Action Alert #5

February 5, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE:

URGENT: NYC CONTINUES TO STALL ON PERMITSLET'S KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

The following appeal is from the United for Peace staff organizing the Feb. 15 peace march in New York City. Time is getting short and still the city is refusing to issue permits for the march so we'll let the statement below speak for itself.

Dear Friend of United for Peace & Justice:

On February 15, hundreds of thousands of people will converge on New York City to stand with millions around the globe against the Bush Administration's plan for war on Iraq. While we are still unable to announce a location for this march and rally, one thing is certain: It is happening.

We urge all those who oppose the war crusade to continue mobilizing full speed ahead for February 15. Continue with your plans to come to New York City -- we are confident a permit will come through.

But we are facing a major fight over our basic democratic right to public protest. At our meeting today with lawyers for New York City and the NYPD, our request for a march permit was again refused. We have asked to assemble near the United Nations, march directly past the U.N., and then continue through Manhattan to a rally at Central Park. We are consulting with our lawyers and will announce our next step Wednesday, February 5.

With only 10 days remaining before February 15, the continued stonewalling by the police can only be seen as an active effort to prevent us from voicing our opposition to this war. We will not be silenced -- the streets of New York will be filled with a cry for peace. What can you do? Make more phone calls (numbers below). Make your travel plans. Recruit your friends. Donate some money. Fill more buses, hand out more leaflets -- and we'll see you in New York City on February 15.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg: 212-788-9600, 212-788-3010, 212-788-3040

NYC Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly: 646-610-8526

NYPD Chief of Department Joseph Esposito: 646-610-6710

To make a donation, download leaflets, view our ride or housing boards, endorse the February demonstration, or sign up for these updates, visit our website: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/feb15 Buttons, stickers, posters, and leaflets are available at our New York City office, 330 West 42nd Street, 8th floor (between 8th & 9th Avenues) from 9-9 on weekdays and 10-6 on weekends. Phone: 646-473-8935.

Thanks for your support -- together we can stop this war.

Sincerely,The February 15 organizing staff of United for Peace and Justice

END OF ACTION ALERT