STW UK, CND, SCND, Scottish Afghan Society, & SACC.
Scottish Demonstration: Edinburgh
Saturday 14th November
Troops Out of Afghanistan Now / No to Nato / Scrap Trident
Assemble 10.30am East Market Street leaving at 11am
DOWNLOAD LEAFLET FROM - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1582/186/
Travel from Glasgow:
Trains from Glasgow to Edinburgh are reasonably priced at £5.00 return if you are travelling in a group of four. You must travel both ways in your group of four.
NOTE: If there is a large group in your party wishing to travel through to the demonstration please do get back in touch by midnight on Wednesday 11 November and if there is a demand we will book some coaches to take people through.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Demonstrate Against Islamophobia – Glasgow
For supporters of Stop the War who wish to stay in Glasgow on Saturday we are calling on everyone to oppose the Islamophobia of the British National Party and the Scottish Defence League and join the Scotland United demonstration at Glasgow Green and march through the city.
Scotland United Against Racism and Fascism - http://www.scotlandunited.org/
Supported by Stop the War Coalition
Saturday 14 November
Assemble 12 noon, Nelson’s Column, Glasgow Green
Speakers include:Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First MinisterAnnabel Goldie MSP, Conservative leader in the Scottish ParliamentMohammad Sarwar MPRobert Brown MSPGrahame Smith, Secretary General, STUCAamer Anwar, human rights lawyer
Performers include:Laura McGhee - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCm51WFzXkY
"We the undersigned strongly oppose plans by the 'Scottish Defence League' - a group linked to the fascist BNP - to demonstrate in Glasgow city centre and march on the local mosque. The SDL is a racist group dedicated to attacking Asian people and Muslims. Islamophobia - bigotry against Muslims - is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. Its aim is to divide us by making scapegoats of one community, just as the far-right did with Jews in the 1930s. We have a simple message for these racist and fascist groups. We will not let you turn the clock back to the 1970s when their thugs could attack black and Asian people with impunity. An injury to one is an injury to all – and their attempts to target and scapegoat Muslims will fail. Today they threaten the Mosque, tomorrow it could be a Synagogue, Temple or Church. Today they threaten Muslims, tomorrow it could be Jewish people, Hindus, Sikhs, black people, lesbians & gay men, trade unionists, travellers or Eastern Europeans. There is no place for Nazis, racists or the BNP in Glasgow’s multiracial, multi-cultural and multi-religious community. We call on the Leader of Glasgow City Council and the Police to ban the SDL/EDL action."
Get in touch if can take a pile of leaflets to distribute on the demonstration.
Stop the War statement on the BNP - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
In doubt over the rise of Islamophobia? Here are a list of articles available on our website http://stopwar.org.uk/index.php?searchword=ISLAMOPHOBIA&option=com_search&Itemid=186
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Noam Chomsky - public meeting (Edinburgh and Glasgow)
7.30pm Tue 10 Nov St George's West Church, (Candlish Hall) 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT and Quaker Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PS
with Noam Chomsky by live link from the US,
What does Barack Obama'a apparent dithering over Afghanistan really mean? Ask America's leading intellectual
Meeting supported by: Radio Ramadan Edinburgh; Scotland Against Criminalising Communities; Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Responding to the Afghan election farce
NATO's operation in Afghanistan has descended into farce. Gordon Brown and Barack Obama have both congratulated Hamid Karzai - a man they installed as Afghanistan's ruler in the first place - for winning an election they themselves have condemned as corrupt.
The result of this charade will be to further weaken support for the war here. The fact that there are now establishment voices arguing the war is pointless also strengthens the hand of those of us who want to bring the troops home altogether. We need to use the weeks up to Christmas to put maximum pressure on the government.
We are asking all our supporters to do as many of the following as possible:
- PETITION:
Get everyone you know to sign the Bring the Troops Home petition. We plan to hand it in very publicly to Gordon Brown in December, so we need the maximum possible number of signatures by then. You can sign it online (http://bit.ly/ft6BP) or download a copy (http://bit.ly/rNaTZ) and take it round your workmates, neighbours, friends etc.
- LOBBY YOUR MP:
Lobby your MP and demand he or she does everything possible to end the occupation. Send a Bring the Troops Home postcard (available from the office@stopwar.org.uk) to your MP.
- MILITARY FAMILIES:
If you have family connections with the military or know anyone who does and is against the war, please contact us. More and more military families are getting in touch. As Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute is quoted as saying in the Guardian 'The cynicism that eventually corroded the morale of US forces in Vietnam is a spectre that is beginning to haunt the whole Afghanistan enterprise'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Financial Appeal and Stop the War Christmas cards
In the last few months Presidents Obama’s surge of troops to Afghanistan, the growing death toll of soldiers and Afghan civilians, the bombing of Pakistan and Gaza earlier this year have demonstrated that the need for a thriving Stop the War Coalition is as great as ever.
Recently we sent a coach to the National demonstration to get the Troops out of Afghanistan in London, led by led by Lance Corporal Joe Glenton -- the first serving soldier in the British army to join an anti-war march - http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1561/1/ .
We have received great support from trade unions, peace and groups working for social justice and you as an individual, over the years and together we have achieved much.
We would like to continue being able to respond as we did earlier this year, when we seen the bombing of Gaza and the biggest ever wave of protests since the invasion of Iraq. The anti-war movement needs to be both organised and mobilised.
Printing leaflets, petitions and posters; booking buses to get to the demonstrations; meetings and event room hires all cost well spent money and keep our movement organised, united and mobilised.
Please consider making a donation to Glasgow Stop the War Coalition.
DONATE ONLINE: http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
BY POST: Cheques made to 'GLASGOW STOP THE WAR COALITION' C/o Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, TGWU Offices, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD. (drop us a quick email to let us know you’ve sent it)
IN PERSON: TEXT 07912348366 and we will arrange collection.
Go to www.stopwar.org.uk and for more info on the Stop the War Coalition and its activities.
Get your Christmas Cards at – http://glasgowstopwar.express.iristickets.co.uk
Designed by supporters of Stop the War in Glasgow you get 9 cards for £4.50 with £1.00 postage costs.
Please forward and circulate this email to all your contacts.
Post the following to on your facebook –
checking out the latest Glasgow Stop the War newsletter at http://glasgowstopwar.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Statement from Stop the War on the British National Party
Is the British National Party anti-war?
The British National Party (BNP) is attempting to present itself as an anti-war party in order to raise its profile in the European elections on Thursday 4 June.
Statement from Stop the War on the British National Party
We do not accept that the BNP is an anti-war party. It is a fascist organisation whose policies can only be carried through by a civil war against ethnic minorities and all those it regards as inferior. We note that the BNP is concentrating its racism upon Muslims. We therefore oppose the BNP’s inclusion in any hustings or debates during the election campaign. We support the campaigns which reveal the real nature of the BNP. http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
EU ELECTIONS 4 JUNE: QUESTIONS FOR PARTIES AND CANDIDATEShttp://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1260/1/
VIDEO: LOVE MUSIC, HATE ANTI-WAR FASCISTShttp://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
UNDERCOVER WITH THE BNPhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nBiCymtchA
USEFUL LINK FOR RESOURCES TO STOP THE BNP
http://www.uaf.org.uk/
If you are following Stop the War on Twitter (highlyrecommended -- sign up here: http://twitter.com/STWuk), youwill have received links to these web pages which havestatements from Stop the War on the European elections ingeneral and the BNP in particular:
SAY NO TO THE BNP - USE YOUR VOTE ON 4TH JUNE PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL
The British National Party (BNP) is attempting to present itself as an anti-war party in order to raise its profile in the European elections on Thursday 4 June.
Statement from Stop the War on the British National Party
We do not accept that the BNP is an anti-war party. It is a fascist organisation whose policies can only be carried through by a civil war against ethnic minorities and all those it regards as inferior. We note that the BNP is concentrating its racism upon Muslims. We therefore oppose the BNP’s inclusion in any hustings or debates during the election campaign. We support the campaigns which reveal the real nature of the BNP. http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
EU ELECTIONS 4 JUNE: QUESTIONS FOR PARTIES AND CANDIDATEShttp://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1260/1/
VIDEO: LOVE MUSIC, HATE ANTI-WAR FASCISTShttp://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1269/1/
UNDERCOVER WITH THE BNPhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nBiCymtchA
USEFUL LINK FOR RESOURCES TO STOP THE BNP
http://www.uaf.org.uk/
If you are following Stop the War on Twitter (highlyrecommended -- sign up here: http://twitter.com/STWuk), youwill have received links to these web pages which havestatements from Stop the War on the European elections ingeneral and the BNP in particular:
SAY NO TO THE BNP - USE YOUR VOTE ON 4TH JUNE PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL
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