[imc-st.louis] Fwd: Update on Preparations for the June 28-29 National Assembly in Cleveland

[Ben West]

________________________________
From: assemblyadmin at gmail.com
Reply-to: NatAssembly at aol.com
To: gcoleridge at afsc.org
Sent: 5/7/2008 11:06:44 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Update on Preparations for the June 28-29 National Assembly in Cleveland


Dear Endorser of the June 28-29 Assembly to End the Iraq War and Occupation:

Thanks again for your endorsement of  the Assembly, whose purpose is
to increase the power of the U.S. antiwar movement to compel the U.S.
government to bring all the troops home now and end this horrific war
and occupation against the Iraqi people.

Supporters of the conference will be heartened to hear of the
tremendous response to announcement of the event. Over 440
organizations and key individuals from around the country have
endorsed the Assembly so far (see attached list) and many more are
expected to do so in the days ahead.

You will be pleased to hear that scheduled speakers for the conference
include Jonathan Hutto, Navy Petty Officer, author of Anti-War Soldier
and co-founder of Appeal for Redress;  Donna Dewitt, President, South
Carolina AFL-CIO;  Cindy Sheehan (by satellite);  Leslie Cagan, UFPJ
National Coordinator;  Fred Mason, President of the Maryland AFL-CIO
and President of the Metro Washington D.C. Central Labor Council;
Brian Becker, A.N.S.W.E.R. National Coordinator; and Jeremy Scahill,
author of Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary
Army.

In addition to these and other speakers, plenty of time has been
allotted for attendees to discuss and debate proposals for building
and strengthening the movement in the period ahead.  Moreover, a
series of workshops has been scheduled to take up issues of concern to
people attending the conference (see the Assembly's website at
www.natassembly.org <http://www.natassembly.org/> for the list or
write natassembly at aol.com <mailto:natassembly at aol.com> or call
216-736-4704 for more information).

We are writing now to urge that you register for the conference
without delay, if you have not already done so. You can register
online though the Assembly website or by mailing in the attached
registration form.

Also, a reminder that we have a discounted rate for room reservations
at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for people attending the conference (ask for
the National Assembly rate). However, to avail yourself of this rate,
you must make reservations before May 27. As many as four people can
share one room with no increase in the rate. The hotel's number is
216-771-7600.

For those arriving by car, in addition to the parking garage attached
to the hotel, meter parking is available nearby and free after 6 p.m.
Friday and throughout the weekend.



We have arranged for floor space in a few area churches for those who
wish to bring sleeping bags.  Contact us if interested.

Finally, a special request that you help cover the many expenses
incurred in organizing this conference.  Contributions can be made
through the Assembly website or by sending a check made payable to
"National Assembly" and mailed to P.O. Box 21008, Cleveland, Ohio
44121.  Thanks in advance.

We look forward to seeing you in Cleveland the last weekend in June.
Let's join together to do everything we can to make this an inspiring,
motivational, and productive event – one that sends an unmistakable
message to Washington and the world that we in this country have had
it with the terrible bloodshed and devastation of this war and
occupation, and that it must be ended NOW!

In peace,

Greg Coleridge, Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Anti-War Coalition;
Economic Justice & Empowerment Program Director, Northeast Ohio
American Friends Service Committee

Marilyn Levin, Member, Coordinating Committee, Greater Boston United
for Justice with Peace; Founder, Middle East Crisis Coalition

More Info: http://natassembly.org/
List of Endorsers: http://natassembly.org/members/index.php?org-id=2
Event Registration: http://natassembly.org/evtreg/

-- 
Ben West
westbywest at gmail.com
http://savetheinternet.org