Waco Friends of Peace

Feb 4, 2012 Day of Mass Action: NO IRAN WAR.

2012-02-04T18:21:00.009-06:00

In solidarity with peace activists around the country and world, the Waco
Friends of Peace staged a protest against war, assassinations and sanctions in Iran. More than 70 cities reported protests on this date. At the corner of Waco and Valley Mills Drives, 12-14 activists gathered Neither the IAEA nor the U.S. has found evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. And yet the aggressive rhetoric against Iran is increasing. Thus the Waco FOP spoke out against war on Iran and against sanctions and assassinations. According to Middle East expert Professor Juan Cole, a U.S. war against Iran would cost 1-3 million Iranian lives, 15,000 American lives, and ultimately 9 trillion dollars to the U.S. We had a great and enthusiastic crowd for this action. I made several observations during the protest. First, almost all motorist response was positive. No doubt the American people are tiring of endless war. Second, we had new folks join us for the first time, an encouraging fact. Third, I admired the courage of the protesters spending 2 hours on a cold windy day in the elements. And finally, given the positive motorist responses of the day, I interpreted our mooning by a passing vehicle as an exuberant congratulations. Many, many thanks to all peace activists who helped out with the action.

Meeting and Lecture Feb 9th, 2012

2012-01-22T21:56:00.003-06:00

Lecture: CLIMATE REALITY: IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE & OUR OPTIONS FOR RESPONDING.

Speaker: Alexis Weaver.

Date: Thursday, Feb 9

Time: pizza buffet and business 6pm

Lecture and discussion: 6:30

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Westbank room

703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco

Fee: free.

Alexis Weaver is Director of Community Affairs for the Greater Waco Chamber of
Commerce, the first LEED-certified chamber building in America. Mrs. Weaver has
a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies & Economics from Baylor
University and a master's degree in Community & Regional Planning from the
University of Texas at Austin. In 2008, Mrs. Weaver was part of the first class
of faith presenters trained by Al Gore for The Climate Project.

Lecture and Meeting, January 2012.

2012-01-04T21:54:00.004-06:00

DATE: Thursday, January 12, 2012

TIME: Business and free pizza buffet 6p.m.

Lecture and discussion 6:30p.m.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank Room

703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco

LECTURE: CITIZEN LOBBYING: SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER.

SPEAKER: Elizabeth (Liz) Yeats, FCNL board

member.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

FEE: All free.

Why Lobby?

Congressional staff say
as few as 10 letters or emails from constituents can make a difference. The
impact is even greater if you begin to climb the ladder of congressional
engagement by raising your issue in a letter to the editor in your local
newspaper or even meeting with the local staff of your members of
Congress.

Want to know the key
steps in being an effective citizen lobbyist? Join us at Poppa Rollo's January 12th.

_____________________________________

Liz Yeats decided to be a peace and justice educator at the age of
19, after having been active in the civil rights and peace movement in high
school and college. She has done paid and unpaid peace and justice advocacy with
the Congress of Racial Equality, American Friends Service Committee, Friends
Committee on National Legislation, National Sanctuary Movement, National Council
of Churches, Texas Conference of Churches and the Austin Center for Peace and
Justice. She presently serves on the boards of Friends Committee on National
Legislation, a Washington DC Quaker lobby in the public interest, and Texas
Impact, a statewide religious grassroots network working for justice. She is a
writer, editor, website developer and personal historian.

December 8, 2011: Meeting and Progressive Documentary

2011-12-01T22:34:00.003-06:00

TITLE: OCCUPY EVERYWHERE: Michael Moore,

Naomi Klein on Next Steps for the Movement

Against Corporate Power.

DATE: Thursday, December 8, 2011

TIME: 6pm, pizza buffet and business.

6:30 film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank Meeting

Room.

TDOR---November 20, 2011

2011-11-18T18:31:00.002-06:00

The Waco Friends of Peace supports this

important event and encourages all members, friends and colleagues to attend.

Progressive Film Series: November 2011

2011-10-24T14:23:00.002-05:00

TITLE: THE END OF POVERTY
GENRE: Documentary.
DATE: Thursday, November 10,2011
TIME: 6pm pizza and business
6:30 film and discussion
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza West-
bank meeting room, 703
N. Valley Mills, Waco.
PARKING: Free.
RATING: NR, but acceptable for all
ages.
AUDIENCE: All welcome.
RUN TIME: 104 minutes.
RELEASE DATE: 2010.
FEE: pizza buffet and film FREE.

"The END OF POVERTY is a daring, thought-provoking and very timely documentary by award-winning filmmaker, Philippe Diaz, revealing that poverty is not an accident. It began with military conquest, slavery and colonization that resulted in the seizure of land and other natural resources as well as in forced labor. Today, global poverty has reached new levels because of unfair debt, trade and tax policies--in other words, wealthy countries exploiting the weaknesses of poor, developing countries.
The END OF POVERTY asks why today 20% of the planet's population uses 80% of its resources and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate? Can we really end poverty under our current economic system? Think again."

*OFFICIAL SELECTION, CRITIC'S WEEK, CANNES FILM FESTIVAL*
*OFFICIAL SELECTION, 25+ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS*
"Excellent, ****"---Kam Williams, NewsBlaze.com
"A sort of An Inconvenient Truth for global economics..."---Charles Masters, The Hollywood Reporter.
"Powerful and upsetting."---Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
"should be required viewing by every politician in the world."---Eric Monder,Film Journal International.

We cordially invite you to this event. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from this well documented and detailed film. As we call for economic justice with the Occupy movements, this film speaks to economic justice on the global level. Your opinions and input on the documentary and on items of business are vital. Enjoy fellowship with other progressives in this truly unique forum in Central Texas. Thanks for your continued support, interest, and actions for peace and justice.

Ad in Waco Tribune-Herald, October 22, 2011

2011-10-24T14:11:00.002-05:00

The Friends of Peace action on the 10th anniversary of the Afghanistan war received minimal press coverage.

It seems clear that the powers that be are frightened by the growing strength of the peace movement and the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Together actions across the country.

So the FOP did a paid ad in the Waco Trib, which appeared opposite the Opinion page. We have not had the manpower to occupy Waco, but we did occupy the Op-Ed page that day. Our support of the OWS movement, and call for ending senseless wars, healing the planet, and healthcare for all were clearly broadcast with this ad. (Many thanks to Harrison, Kay, and Carmen for their support, work and talent in helping produce this document).

Afghanistan Occupation 10th Anniversary Protest

2011-10-10T13:03:00.002-05:00

The Waco Friends of Peace took a stand for peace on Thursday October 6, tenth anniversary of the US occupation of Afghanistan. We stood in solidarity with the www.october2011.org movement in Wash. DC and around the country. And in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement which is growing across the nation as well. Thanks to FOP veteran Harrison Ward for leading this action and the 15 or so other folks with courage to witness for peace. I can't remember all the names so I thank everyone in unison. The quotation from Rev. King on back of the FOP t-shirt says it all: "There comes a time when silence is betrayal." The Waco Friends of Peace will not keep silence as long as the military industrial congressional complex wastes lives and trillions of dollars.

FOP Meeting and Progressive Film Series: October

2011-09-21T00:35:00.001-05:00

TITLE: A RIVER OF WASTE.
DATE: Thursday, October 13, 2011.
TIME: Free pizza buffet and business 6pm.
Film and discussion 6:30pm.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank room.
703 N. Valley Mills Drive.
GENRE: Documentary.
MODERATOR: Gail Boyd, Harrison Ward.
FEE: All free.

A River Of Waste exposes a huge health and environmental scandal in our modern industrial system of meat and poultry production. The damage documented in today's factory farms far exceeds the damage that was depicted in Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle, a book written over 100 years ago. Some scientists have gone so far as to call the condemned current factory farm practices as mini Chernobyls.
The European Union stands virtually alone in establishing strong health and environmental standards for the industry. In the U.S and elsewhere, the meat and poultry industry is dominated by dangerous uses of arsenic, antibiotics, growth hormones and by the dumping of massive amounts of sewage in fragile waterways and environments. The film documents the vast catastrophic impact on the environment and public health as well as focuses on individual lives damaged and destroyed.
As one observer noted, if terrorists did this, we would be up in arms, but when it is a fortune 500 company, it is just business as usual.
"In 1906, public outrage at the scandal exposed by Sinclair led to major reforms thatcleaned up a corrupt and dangerous system. It is the hope of the filmmakers to mobilize a similar public outcry for reform."
Waco Friends Of Peace is proud to present this important film, and we hope that everyone will make an effort to come see it. As the Beatles said many years ago: You know that what you eat you are. This film really brings that home.

Afghanistan War Column by Mrs. S. Haney

2011-09-01T13:41:00.003-05:00

ON THE OCCUPATION OF AFGHANISTAN

In April, 2011, the procession was over nine miles long, from the airport to the church where the funeral was to be held. The remains of the young soldier, cousin to my sister-in-law, were finally coming home from Viet Nam.
My friend is not so fortunate. His only child was one of sixteen killed in Afghanistan when their helicopter crashed in April, 2005; his son's body was not recovered. No long procession will honor his memory; all that is left is a father who is dying inside, grieving for the young son so tragically lost forever.
So, with the downing of the helicopter in Afghanistan, hundreds more families must now face the loss of loved ones. Like the ripples in a pond, the results of these losses spread across the communities and the country; count the numbers of family members and friends who will be marked forever by this tragic wasting of young lives.
And for what? Bin Laden, who died in 2011, (who years ago was declared not important by George Bush)? For more gas or oil? For more money in pockets already overflowing with profits from the war machine in this country? For face-saving at the pentagon and the halls of government?
From Viet Nam through the current wars, every soldier's death diminishes this country; every dollar spent on war is a dollar better spent feeding the hungry, sending a young person to college, repairing bridges and roads, schools and playgrounds. Much worse, every death diminishes the family and friends of those who are killed, who will, as long as their lives endure, wonder about what might have been, had this foolish, unnecessary war never been started.
Mrs. B. R. Haney

Mrs. Haney is a longtime, dedicated member of the Waco Friends of Peace. Her above column appeared in a recent edition of the Waco Spanish/English language newspaper El Tiempo. The activist/editor Mr. Ernesto Fraga kindly permitted us to reprint it on the FOP
website. As we near the 10th anniversary of the occupation, the eloquent words of Mrs. Haney go straight to the heart of this tragedy. Besides her writing, Mrs. Haney bakes cookies faithfully for the FOP meetings each month and has done so for years now. Mrs. Haney is
one the most loyal and hard working of the FOP members. I can recall no time in which she
was not ready for a street protest, or willing to help out when asked. She truly deserved
the FOP Outstanding Member Award 2 years ago. We thank her for this brilliant column and for her constant service for peace.

September Meeting and Progressive Film Series

2011-09-01T13:23:00.004-05:00

DATE: Thursday, September 8, 2011

TIME: Pizza Buffet and business 6:00

Film and discussion 6:30

TITLE: RESTREPO: ONE PLATOON, ONE

VALLEY, ONE YEAR.

GENRE: Documentary.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Westbank Mtg. Room

FEE: ALL free.

RATING: R (language and description of violence)

RUN TIME: 93 minutes.

RESTREPO is an entirely experiential film: the cameras never leave the valley. The only goal is

to make the viewers feel as if they have just been

through a 90-minute deployment.

On the 10th anniversary of the US's longest war,

the FOP presents this visceral reminder that the war DOES continue. The war machine is talking about a US occupation until 2024! We have time for discussion after the film. Where is the peace movement now? What should the Peace movement be doing? And particularly--what should the FOP in Waco do in response to this truly endless war?

Please be sure to join us to learn and to help the peace movement in Central Texas grow.

Your presence and comments are invaluable to us. Thank you.

NOTE: We will have a short memorial on the occasion of September 11. Our

remembrance will be of the 1million plus civilians of other countries killed in

the U.S. so called war on terror. And discuss the upcoming october2011.org movement. We also have a 5 minute video clip of David Rovic's concert in August

for those who could not make it--and also for those who DID attend!

FREE CONCERT: Sat. Aug 6, 2011, 6.p.m.

2011-07-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

David Rovics in concert was amazing. A great crowd of about 70 was entertained, informed, and inspired by the lyrics, music, and heart of David. The date was August 6. Appropriately, the high point of the concert was the heart breaking and powerful "Hiroshima." We must have David back.

LIVE IN CONCERT:
DAVID ROVICS.

AUGUST 6, SATURDAY

6p.m. Free Pizza Buffet

6:30 David Rovics.

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Outback Meeting Room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX

FREE CONCERT AND PIZZA BUFFET.

ALL WELCOME.

Don't miss the only appearance by Rovics in Texas this summer! Catch his performance before he departs for a tour in Europe. You will be moved and inspired to action by his brilliant lyrics and powerful voice/guitar technique. Recall some of David's most popular songs, such as "Who would Jesus Bomb," and "Operation Iraqi Liberation: O.I.L." As Cindy Sheehan has observed: "David is the peace poet and troubadour of our time."

We will have David Rovic's T-shirts and CD's for sale. And as always, courtesy of Waco Friends of Peace, free yard signs, bumper stickers, and books.

At this time of government by and for the corporations, come support the progressive movement in Central Texas, talk to others of like mind, and help provide a worthy audience for a performer of Rovic's stature. So please come--and bring a friend or colleague. Thank you.

Demonstration July 4, 2011

2011-07-07T22:30:00.001-05:00

INDEPENDENCE FROM WAR demonstration on the 4th of July. Time for the end of the U.S. empire NOW. Although over 100 degrees we had about 10 hearty activists, great positive driver response, and Channel 10 TV coverage! Many thanks to all the activists who helped with this important action. You made a difference in providing an alternative to the typical warlike celebrations of this holiday. Your voices were heard in Waco.

Meeting and Progressive Film Series, July, 14, 2011

2011-06-29T00:11:00.001-05:00

6p.m.: important items of business and free pizza buffet.
6:30: "GASLAND", documentary, followed by discussion.
Moderator: Harrison Ward, FOP member.
Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX.
Price: All Free (donations accepted).
Audience: All ages.
Why attend: 1)learn about the dangers of fracking from this award winning documentary, 2)your input is vital during our planning and business segment, 3)free pizza (veggie also) 4) fellowship with others in the local progressive community 5)help keep this unique progressive forum alive in Waco. 6) no one else will do it--its up to us!

Progressive film series and Meeting: June 2011.

2011-05-31T21:33:00.003-05:00

DATE: Thursday, June 9, 2011

TIME: Pizza buffet and business 6pm, film and

discussion 6:30.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Westbank meeting

room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

FILM : COUNTDOWN TO ZERO.

GENRE: Documentary.

RELEASE DATE: 2010.

RUN TIME: 89 minutes.

RATING: PG.

ADMISSION: Free.

With a rigorous eye, Blindsight's Lucy Walker examines the arms race from the inception of the atomic bomb to the present. She builds her three-part structure around a speech from President Kennedy, in which he warns of "accident, miscalculation, and madness" in regard to nuclear power. If Kennedy serves as the film's conscience, physicist Robert Oppenheimer serves as its heart--the man who oversaw the Manhattan Project only to regret the death and destruction it would engender (footage of the pale-eyed Oppenheimer is almost as eerie as his prophetic words). Even Oppenheimer, though, couldn't have predicted the ready availability of highly enriched uranium in the years after the Cold War, one of Walker's more chilling revelations. Aside from the deadly explosions in Oklahoma City, Madrid, and other urban centers, Walker looks at a number of near misses. Her speakers include top minds from the fields of academia, government, and journalism, from Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev to Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf (former CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson serves as de facto narrator). As Kennedy concluded, "The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us," and Walker ends on a note of guarded optimism, speaking with F. W. de Klerk, who dismantled South Africa's nuclear infrastructure during his administration. Most of Walker's other subjects, regardless of their political affiliation, agree that it's the right thing to do. Like Dr. Strangelove and Fog of War, Countdown to Zero marks an essential addition to the ranks of atomic cinema. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Countdown to Zero traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs: nine nations possessing nuclear weapons capabilities with others racing to join them, leaving the world held in a delicate balance that could be shattered by an act of terrorism, failed diplomacy, or a simple accident. The film makes a compelling case for worldwide nuclear disarmament; an issue more topical than ever with the Obama administration working to revive this goal in the present day.

In addition to the educational value of viewing this film, the FOP will take action in support

of nuclear disarmament in the form of letter, petition, etc. during this evening. Other items

of business, including the new billboard, will be discussed.

Thanks for your attendance and your support of this progressive forum in Central Texas.

MEETING AND FILM, 6PM, MAY 12, 2011

2011-04-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

WAITING FOR ARMAGEDDON.
Genre: documentary.
Thursday, May 12.
Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank Meeting Room.
703 Valley Mills Road, Waco, TX
6pm: free pizza buffet and business.
6:30: film and discussion.
Rating: suitable for all ages.
Organizer and flyer preparation: Harrison Ward,
FOP member.
Discussant: Gail Boyd, FOP member.
Audience: All welcome.
Price: All free.

Our film presentation for Thursday, May 12, will be Waiting For Armageddon. This acclaimed documentary shines a light on the relationship between the American Christian right and the modern state of Israel.

America's 50-million strong Evangelical community is convinced that the world's future is foretold in Biblical prophecy - from the Rapture to the Battle of Armageddon. This astonishing documentary explores their world - in their homes, at conferences, and on a wide-ranging tour of Israel. By interweaving Christian, Zionist, Jewish and critical perspectives along with telling archival materials, the filmmakers probe the politically powerful - and potentially explosive - alliance between Evangelical Christians and Israel...an alliance that may set the stage for what one prominent Evangelical leader calls "World War III."

By portraying the Evangelical apocalyptic worldview from within their community, Waiting for Armageddon seeks to clarify the elusive relationship between Christian Zionists and Jews, and foster dialogue among dissenting groups. In the end, the film asks whether this large American voting block is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of international holy war.

MEETING AND FILM, 6PM, MAY 12, 2011

2011-04-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

April 2011 Meeting.

2011-04-13T17:16:00.002-05:00

The Friends of Peace will have no meeting on our usual 2nd Thursday date in April. We had a special meeting and lecture on April 4 to accommodate a guest speaker. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday May 12, 2011. We will have a business meeting at 6pm and a film with discussion starting at 6 30pm. Free pizza buffet at 6pm. Everyone welcome. The venue is the Westend meeting room at Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive in Waco. Thanks for your interest in the Waco Friends of Peace. For certain notification of meetings and other activities, please send your email address to anorthc@aol.com . Your email address will not be given to other parties. Peace.

Million Musicians' March for Peace, Austin, 2011

2011-03-30T23:05:00.005-05:00

Special Lecture Event: Monday, April 4, 6.p.m.

2011-03-21T12:21:00.003-05:00

PLEASE NOTE: The event was described as a Friends of Peace meeting in the Waco Tribune-Herald. However, the lecture is open to everyone and we welcome all interested people. We believe you will find this lecture very interesting and informative. Facts from someone who was there. Thanks for your interest.

DATE: Monday, April 4, 2011.

TIME; 6pm pizza buffet and meeting, 6:30 lecture

and discussion.

SPEAKER: Ms. Coleen Rowley, former FBI

agent.

TOPIC: "How Top Secret America Misfires."

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Outback Mtg Room.

703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

COST: Free.

8th anniversary of Iraq War FOP ad in Waco Tribune-Herald.

2011-03-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

Progressive Lecture Series: March 10, 2011

2011-03-07T20:16:00.003-06:00

SPEAKER: The late Professor Howard Zinn.

TITLE: "Holy Wars", Boston University,

November 11, 2009.

DATE: Thursday, March 10, 2011

TIME: Meeting and pizza buffet 6pm

LECTURE AND DISCUSSION: 6:30pm.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, Westbank room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

RATING: PG

RUN TIME: 57 minutes.

ADMISSION: Free, donations accepted.

WHY: 8th anniversary of U.S. invasion of

Iraq.

March 19th will mark the 8th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of another country (Iraq). We realize, and a majority of the U.S. populace now realizes, that the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan are futile wars, not worth the human and dollar costs. So we look deeper with this thought provoking lecture by Professor Zinn. Dr. Zinn analyzes wars of a different type--wars that are almost uniformly considered "good". And in so doing, he documents the great human suffering and disaster that ALL wars are. He powerfully drives home the point that ALL wars should be avoided. Please join us for this very informative and stimulating lecture, one of the last public lectures of this great historian and peace activist. The run time is only 57 minutes--leaving time for discussion of the film and/or the appropriate response of the peace movement to this 8th anniversary date. We are honored by your presence. Thank you.

Solidarity Rally with the Wisconsin Union Workers, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, State Capitol, Austin

2011-02-27T20:41:00.014-06:00

The Waco Friends of Peace Members joined the powerful crowd of at least 1,000 supporting the

Wisconsin Union members in their struggle for

economic justice. The FOP carried messages: "END WAR ON THE MIDDLE CLASS," "MAKE UNIONS not WAR," "KIDS FOR PEACE," and "NOW IS THE TIME TO FIGHT." The crowd supporting the Wisconsin Labor folks was joined by those holding signs opposing the GOP attempt to destroy Planned Parenthood. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was very upbeat. Security was tight inside the capitol, with X-ray machines working and police abundant. Rousing music started the program. Speakers included several actual cheese head union members from Wisconsin and an economist who laid out the ongoing destruction of the middle class. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (orange Longhorn shirt) of Austin gave powerful words and gravitas to the event. And Jim Hightower (blue shirt with cowboy hat) gave a moving and hilarious speech in support of unions and the progressive movement. The musical highlight was band and crowd together with "WE SHALL OVERCOME"--in the image with Richard Bowden on fiddle and Tom Oliver on guitar (orange shirt, glasses).

If you missed this event, you must be present Saturday March 19, 2011, noon at the Capitol,

for the Million Musicians March for Peace on the 8th anniversary of the war on Iraq. You will

add to the thousands of voices opposing endless war, and your spirit will be enriched. SEE YOU THERE.

February 10, 2011 Meeting and Lecture

2011-01-23T14:04:00.006-06:00

FRIENDS OF PEACE MEETING, Thursday, Feb 10, 2011.
Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive. Waco, TX.
6pm, free pizza buffet and meeting.
6:30pm lecture and discussion.

Professor Marc Ellis, PhD: "Crisis in the

Middle East."

Note: The title of Dr. Ellis' lecture has changed

as a result of the uprising in Egypt. The flyer

left contains the old title of Professor Ellis' speech.

Dr. Marc Ellis is University Professor of Jewish Studies, Director of the Center for Jewish Studies and Professor of History at Baylor University. He has lectured around the world and published more than twenty books on the subjects of Jewish identity, the Holocaust, Israel and the Palestinians and Jewish-Christian relations. His most recent books include a third and expanded edition of Toward a Jewish Theology of Liberation, Reading the Torah Out Loud and Judaism Does Not Equal Israel. Next year he will publish Encountering the Jewish Future an exploration of the lives and thought of Elie Wiesel, Martin Buber, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Hannah Arendt and Emmanuel Levinas. Dr. Ellis' books have been translated into ten languages. Among other venues, he has lectured on Jewish and Middle East issues at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the United Nations, the Carter Center and the Kennedy School at Harvard University. Among those who have commented favorably on his work is Rabbi Elliot Dorf, Dr. Susannah Heschel, Senator George McGovern, Edward Said and Noam Chomsky.

January FOP Meeting and Progressive Documentary

2011-01-05T18:44:00.003-06:00

TITLE: King: Man of Peace in a Time of War.

DATE: January 13, 2011.

TIME: 6pm, business and pizza buffet.

6:30 film and discussion.
PLACE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive,

Westend meeting room.

PRICE: Free pizza, tea/water, cookies and

documentary. donations accepted.

RATING: Unrated, but fine for all ages.

RUN TIME: 60 minutes.

In honor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the

FOP will present this excellent documentary which

focuses primarily on Dr. King's antiwar efforts. Our

country criticized Rev. King harshly for his position at

the time, and now scarcely mentions his antiwar views. Thus we will emphasize this part of Dr. King's legacy at the January meeting.

The film is remarkable for an appearance of the leader on a 1967 Mike Douglas Show speaking eloquently about civil rights and his opposition to

the Vietnam War.

King: Man of Peace is a remarkably relevant salute to a man who remains an inspiration and a force for social change nearly forty years after his untimely death at the age of 39.

The agenda for the evening also includes: March antiwar protests, FOP billboard, new T-shirt, and new projects/directions.

Your presence is vital for the peace and progressive movement in Central Texas. Your input and support are always truly appreciated. Hope to see you there.

NOTE: I recd an email from a person who asked to be put on the email list. Before I

could do so, a computer glitch devoured the address. If the person might be you, I apologize.

Please send me email again and will be sure to add you: anorthc@aol.com.

BUSH BOOK SIGNING PROTEST, NOVEMBER 2010

2011-01-02T21:54:00.003-06:00

Ex-President George W. Bush held a signing of his new autobiography "Decision Points," at the Waco, Tx Books-A-Million store, on November 16, 2010. Local sycophants and mindless followers of Mr. Bush lined up to obtain a signed copy, even after the Bush history of war-for-oil, torture, illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens, and economic devastation of the country.
But dedicated members of the Waco Friends of Peace provided a counterpoint with strong voices of protest. The group was led by activists Harrison Ward and Kay Lucas, and included Kay Wilson,
Boyce Vardiman, Jane Vardiman, Linda Foley, Doris West, Aaron Ellis and Mrs. Haney. Several other brave members assisted, and I apologize for not having all
their names at this time. Because locating in front of the Bookstore would lead to ejection, the group positioned the protest at one of the Marketplace entrances on a public sidewalk. The signs stated: "ARREST BUSH" and "GIVE MR. BUSH A FAIR TRIAL!." Kay Wilson created a brilliant sign that read:
AUTHOR W=
OXYMORON
PURE FICTION
HISTORY REWRITE.
Reaction from local citizens was mixed, but we experienced a large amount of support from
passersby. One Bushite offered the group a free copy of the book to halt our protest. We politely declined that generous offer.The local TV stations and Tribune-Herald newspaper all covered the event!!
Thanks to all the activists who participated and made it absolutely clear that in "Bush Country" there are many who oppose now as always the President who took the country into
an illegal war based on lies and became the first President in modern times to tarnish the good
reputation of the U.S. by authorizing torture.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: DECEMBER 2010

2010-11-28T12:28:00.004-06:00

TITLE: "The Yes Men Fix the World."
DATE: Thursday, December 9, 2010.
TIME: 6p.m.- pizza buffet and business mtg.
6:30pm.-film and discussion.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, Tx. West end meeting room.
GENRE: Documentary.
RATING: NR, but nothing objectionable for children.
RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2010.
RUN TIME: 87 minutes.
ADMISSION FEE: one can of food for local food bank.

In the spirit of the holidays, the FOP present a documentary with a humorous bent. The Yes Men enlighten through humor. "Sometimes it takes a lie to expose the truth."
The Men pose as representatives of the companies they despise. Their work is often considered performance art mixed with political activism, as they confront corporate greed and stupidity.
This film takes on the issues of Dow Chemical and the Bhopal disaster, Exon and alternative
energy, and the corporate response to Katrina.
If you haven't experienced the Yes Men, you are in for a treat. If you have, prepare to be
enlightened further--and amused.

Please join us for the film, for communication with other progressives, to support the Peace Movement in Waco, ---and for the pizza.

The FOP is a recognized organization in Waco now. We always attempt to contribute to

the national peace movement events, and we look for local opportunities to act for peace.

I feel we should get everyone's input this month as to what new directions or tactics should

we employ in 2011 to forward our goals. -an

UPCOMING EVENTS:

January 14, 2010: Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Peace Movement (tent.)

February 10, 2010: Medical Practice (Pathology) in a Kenyan Mission Hospital:

a Ten Year Experience, by Alan Northcutt, M.D.

FILM SERIES: Thursday November 11, 2010

2010-10-28T22:48:00.001-05:00

FUEL is a comprehensive and entertaining look at energy in America: a history of where we have been, our present predicament, and a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. It examines wide-ranging energy solutions other than oil, the faltering US auto and petroleum industries, and the latest stirrings of the American mindset toward alternative energy.

Josh Tickell’s stirring documentary, eleven years in the making, is a powerful portrait of America’s overwhelming addiction to and reliance on oil. The film offers a virtual tour guide through the drama of fuel -- the history, the politics, the mess that the world is in and the fascinating alternatives for a way out.

Tickell interviews politicians, historians, professors and a sprinkling of activist celebrities, all of whom have their own take on one of the most important and pressing concerns of the modern era. Interviews with a wide range of environmentalists, policy makers and educators, along with such “green” celebrities as Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow and Larry Hagman offer serious fuel for thought.

FUEL encourages the discussion about the consequences of abusing our oil resources. It exposes the shocking connections between the auto industry, the oil industry and government, while exploring alternative energies such as solar, wind, electricity, and non-food based biofuels.

FUEL challenges the audience to make a change and seek accountability, reinforcing the idea that the power of every individual can and will make a difference.

October Documentary and Meeting.

2010-10-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

TITLE: Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community.

DATE: Oct 14, Thursday, 2010

TIME: 6pm pizza buffet and business
6 30 film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westend
meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills
Drive, Waco, TX.

FEE: Film and buffet free, donations
appreciated.

GENRE: Documentary.

RUN TIME: 87 minutes.

RATING: Unrated, acceptable for all
audiences.

Before Stonewall relates the history
of the gay rights movement in America before the Stonewall riots of 1969. The film presents the
dramatic story of the sometimes horrifying public and private existences experienced by gay and
lesbian Americans since the 1920s. It provides a decade by decade history of homosexuality through amazing historical footage and interviews. I found the film extremely informative and
certainly timely with the current struggle over don't ask don't tell, and gay marriage. This excellent
piece was the winner of 2 Emmy Awards. You will not want to miss this one.
The following is the agenda for the business meeting:
1) Update on the One Nation Working Together regional meeting in Dallas Oct 2, 2010.
2) Billboard status.
3) T-shirt committee formation.
4) New Years Eve candlelight vigil.
5) Legislative action: Phone speed dial for President Obama.
6) Open forum. (after film).
7) Afghanistan poem.

as the nation seemingly plunges further into darkness, please help keep a light shining from the
peace movement. see you there.

alan

ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER

2010-09-29T00:21:00.002-05:00

RALLY IN WASHINGTON, D.C., OCTOBER 2, 2010.
coalition of many progressive groups--peace, glbt, civil rights, environmental, immigrant.

REGIONAL RALLY IN DALLAS, TEXAS.
THE FRIENDS OF PEACE will support this event--leaving my house about 11a.m. please
call 254 744 1682 for directions.

venue: St. luke Community United Methodist Church
5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas
1-3p.m.

September 9, Progressive Lecture Series and Meeting

2010-08-30T00:17:00.001-05:00

DATE: Thursday, September 9, 2010.
TIME: 6pm pizza buffet and announcements, 6:30 lecture and discussion.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.
TOPIC: U.S.- ISRAEL RELATIONS: A CANDID APPRAISAL by Colbert Held, PhD.
AUDIENCE: All welcome.
ADMISSION: All free.
DETAILS: See flyer (prepared by Harrison Ward, FOP).
You are cordially invited to this important lecture by experienced diplomat and Baylor
professor, Colbert Held, PhD. We are truly honored to have Dr. Held speak and request
your presence to ensure a suitable crowd for a guest lecturer of this international stature.
And his experience and opinions are vital as at this moment negotiations are underway in
Washington toward the goal of an Israeli-Palestinian peace. The timing of this event is thus
perfect.
Preceding the lecture is a short FOP business meeting. Topics include the military waste
billboard, the September 11 candlelight vigil at the local mosque, the September 14 Sarah
Palin event at Baylor (our response?), and the "Turn Off Fox" campaign initiated locally by
Harley Johnson.
As always, we have free "War Is Not the Answer" yard signs available for all who want them.
See you on September 9th.

AUGUST PROGRESSIVE FILM AND MEETING

2010-08-05T23:00:00.003-05:00

DATE: Thursday, August 12, 2010
TIME: 6pm free pizza buffet and announcements,
memorial for Denton peace activist. Sammie
6:30 film and discussion.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Westbank room.
703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX.
FILM: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN
AMERICA: DANIEL ELLSBERG AND
THE PENTAGON PAPERS. (2009).
RATING: Unrated, but acceptable for all ages.
RUN TIME: 94 minutes.
RELEASE DATE: 2010.
AUDIENCE: all welcome.

The release of this film at the same time the
Wikileaks Afghanistan Papers exploded on the
scene must be more than a coincidence. Indeed,
the Wikileaks documents have been called The
Pentagon Papers 2.0. This story of the Pentagon Papers is a fascinating, highly entertaining
film, with details many of us may not know. The courage of Daniel Ellsberg is an inspiration
to the peace movement. And we recall how the government tried to block the publication, just
as the government is attempting now with the Wikileaks documents. Thus you will not want
to miss this month's important film and meeting.
Your presence is also requested as we remember devoted peace activist Sammie, known to
many of us in Waco. Bring your ideas of where the quiet peace movement should go now. Certainly its easy to be discouraged, but we can never give up. One of our members from Hillsboro has done some great work for peace, and we hope will relate this at the meeting as well. Please help the anti-war community grow.

"Superb"--San Francisco Chronicle.

"Gripping. Pulses with suspense."--Washington Post.

"Gripping, evocative, entertaining."--Los Angeles Time.

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE--BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE.

Special Lecture Event: Survivors of the Freedom Flotilla Massacre

2010-06-27T23:48:00.001-05:00

Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco. in the Westbank meeting room. Your attendance is greatly appreciated. If you have doubts about the attack, come hear a first hand account from a world renowned peace activist.
If you were shocked by the massacre on the flotilla, please come and help us provide a large audience for Ann Wright and Joe Meadors.

U.S. Department of War Budget

2010-06-02T18:12:00.006-05:00

The Friends of Peace erected the billboard about the bloated military budget to help build awareness of this incredible waste. The money spent on imperialist ventures is badly needed
at home, especially during the current severe recession.
Thanks for visiting our web site for more information. The pie chart below gives a more detailed breakdown of the U.S. budget. All sectors of spending are dwarfed by the war dollars.
For more details and suggestions of actions you can take to help slash the war spending, go
to www.nationalpriorities.org

Congressman Barney Frank has been a leader in the effort
to slash the military budget. He has proposed a 25% decrease in military spending. For a recent article on his
efforts, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/23/the-barney-commission-def_n_550066.html

JUNE PROGRESSIVE FILM AND MEETING.

2010-06-02T15:12:00.004-05:00

DATE: Thursday, June 10, 2010.
TIME: 6PM pizza buffet and announcements.
6:30 film and discussion.
TITLE: CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY.
GENRE: documentary.
DIRECTOR: Michael Moore.
RELEASE DATE: 2010.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.
FEE: All free.
RATING: R (some language).
RUN TIME: 127 minutes.

In presenting a fireball of a movie that might change your life, Moore skewers both major political parties for selling out the millions of people devastated by loss of homes and jobs to the
interests of fat cat capitalists.

"This is Moore's magnum opus." --Mary Corliss, TIME.
"Michael Moore has made the most important and urgent political film of our time." --Dan
Siegel, Huffington Post.
"Capitalism is the best one yet...Moore is at the top of his game...a highly sophisticated
filmmaker." --Brian Johnson, Macleans.
"Funny and powerful." --Owen Gleiberman, EW

BUSINESS: military budget billboard, Afghanistan war supplemental funding bill, Freedom Flotilla Massacre.

May 13, 2010 Progressive Film Series

2010-05-03T20:17:00.002-05:00

TITLE: "Collateral Murder."
GENRE: documentary video footage.
DATE: Thursday, May 13, 2010.
TIME: 6pm free pizza buffet and announcements
6:30pm film and discussion.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza front meeting
room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive.
FEE: all free.
RATING: shows killing of civilians from a distance, no blood visible, may be disturbing to
children.
RUN TIME: 43 minutes.

"Collateral Murder" is actual footage from a
military helicopter gunship, showing the killing of 12 unarmed civilians in Baghdad in 2007. The film was obtained by Wikileaks through the Freedom of Information Act, and the military has
confirmed its authenticity. The film also includes a discussion with the co-founder of Wikileaks,
Julian Assange and with constitutional law attorney Glenn Greenwald. The FOP have presented
many outstanding documentaries about the Iraq war, clearly revealing the immoral and tragic
nature of the occupation. But this footage is the most powerful I have seen concerning the war.
The senseless killing of civilians is chilling. And it speaks volumes about the bogus U.S. justifications for the occupation. It highlights the complete lack of concern for the Iraq people.
During the film, 2 people who arrive in a truck to help the injured are gunned down as they
depart their vehicle. Two Reuters cameramen were among those killed, and 2 children were injured.
Please do not miss this presentation. It should help invigorate the peace movement to work
harder to insure the end of the Iraq occupation, and to work for the end of the Afghanistan war.
The short run time will insure plenty of time for discussion.
Your presence will also help support the peace movement in Waco. Your attendance and
comments are invaluable. Thank you.

Million Musician"s March, Austin, March 20, 2010

2010-03-29T16:41:00.019-05:00

IRAQ INVASION, 7TH ANNIVERSARY.

April 2010 Progressive Film Selection

2010-03-29T16:02:00.005-05:00

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Title: "Food, Inc."
Genre: Documentary.
Date: April 8, 2010, Thursday.
Time: 6pm pizza buffet and discussion.
6:30 film and discussion.
Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Mtg. Rm.
703 N. Valley Mills Dr., Waco
Moderator: Kay Lucas, past director, Crawford Peace House.
Rating: PG
Run Time: 91 minutes.
Release Date: 2008.
Audience: All Welcome.
Fee: Film and Pizza Free.
Donations welcome.

"Food, Inc." lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment." Food, Inc." reveals surprising- and often shocking truths--about what we eat, how its produced and who we have become as a nation.

"One of the year's most important films."--San Francisco Examiner
"It might change your life."--O, The Oprah Magazine.
"Doing for eating what former VP Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth did for
global warming."--The Kansas City Star.

PLEASE JOIN US AT CENTRAL TEXAS'UNIQUE FORUM FOR PROGRESSIVE THOUGHT AND ACTION!!

Iraq Invasion 7th Anniversary Protest in Waco

2010-03-28T20:07:00.009-05:00

The 7th Anniversary of the Iraq invasion and the Congressional vote on health care
reform almost coincided. Therefore, the FOP tied the two issues together in our Waco
actions around the time of the March 19th invasion. The PRESS RELEASE helps to
summarize our strategy for this action:

PRESS ADVISORY.
For immediate release.
March 17, 2010.

WACO, TX.---The Waco Friends of Peace will sponsor a protest of the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan on the 7th Anniversary
of the Iraq war, Thursday, March 18, 2010. Occupations of Arab countries do not make us safer, but increase Muslim hatred of
the U.S. and help recruit new terrorists. Most Middle East experts agree that their is no military solution to the problems in
Afghanistan. We will ultimately squander $2 trillion on the Iraq war at a time when our economy is in a horrendous condition and the money is desperately needed for domestic problems, especially universal health care. We call for a true complete withdrawal from Iraq, including all mercenaries and the closure of all military bases. We call for an exit strategy from Afghanistan, immediate beginning of troop withdrawal, halt of offensive operations including drone attacks, and the beginning of talks to promote regional security and reconciliation between Afghanistan and its neighbors. The money saved by ending these occupations should be used to help pay for the health care reform bill.
The Friends of Peace will visit Representative Chet Edwards' office at 3:30pm to protest his support of these wars. And in protest of his stated opposition to health care reform we will present a book containing images of 45,000 tombstones. A recent study from Harvard Medical School found that there are 45,000 excess deaths of Americans annually because they lack medical insurance. In an affluent civilized country, this is simply not acceptable.
The Friends of Peace will protest the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan from 4:00pm until 6:30pm at the corner of Valley Mills
Drive and Waco Drive with the message: HEALTH CARE NOT WARFARE and WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER.

CHET EDWARDS' OFFICE.
Two of us made our presentation at Mr. Edwards's office with two major points.
First, we absolutely object to his continued votes to fund all military occupations.
Second, we are shocked and dismayed by his announcement that he will vote against the
health care reform bill. In stark terms: Mr. Edwards always can find $$ for bombs, but he simply can not find the $$ to care for our citizens' health, a basic human right. Harrison Ward did amazing work on the book of tombstones seen in the images below. The Friends of Peace are indebted to him for his brilliant creativity.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES-MARCH 2010

2010-03-08T21:17:00.006-06:00

TITLE: "Outrage-A searing expose of the secret lives of closeted gay politicians."
GENRE: Documentary.
DATE: Thursday, March 11, 2010.
TIME: Pizza buffet and announcements 6p.m.
Film and discussion 6:30p.m.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza westend meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.
FEE: ALL FREE.
RATING: R for some language and sexual references.
RUN TIME: 89 minutes.

Boldly revealing the hidden lives of some of the United States' most powerful
policymakers, OUTRAGE takes a comprehensive look at the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets.
OUTRAGE probes deeply into the psychology of this double lifestyle, the ethics of outing closeted politicians, the double standard that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures, and much more.

"Powerful, essential viewing"--SanFrancisco Chronicle.
"Riveting and Provocative"--Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Powerful. A Significant film."--Los Angeles Times.

Special Lecture: Matt Southworth of the Friends Committee on National Legislation

2010-02-21T21:34:00.002-06:00

Lecture: Matt Southworth (FCNL).
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: Pizza Buffet 6:30pm
Lecture 7:00pm.
Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Mtg. rm.
703 N. Valley Mills Dr., Waco
Title: "Political Possibilities in Congress for Ending the War in Afghanistan."
Audience: All welcome.
Fee: All free.

Matt Southworth was born in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1984. He lived most of his adolescent life in north central Florida. After graduating from Belleview High school in 2002, Matt joined the U.S. Army. While enlisted, he served a tour of duty in northern Iraq in 2004. Matt was honorably discharged from the U.S. military in 2004.

After the Army, Matt found himself at a small Quaker school in Wilmington, Ohio. What he learned at Wilmington challenged many of the things he thought about the world, and while Iraq left him against war, college solidified his position. In May 2009, Matt graduated from Wilmington College Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Political Science, History, and a minor in Psychology.

Matt now works in the campaigns section for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Years of activism led Matt to Israel-Palestine twice, the U.S. Mexican boarder, Geneva Switzerland, and a number of other places on his way to FCNL. Currently, Matt manages the “War Is Not the Answer” campaign, works on Afghanistan policy, and organizes around the country.

Please help the Friends of Peace provide a warm welcome to this dedicated peace activist as he speaks

in Waco. Having experienced war firsthand in Iraq and then become a peace activist with the Quakers,

we are fortunate to hear from someone who deeply understands the futility of war.

Progressive Film Series, February 2010

2010-01-31T16:07:00.004-06:00

TITLE: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train.
GENRE: Documentary, biography.
DATE: Thursday, February 11, 2010.
TIME: 6pm pizza buffet and announcements
6:30 film and discussion.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N.
Valley Mills Drive, mtg room.
PRESENTER: Harrison Ward, FOP
member.
RUN TIME: 78 minutes.
RATING: unrated, suitable for general
audience.
ADMISSION: All welcome, all free.

The film presents the life and times of historian, activist and author of the best-selling classic "A People's History of the United States." Professor Zinn profoundly influenced many of us in the peace and justice movement through his example as well as through his writings. Sadly, Professor Zinn has just died at age 87 on January 27 in California. We come together to honor his life by watching his film. We invite all who attend to bring
a passage from his books that was most memorable and meaningful and read it to the group. To further
honor the spirit of Professor Zinn, we will give away a copy of his classic People's History.
I'm sure all those whose lives have been influenced by Howard Zinn will want to be present at this Waco event commemorating the passing of Dr. Zinn. And those who are not familiar with his work will want to come to learn from his life and scholarship.
Please join us in honoring Professor Zinn and in supporting a forum of free and open speech and progressive thought in Central Texas.

REVIEWS:
"thoughtful, exciting, moving."--Christian Science Monitor.

"he changed the consciousness of a generation."--Noam Chomsky.

Donations to Haiti, earthquake disaster, 2010

2010-01-30T23:31:00.003-06:00

Many of us are moved to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake and its aftermath. It is difficult to know which organization should receive our dollars. The following link was found from probably THE most reliable source of independent news--Democracy Now! The web site will provide a link to the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund. I believe we can donate through this website with confidence:
www.haitiaction.net

certainly any help you can offer will be appreciated. thank you.

FREE YARD SIGNS

2010-01-27T20:29:00.002-06:00

the WACO FRIENDS OF PEACE and
the FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL LEGISLATION
present free yard signs:

"WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER."
PLEASE speak out for peace by placing a yard sign in your yard or in your window. The signs are durable
and weather-resistant, and come with stakes. There are two ways to obtain your free sign:

1)Attend the free monthly Friends of Peace meeting, second Thursday, 6p.m. at Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley
Mills Drive, Waco. The meeting includes a documentary and pizza buffet. Signs available throughout the meeting.

2)Call 254-744-1682, leave a message, and we will arrange a meeting time to pick up a sign.

Militarism is so powerful in our culture. Help speak out for peace in Waco by making a simple but powerful
statement in the place you live. It will stimulate thought and conversation, and positive karma for peace. Let's
fill Central Texas with thousands of signs.

"A time comes when silence is betrayal." --Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

AFGHANISTAN ESCALATION PROTEST

2010-01-09T23:31:00.007-06:00

The Waco Friends of Peace sponsored a protest on December 1, 2009, the day President Obama announced an escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The Protest occurred from 3:30-5:30pm in bitterly cold rainy conditions at the corner of Valley Mills and Waco Drives. We absolutely opposed any escalation of troops in Afghanistan, and called for withdrawal of all military and paramilitary forces, initiation of serious diplomacy among all parties, and redirection of those war funds for vital human needs at home.

U.S. occupation of Afghanistan has not made our country safer, but has fueled hatred of the U.S. and helped recruit terrorists. Decades of war have resulted in an Afghanistan that is the fourth poorest country on earth. Prolonged war increases civilian casualties as well as U.S. deaths and injuries. At this time of financial crisis in the U.S., money squandered in war ($1 million per soldier per year) is vitally needed for jobs and health care at home. The war is simply unwinnable. As the Russians know, Afghanistan is the "graveyards of empires."

A majority of the Afghan people want us to leave their country. And a recent CNN poll found 58% of Americans oppose the Afghan war as well. Thus the Friends of Peace spoke for a majority of Americans when President Obama announced an escalation of war in Afghanistan: "NOT IN OUR NAME."

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES--JANUARY 2010

2010-01-08T19:40:00.005-06:00

EVENT: PLAYING FOR CHANGE:

PEACE THROUGH MUSIC.

GENRE: Film, documentary.

DATE: January 14, 2010, Thursday.

TIME: Pizza buffet and news 6pm.

film and discussion 6 30pm.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg

room, 703 N. Valley Mills Dr, Waco.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

CHARGE: FREE.

RELEASE DATE: October 13, 2009.

RUN TIME: 84 minutes.

RATING: UNRATED, but suitable

for all audiences.

Full of hope, struggle, perseverance and joy, this is the story of the unparalleled international musical collaboration, Playing For Change, and its remarkable power of redemption. Playing For Change (PFC) is an extraordinary effort uniting musicians and vocalists from diverse parts of the world. By utilizing innovative mobile audio/video techniques, PFC captures these artists then combines them all together to create one seamless collaboration. Discover the global phenomenon known as Playing For Change, and its mission to bring peace to the world through music.

The film records more than 100 musicians, largely outdoors in parks, plazas and promenades, in doorways, on cobblestone streets and amid hilly pueblos. Sites include Zuni New Mexico, New Orleans, Barcelona, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Israel/Palestine, India, and Nepal.

This amazing documentary has won film festival awards in 2008 at: Tribecca, Woodstock, Roxbury, Athens, and Jerusalem.

"the simple yet transformative power of music... to touch something in each of us." --Bill Moyers

"a great showcase for just what incredible, thoroughly accessible popular music is being made worldwide."--Variety

This remarkable film is a change of pace from our usual selections. But we should not neglect the power of music in the grand scheme of the universe. And at this time of much

disappointment for the peace community, the mood is upbeat and optimistic.

Please join us for this musical journey, while supporting the progressive forum of Central Texas.

DECEMBER 2009 PROGRESSIVE FILM

2009-12-06T19:24:00.002-06:00

TITLE: Body of War: The True Story of an Anti-War Hero.

DATE: December 10, Thurs.

TIME: 6pm, pizza/announcements.

6:30 film/discussion.

GENRE: Documentary.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza

Meeting Room, 703 N. Valley Mills Dr, Waco.

Run time: 87 min.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

FEE: All free.

The Friends of Peace presents this spectacular film just as Pres. Obama announces the escalation of the war on Afghanistan. The film

details the suffering of an Iraq vet injured in the war. These details are spliced with the vote of Congress for that war. The effect is very moving.

The film reminds us of the horrible cost of these wars of choice. Viewing this documentary will further consolidate our opposition to further occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition, many of us will remember Thomas, the veteran in the film, from his time at Camp Casey in Crawford.

So please come see this moving and important film. And support the progressive movement in Waco.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: November 2009

2009-10-31T21:23:00.003-05:00

FRIENDS OF PEACE PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: NOVEMBER.

TITLE: Flow: For the Love of Water.
GENRE: Documentary. DATE: Thursday, November 12, 2009.
TIME: pizza buffet and announcements 6p.m. film and discussion 6:30p.m.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco. front meeting room.
PRESENTER: Harrison Ward, Friends of Peace and Results program.
RATING: Unrated, but acceptable for all ages.
FEE: all free.

Please join us for this fascinating and vital documentary that looks at the impending world water shortage and the attempted privatization of the Earth's water by corporations. This topic is of utmost importance to the survival of the Earth's inhabitants. Without water our usual topics of war and peace will not matter. The flyer designed by Harrison is attached. This film will be informative and well worth your valuable time. Also, please come to support this refuge for the progressive community in Waco. Feel the comfort in knowing there are other progressives in Central Texas. And provide your ideas for future FOP actions. Thanks for your continued interest.

Progressive Film Series: October, 2009

2009-09-29T15:01:00.002-05:00

TITLE: RETHINK AFGHANISTAN.

GENRE: Documentary.

DATE: Thursday, October 8, 2009.

TIME: 6pm pizza buffet and announcements.

6:30 film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills

Drive, Waco. Front meeting room.

RELEASE DATE: September 2009.

PRESENTER: Harrison Ward, FOP and Results.

FEE: Free pizza and film.

We always attempt to bring you the freshest

and most timely film each month. Nothing could

be more vital at this time of the 8th anniversary of

the Afghanistan occupation. And the film is brand

new having just been released.

We are honored by your attendance and participation in this Waco progressive forum.

PROTEST 8TH ANNIV. AFGHANISTAN OCCUPATION, SEPT. 25, 2009: Healthcare Not Warfare.

2009-09-29T14:31:00.011-05:00

WACO, Tx.--The Waco Friends of Peace will sponsor a "HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE" protest, Friday, September 25, 3:15pm, at Congressman Chet Edwards office, 600 Austin Ave., Waco. The protest is in solidarity with protests which will take place across the country on the 8th anniversary of the occupation of Afghanistan, October 7. We call on Mr. Edwards to oppose any escalation of troops in Afghanistan, and oppose additional funding of the Afghanistan occupation without a timeline for U.S. withdrawal. We further request that Mr. Edwards support a healthcare "public option," or a single payer system. In a wealthy country such as the US, it is morally outrageous that some 40 million Americans are uninsured and that 45,000 Americans die annually due to lack of health insurance. The $130 billion currently proposed for Iraq and Afghanistan could fund universal health care for a year. We exhort Mr. Edwards to help change American priorities by voting for HEALTHCARE not WARFARE. (press release).

The action involved about 12 activists of all ages. We were excited to have some children participate, already developing a social conscience. We kept vigil outside Chet Edward's office from 3pm until 5pm. The reception from motorists was overwhelmingly positive. Three of us met for 30 minutes with one of Mr. Edward's

staff and had a productive discussion. The event was covered by the Waco Tribune-Herald which featured a large photo on the front of the Local section!! A photographer from the Baylor Lariat was also documenting the action. Thus we were very happy with the success of this protest. Our numbers were great for Waco, especially during work hours. Thanks to all the loyal FOP members, new folks, and kids who spent the time to speak their conscience. (We had the action

early as most groups are during this anniversary protest in early October. Due to absence of some members in October we needed to pick September 25).

TEA PARTY COUNTERPROTEST 9/3/09

2009-09-07T23:13:00.002-05:00

PRESS RELEASE.

For immediate release.

Sept. 3, 2009.

WACO, Tx.--The Waco Friends of Peace will sponsor a oounterprotest to the "Tea Party", today, 4:30pm, near Indian Springs Park in Waco. We believe that as one of the richest countries in the world, the United States has a moral imperative to insure all Americans have health care insurance. With a UN ranking of our health care of #36, and 40 million citizens uninsured, our system needs reform, to include a public insurance option, preferable a single payer system. All the major industrialized nations provide universal coverage, thus the United States can certainly afford to do so. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane."

About a dozen of us faced 1000+ teabaggers--and we clearly won a moral victory. Our message

was clearly visible to all those entering the tea party (including national buses), and the media.

Although many of the teaparty folks were civilized, others were very angry and told us to "get out

of my country." One Hispanic girl who joined with us encountered racist remarks. And the media

seemed very hungry to report our side of this issue. We were covered by all 3 TV channels

locally and the Waco Tribune-Herald. So the reporting of this teaparty included a clear statement

that there are those in Waco who disagree with their viewpoint and that we consider healthcare

in the United States a human right.

Thanks to all the Friends of Peace members who helped out, and to our friends from Baylor Democrats who joined in with us and did media interviews.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES, September 2009

2009-09-06T22:20:00.004-05:00

TITLE: CONSTANTINE'S SWORD

GENRE: Documentary.

DATE: Thursday, September 10

TIME: Pizza and announcements 6,

film and discussion 6:30pm.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's mtg room,

enter from outside door on right

or from inside restaurant.

RATING: Unrated, suitable for

children.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

FEES: Pizza buffet and film free.

RUN TIME: 96 minutes.

RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 2008.

Knowing that the right wing theocrats hand-picked Sarah Palin as their vehicle for gaining control of America and turning it into a Christian Dominionist nation, this documentary by James Carroll (who wrote the book of the same name) is especially compelling and insightful. Carroll is one of our favorite and most thoughtful of mainstream columnists(Boston Globe). Having been raised Irish Catholic and once been a priest, he has a remarkable insight into how religion and politics converge."Constantine's Sword" is a reflection and historical journey into how many denominations of Christianity evolved into a warring religion from the peaceful teachings of Jesus. Carroll focuses on the Roman Emperor Constantine who elevated the cross into a symbol that sanctified war, and made killing justified in the name of Christ and God.Carroll is the narrator and traveler who takes us on an expedition into how Christ's message became distorted over time, leading up to where the movie starts: the evangelical hot bed of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the evangelical takeover of the U.S. Airforce Academy in that city. He then moves backwards in time to about 350 years after Christ's death, interweaving his journey with personal remembrances of growing up in an observant Catholic family.Sarah Palin was the Trojan Horse that the End-Times crowd demanded McCain put on the ticket as the price to pay for unleashing their mailing lists and full-fledged support on election day. They were counting on McCain not making it through his first term, with Palin assuming office as a true believer who is even more indoctrinated into Armageddon theology than Bush.Carroll is a reflective, deliberating guide through the death and torture that are most reflected in the Crusades. But the Holy Wars have never really stopped there. They continue to this day, but under other carefully-crafted pretenses.And Sarah Palin is prepared now to go to war with Russia. McCain would start wars because he doesn't know how to do much except engage in conflicts. Palin would start wars because it's God's will.One of the best lines in this provocative documentary is Carroll noting that the Vatican didn't condemn the massive aerial bombing of Vietnam, but would have vociferously denounced the war if the U.S. planes had been dropping condoms on North Vietnam instead of high-powered explosives.

I found this to be a very thoughtful, carefully crafted documentary; yet it delivered a strong indictmentof the pro-war attitudes of some Christian churches. However, I recall that at the beginning of the Iraq war, the Pope strongly condemned the U.S. invasion. So maybe the churches have learned to a degree from past experiences. In any event, the film may be controversial to some Christians in the audience and should spark a lively discussion.

At this time of right wing hysteria and resurgence of racism, your attendance

and support of this progressive forum in Waco is vital. We are honored by your

presence and input.

BEFORE the film began the Friends of Peace presented its 2009 outstanding local activist

award to Mrs. Sara Haney.

Her plaque read: "for steadfast support and courageous activism for Peace and Justice."

Those who know Mrs. Haney realize the award was well deserved. She has financially supported

the group and has been a loyal and brave activist and she has taken to the streets many times

to speak truth to power. We are all grateful for her fantastic efforts.

Progressive Film/Lecture Series for August 2009

2009-08-10T18:44:00.002-05:00

DATE: Thursday, August 13
TIME: 6pm pizza and announcements
6:30 film, discussion,petition
TITLE: WHITE LIGHT, BLACK
RAIN: THE DESTRUCTION OF
HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI.
GENRE: Documentary.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N.
Valley Mills Drive, Waco. meeting
room, enter from outside door on
right, or from inside.
RUN TIME: 85 minutes.
RATING: Unrated. some scenes of
the dead and injured may be too
intense for small children.
AUDIENCE: All welcome.
FEE: All free.

In this extraordinary documentary, Academy Award winning filmmaker
Steven Okazaki (Days of Waiting), presents shocking archival footage, stunning photography and heartrending interviews--from both Japanese survivors of the attacks and the Americans who believed their involvement would help end a brutal conflict--for a deeply moving look at the painful legacy of the first use of nuclear weapons in war.
I was educated and moved by this documentary, which provides a unique perspective on the nuclear attack on Japan.

Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival 2007.

"...concise...important...should be required viewing..." --Variety.
"a stirring and heart-wrenching statement of the horrible powers that mankind holds in its fist." --The Hollywood Reporter.

Please join us to commemorate the 64th anniversary of this tragic event. And we will take action by signing petitions to further global nuclear disarmament, to forward to President Obama and Chet Edwards.

Progressive Film/Lecture Series: JULY

2009-07-02T16:43:00.004-05:00

FILM: TORTURING DEMOCRACY.

GENRE: Documentary.

DATE: Thursday, July 9, 2009.

TIME: Pizza buffet and announcements 6pm, film

and discussion 6:30.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills

Drive, Waco. West End Meeting Room, enter from

inside restaurant or front outside on right.

AUDIENCE: All welcome. some scenes may be a

bit graphic for small children.

PRICE: Free (donations accepted). Note that free

pizza is provided by Friends of Peace, not Poppa

Rollo's.

RELEASE DATE: 2009 (not widely available yet).

PRESENTER: Harrison Ward, Friends of Peace

member.

BONUS: We still have about 50 free WAR IS NOT

THE ANSWER yard signs you may have. Help

spread the message in this militarized zone of

Waco.

With exclusive interviews, explosive documents and rare archival footage, award winning filmmaker Sherry Jones has

crafted the definitive account of a deeply troubling chapter in recent American history. Torturing Democracy presents the evidence that links orders for torture

straight to the top of the chain of command.

Please join us for this important and timely film and support this forum for progressive thought (not restrained

by political parties) in Central Texas.

CINDY SHEEHAN : June 9, 2009

2009-05-18T15:52:00.006-05:00

CINDY SHEEHAN LECTURE.

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

TIME: Pizza/veggie buffet and announcements 6pm, Cindy 6:30.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Outback Meeting Room, 703 N. Valley Mills Dr, Waco.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

FEE: All Free.

Please join us to welcome our friend Cindy back to Central Texas where her amazing

journey started. She is on a tour now with her most recent book and we are happy

to have her speak in Waco. History may well look back to August 2005 and consider Cindy

the Rosa Parks of the anti-war movement. She ignited the American people against the Iraq

occupation and this fervor eventually swept Barack Obama into the White House. She has traveledthe world with her message of peace and made a courageous run for U.S. Congress against Speaker Pelosi. But the military industrial machine has not been dismantled and the occupations continue. So the struggle must continue. Please come for inspiration in the struggle from Cindy, and experience a piece of history. Thanks for your valuable time.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: May 14, 2009

2009-05-10T20:27:00.002-05:00

Title: HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.

Genre: Documentary.

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009.

Time: Pizza/veggie buffet and announcements 6p.m, film and discussion

6:30.

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive. enter

from outside door to right, or from inside the restaurant.

Run time: 71 minutes.

Rating: unrated. a few scenes of dead persons in South America you might

find objectionable for young children.

Audience: All welcome.

Price: All free.

Every November, thousands of people from across North America gather outside Fort Benning, Georgia to form one of the largest anti-war demonstrations in the U.S. since the

Vietnam war. The issue is the controversial U.S. Army School of the Americas, where over

60,000 Latin soldiers have been trained, among them dictators like Manuel Noriega of Panama and death squad leaders like Roberto D'Aubuisson of El Salvador. Demonstrators

denounce the SOA as a "School of Assassins," but Army officials argue that the school has

played a crucial role in bringing democracy and stability to Latin America. Interviews include Father Roy Bourgeois, Noam Chomsky, Christopher Hitchens, Rep. Barbara Lee, and Michael

Parenti. A bold, unflinching look at the nature and consequences of U.S. policy in Latin America.

"Incredible documentary...required viewing."---Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!

"....the School of the Americas reminds people..that Americans too can be

collectively responsible for torture, for murder, for dictatorship.."--Christopher

Hitchens.

APRIL Progressive Lecture: RAY Mc GOVERN

2009-03-27T13:25:00.003-05:00

Images from Ray's

lecture at Poppa Rollo's Pizza. He is

presented with the

traditional Texas

shaped pizza by the

gracious and helpful owner of Poppa's Mary Duty. The crowd was standing room only and all were spellbound by the depth of insight and truth in Mr. McGovern's words. We truly were honored

to have him speak in Waco.

SPEAKER: Ray McGovern, CIA veteran, peace

activist.

DATE: Thursday, April 16, 2009. (**3rd TH.**)

TIME: Pizza Buffet and announcements 6pm.

Ray McGovern speaks 6:30pm.

VENUE:Poppa Rollo's Pizza, meeting room, 703

N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

ORGANIZER: Harrison Ward, Friends of Peace,

Results.

NOTE: Veggies and Fruit available for non-pizza

people.

FEE: All Free.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

We are pleased to announce that in April our Friends of Peace film / lecture series will present in person Ray McGovern. Ray was a CIA analyst for 27 years, serving under presidents Kennedy through George H. W. Bush. Ray’s responsibilities at CIA included chairing National Intelligence Estimates under presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter, and preparing the President’s Daily Brief (PDB) under presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. He retired in 1990. At his retirement ceremony Ray received the Intelligence Commendation Medallion and a letter of gratitude from then-President George H. W. Bush. In January 2003, after it had become clear that intelligence analysis was being corrupted by political pressure to “justify” an unprovoked attack on Iraq, a handful of intelligence community alumni, including Ray, created Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity. VIPS’ first paper, a Memorandum for the President, sent on February 5, 2003, offered a same-day critique of Secretary of State Colin=2 0Powell’s address to the UN. In the memorandum VIPS warned that intelligence analysts were “increasingly distressed at the politicization of intelligence” and “were finding it hard to make themselves heard above the drumbeat for war.” The memo urged the president to “widen the discussion beyond...the circle of those advisers clearly bent on a war for which we see no compelling reason and from which we believe the unintended consequences are likely to be catastrophic.” Of course we know what then happened. However, Ray has continued to speak out, expanding his areas of public concern to such subjects as Afghanistan, Iran, corporate media, and the ongoing Israeli / Palestinian tragedy. In fact, there is no telling what subject Ray will choose to address at Poppa Rollo’s, but we can be sure that we will be hearing from an expert. In order to accommodate Ray’s busy schedule, April’s event will take place on the 3rd Thursday, April 16th. Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend – it will be worth it! --Harrison Ward.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES--MARCH 2009

2009-03-06T18:26:00.002-06:00

Title: The Times of Harvey Milk.

Genre: Documentary.

Date: Thursday, March 12.

Time: 6p.m. pizza/veggie buffet

and announcements. 6:30

film and discussion.

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg

room (enter from outside or

inside), 703 N. Valley Mills

Drive, Waco.

Rating: ok for general audience.

Run time: 88 minutes.

Awards: Best Documentary,

Academy Awards.

Admission: film and pizza free. all welcome.

A devastatingly skillful and emotionally compelling documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk charts the political rise and brutal slaying of the first openly gay city official in the United State, Harvey Milk. Ironically, the same election that brought Milk to the board of city supervisors of San Francisco also elected the man who killed him, a former police officer and fireman named Dan White. After White shot both Mayor George Moscone and Milk, his defense lawyers convinced the jury that White's judgment was impaired by depression and junk food, resulting in a conviction for manslaughter instead of murder--a verdict that prompted riots. With care and conviction, The Times of Harvey Milk captures not only Milk himself, but also the political and social landscape in which these events took place. The interviews--with friends, politicians, and journalists--are articulate and heartfelt, expressing the impact that Milk had upon this historical moment. --Bret Fetzer

"Brilliant and gripping...a film for all of us." ---Los Angeles Times.

"Two thumbs up."---Siskel and Ebert.

"Powerful, moving and dramatic."---Newsweek.

The recent drama "Milk" has brought the life of Harvey into the spotlight. So please join us to see the REAL

story of his courageous life in our documentary offering. Its a great film and should spur a lively discussion on

this vital issue of gay equality..

CHRISTMAS CARD FOR CHET EDWARDS, 2008

2009-01-26T15:08:00.005-06:00

In anticipation of President Obama's promise to remove troops from Iraq in 16 months, United for Peace and Justice and other national groups organized efforts to contact Congresspeople prior to January 20. The Waco Friends of Peace decided to have an action during the Christmas break at the office our our District 17 Congressman Chet Edwards. Since Mr. Edwards is clearly a hawkish Democrat who is unlikely to receive any input from constituents supporting rapid withdrawal from Iraq, we felt it important to make a strong statement of our position. We designed a poster sized Christmas card for Mr. Edwards with our message for peace. The fantastic art work was

done by Kay Lucas, director of the Crawford Texas Peace House. On the morning of December 23rd 2008 we presented the card to the Waco office of Congressman Edwards. A local TV station was

present to record the event. Activists who participated included Linda Foley, Kay, and Harrison

Ward. The Congressman's office was very gracious in accepting the card and promised the Congressman would later receive it. The 9-point message can be read in the last image above (clink on photo to enlarge). We have no doubt that the unique nature of this communication

helped ensure that he read it, and hopefully he was influenced by its message.

Thanks to all the activists who helped in making this important statement to our elected

representative.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES, FEBRUARY 12, 2009

2009-01-25T19:09:00.002-06:00

TITLE: PEACE, PROPAGANDA AND THE PROMISED LAND: U.S. MEDIA AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT.

GENRE: Documentary.

PRESENTER: Kay Lucas, director, Crawford Texas Peace House.

DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2009.

TIME: 6p.m. pizza/veggi buffet and announcements, 6:30 film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg, room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco. Enter from inside or from

outside door on the right.

RATING: unrated, but some graphic scenes of injured civilians may not be appropriate for children.

RUN TIME: 80 minutes.

PRICE: All free (donations accepted).

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land provides a striking comparison of U.S. and international media coverage of the crisis in the Middle East, zeroing in on how structural distortions in U.S. coverage have reinforced false perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This pivotal documentary exposes how the foreign policy interests of American political elites--oil, and a need to have a secure military base in the region, among others--work in combination with Israeli public relations strategies to exercise a powerful influence over how news from the region is reported. Through the voices of scholars, media critics, peace activists, religious figures, and Middle East experts, Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land carefully analyzes and explains how--through the use of language, framing and context--the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza remains hidden in the news media, and Israeli colonization of the occupied territories appears to be a defensive move rather than an offensive one. The documentary also explores the ways that U.S. journalists, for reasons ranging from intimidation to a lack of thorough investigation, have become complicit in carrying out Israel's PR campaign. At its core, the documentary raises questions about the ethics and role of journalism, and the relationship between media and politics. Interviewees include Seth Ackerman, Mjr. Stav Adivi, Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Hanan Ashrawi, Noam Chomsky, Robert Fisk, Neve Gordon, Toufic Haddad, Sam Husseini, Hussein Ibish, Robert Jensen, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Karen Pfeifer, Alisa Solomon, and Gila Svirsky.

Last Checkpoint Protests During the Bush Presidency

2009-01-16T18:49:00.012-06:00

LEGEND:

1)The day Bush arrived for Holidays 2 activists on the corner in

downtown Crawford. They were joined by a visitor from Florida who

asked to hold a sign. It was cold and windy. But we were warmed

by the power of truth as a like spirit for peace joins us, as has

happened so many times before.

2)The same day activists from Friends of Peace and others at the

checkpoint of Bush ranch.

3-5)Several days later a group of about 15 at the traditional New

Year's Eve Peace Vigil at the checkpoint. We were joined by

activists from Dallas and Austin with the message "Worst Presi-

dent Ever." It was bitterly cold but the group spoke its truth

for about 2 hours that night. We brought in 2009 with phone

calls to friends such as Ann Wright and Cindy Sheehan. Words

can not express the magical power of the simple act of speaking

truth with a small band of peace activists, in the face of military killing machine based just a few kilometers up the road.

6-10)Karma got us in place the next morning on New Year's Day at

the checkpoint before Bush left Crawford for the last time as

President. We felt sentimental knowing this was the last time

we would speak out against tyranny while Bush was President.

11)After Bush left the ranch, Secret Service took down the barriers

for the last time. We reflected on the various reaction we

received from the police at the site: friendly and helpful,

silent and neutral, gruff or grumpy, and downright belligerent

and aggressive. We noted that the reaction from cars leaving

and entering the compound had become more and more positive to

us over the years.

12)As we walked on toward the main entrance gate the sign reminded

us of the struggle for freedom of speech that had gone on before.

And on this very day, the pictured activist was harassed by the

secret service for legally walking on this stretch of road. We

were reminded that we must always know our rights and fight to

exercise them.

13-14)The helicopters carrying Bush out as President for the last

time began to leave. And Harrison's sign summed it up well as

Bush tried to rewrite history now and rehabilitate his legacy:

"HE'S STILL LYING.!!!"

15)As we prepare to leave (for now), and the Secret Service pack

up the barricades, a buzzard circles over the true remnants

of the Bush legacy.

Thanks to all peace activists through the years who have helped

maintain this consistent vigil at the Bush ranch. I know we have

helped move the country a few steps in the direction of peace.

JANUARY 8, 2009 PROGRESSIVE FILM/MEETING

2009-01-03T21:23:00.003-06:00

TITLE:THE END OF AMERICA.

GENRE: Documentary.

DATE: January 8, 2009.

TIME: 6pm pizza/veg bar and

community announcements.

6:30 film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza

703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco

meeting room (enter from in-

side or outer right door).

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

PRICE: All Free.

RELEASE DATE: Jan 20, 2009.

RUN TIME: 74 minutes.

DIRECTORS: Annie Sundberg,

Ricki Stern.

The Waco Friends of Peace

always strive to bring you the

freshest, most timely film or

lecture each month. Films or

speakers you are unlikely to

find anywhere else in central Texas. Our title this month has not even been
widely released on DVD. You do not have to be a conspiracy theorist to appre-

ciate "The End of America." The parallels between Bush's America and Hitler's

Germany are striking. The film beautifully sums up the damage to our democracy

from 8 years of the Bush regime. Now is the perfect time to review and contem-

plate the Bush legacy. And maybe celebrate a bit with his departure. Please

honor us with your presence and join the discussion. Help maintain this unique

forum in Waco. Thank you.

FILM DESCRIPTION:

Along with the rest of America, best-selling author and feminist Naomi Wolf was overwhelmed by the swell of conflicting information and the sudden march to war after 9/11. Wolf looked to history to help her understand the dramatic changes she believed she was witnessing, and discovered the disturbing similarities between post-9/11 US policy and that of historically fascist regimes such as Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany. Wolf authored her next book, THE END OF AMERICA, which demonstrated that the United States was on a remarkably certain path toward ending democracy. Taking the thesis of her book to the streets, Wolf set out on a national tour to discuss the evolution of America from a functional democracy into a closed, fear-driven society with a terrifying absence of due process. In this profound and eye-opening film, Award-winning veteran documentarians Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg (THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, THE TRIALS OF DARRYL HUNT) accompany Wolf as she discusses America's dangerous passage towards becoming a society of fear and surveillance, and expresses her plea to restore our nation's most cherished values.

REVIEW:
The End of America,” an unsettling documentary polemic about the erosion of civil liberties in the wake of 9/11, brings up matters many of us would rather not contemplate in the middle of a financial crisis and on the eve of a new administration. Federal laws enacted during the last seven years that threaten our constitutional rights, it reminds us, remain in effect. --Stephen
Holden, The New York Times.

DECEMBER PROGRESSIVE FILM AND MEETING

2008-11-25T15:27:00.002-06:00

TITLE: WHAT WOULD JESUS

BUY?

GENRE: Docu-comedy.

DATE: Thursday, December 11,2008.

TIME: 6p.m. community announce-

ments, 6:30 film and discus-

sion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703. N.

Valley Mills Dr., Waco. Mtg.

room, enter from inside or

outside on the right.

PRICE: please bring one canned food

item for local charity.

FOOD: pizza buffet plus extra for non

pizza persons.

RATING: PG.

RUN TIME: 91 minutes.

RELEASE DATE: 2008.

Through retail interventions, corporate exorcisms, and some good old-fashioned preaching, Reverend Billy reminds us that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas. What Would Jesus Buy? is a journey into the heart of America from exorcising the demons at the Wal-Mart headquarters to taking over the center stage at the Mall of America and then ultimately heading to the Promised Land ... Disneyland.

"Genuine and meaningful provocateurs like Talen are vital, and his message is a glad one to anyone who abhors the WalMart-ification of America." --Paul Kosidowski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

I think you will find this film funny and thought provoking. Please join us for food, film, and discussion, while contributing to local food banks for the needy.

Peter Zylstra-Moore (World Hunger Relief) Essay

2008-11-22T19:59:00.003-06:00

The Waco Friends of Peace are honored to have workers from the World Hunger Relief project near Waco attend many of our events.
The fascinating essay below was written by one of Relief's members PETER ZYLSTRA-MOORE.

Fiscal Conservatism: Rhetoric or reality
One of the defining myths of the Republican Party is the concept of fiscal conservatism, as opposed to the so-called, “tax and spend liberals.” With economic concerns rising to the top among voters it is important to separate myth from reality. It is important to look at different factors including, overall growth, the national deficit, income growth of the rich and poor, and taxation rates and policy.
If we consider some actual numbers from 1948 to 2005, a common measure of economic growth, Real per capita GNP, grew significantly faster under the Democrats. During their 26 years of office, after accounting for inflation, GNP grew an average of 2.78% per year. Under 32 years of Republican administration, real GDP grew an average of 1.64% annually, over whole percentage point lower than Democrats. In other words, our economy grew 2/5 more quickly under the Democrats.
Not only has economic growth actually been slower with the Republicans, but they have also significantly increased the deficit. In fact the national deficit has increased 36.4% or 2.25% per year, in Republican administrations since 1978. The Democrats, on the other hand, have increased the deficit a total of 4.2%, or.35%, per year in office. We have spiraled into debt seven times quicker with the Republicans. Per year in office, government spending rose .76% under the Republicans, while it grew .83% per year under the Democrats. Government spending has grown only .07of a percent faster under the Democrats. The reason for this slight difference in spending is because Democratic administrations have made payments on the deficit rather than taken out substantially higher debt. It should also be recognized that one of the main reasons for a growing deficit is the fact that both Republican and Democratic budgets include irrationally high spending on the military.
In considering the economic effects of each political party it is important to also consider the distribution of wealth. Princeton Professor, Larry Bartel did a mass study of political parties and their effects on economic growth for various groups in American society. He found that after accounting for inflation, the era of Roosevelt’s New Deal policies which began in response to the Great Depression not only provided the most economic growth overall but also the most equitable growth. Starting with Reagan, the income gap between rich and poor in the United States has increased with every Republican administration. Including Roosevelt, the gap between the rich and the poor has declined slightly with all Democratic administrations except under Carter who was hurt by oil inflation. According to Bartel, during Democratic administrations, Real Incomes (the amount you can buy with each dollar) grew twice as fast for middle-class families and six times as fast for working-poor families than with Republicans in office.
Yearly Real Income Growth Rate, 1948-2005 (Bartels, 32)
Democrats Republicans
Poorest 20th percentile 2.64% .43%
Bottom 40th percentile 2.46% .8%
Middle Class 60th percentile 2.47% 1.13%
Upper 80th percentile 2.38% 1.39%
Highest 95th percentile 2.12% 1.9%
It is fascinating to note that even the richest 5% grow quicker under Democrats (2.12% compared to 1.9%). Thus even if we don’t care about the poor we should vote Democrat. If we look back on history if we vote Republican for economic reasons, then it is because we want inequality, stunted growth, and deficits.
Examining what has actually happened under each administration, we recognize that with Republicans our national debt has increased along with the disparity between rich and poor. At the same time their overall tax revenues have been equal to those of Democratic administrations. Finally per capita income has slid under Republicans. With Republicans, tax cuts for the poor and middle class which create consumption and equality are replaced with tax cuts for the rich and business, which leads to increased indebtedness and more frequent recessions. Even growth for the rich slows, because they can only produce profitably in relation to what is demanded. When we separate rhetoric from reality, it becomes clear; if we really want a government that will grow our economy and balance the budget, we had better vote Democrat.
It is time for the Democrats, but not the Democrats of the past 30 years who look more and more like the Republicans. It is time for labor. It is time for unions. It is time to accelerate progressive taxation. It is time for big businesses to start paying taxes again and to start paying workers again. It is time for higher minimum wages. It is time for estate taxes. It is not about giving the poor handouts, but allowing the poor and middle class to compete. It is time for the Fed to be run not by big banks and their friends, but by democratically elected governments. It is time to improve rather than undercut our public education. It is time for an efficient single-payer medical system. It is time to create new, high-paying jobs; green jobs in producing renewable electricity and making our homes and businesses more efficient, infrastructure jobs to maintain and repair our country. It is time to focus our technology not on the military but on things that actually improve our lives and the lives of our children. It is time for the Democrats and it is time to demand of the Democrats a new New Deal.

NOVEMBER 13, PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES

2008-11-02T13:36:00.002-06:00

On Thursday, November 13, the Waco Friends Of Peace will present the Waco debut of the academy award winning film (Best Documentary Feature of 2007) Taxi To The Dark Side. This film, by Alex Gibney and Eva Orner, uses the death of an Afghan taxi driver while in U.S. military custody as a springboard to examine the role of torture in America's so-called "war on terror."

We know that the mood on November 13 is going to be greatly affected (to say the least!) by the results of the election on November 4, but we believe that our chosen film will be relevant regardless of the outcome. Also, we hope to see many FOPs at Poppa Rollo's in order to celebrate or commiserate, as the case may be.

There are many terrific reviews of Taxi To The Dark Side. The following is from one by Roger Ebert:

In December 2002, an Afghan named Dilawar had scraped together enough money to buy a taxi. He was fingered by a paid informant as a terrorist connected with a rocket attack. Taken to the American prison at Bagram, Afghanistan, he was tortured so violently that he died after five days...

Alex Gibney's horrifying documentary "Taxi to the Dark Side" uses the death of Dilawar as an entry point into a remorseless indictment of the Bush administration's unofficially condoned policy of the torture of suspects, which is forbidden by U.S. constitutional and military law and international agreements, but justified under the "necessity" of working the dark side. Gibney interviews U.S. soldiers who participated in such torture sessions (under orders, they thought, although their superiors claimed innocence, all the way up to Bush, who claimed ignorance of torture even after he had seen official Pentagon and intelligence reports). They seem sorry, sobered, and confused...

There are those, their numbers shrinking every day, who would agree we have to "work the dark side." Growing numbers of us are yearning for the light. This movie does not describe the America I learned about in civics class, or think of when I pledge allegiance to the flag. Yet I know I will get the usual e-mails accusing me of partisanship, bias, only telling one side, etc. What is the other side? See this movie, and you tell me.

The place is Poppa Rollo's. The time is the usual: 6:00 pm, with pizza buffet followed by the movie and discussion. Hope to see you there! --Harrison Ward, moderator.

(for new attendees, Poppa Rollo's meeting room is at 703 N. Valley Mills Drive in Waco. Admission is free as always and donations are accepted. Everyone welcome).

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: OCTOBER 2008

2008-10-14T15:07:00.005-05:00

TITLE: THE REAL McCAIN: LESS JOBS. MORE WARS.

GENRE: Documentary.

DATE: Thursday, October 23, 2008.

TIME: Pizza buffet and community announcements 6pm, film and discussion 6:30.

MODERATOR: Kay Lucas, director, Crawford Texas Peace House.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, front meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

RELEASE DATE: August, 2008.

RUN TIME: 60 minutes.

PRICE: All free.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: Robert Greenwald is a producer, director and political activist. Greenwald is the director/producer of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price" (2005), a documentary that uncovers the retail giant's assault on families and American values. He is also the director/producer of OUTFOXED: RUPERT MURDOCH'S WAR ON JOURNALISM (2004), a documentary exposing the right-wing bias of Fox News.Greenwald is also the executive producer of a trilogy of "Un" documentaries: UNPRECEDENTED: THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (2002), directed by Richard Ray Perez and Joan Sekler; UNCOVERED: THE IRAQ WAR (2003), directed by Greeenwald; and UNCONSTITUTIONAL (2004), directed by Nonny de la Pena, about the post 9/11 erosion of American civil liberties.In addition to his documentary work, Greenwald has produced and/or directed more than 50 television movies, miniseries and feature films, including: THE BOOK OF RUTH (2004), based on the best selling book by Jane Hamilton; THE CROOKED E: THE UNSHREDDED TRUTH ABOUT ENRON (2003); BLONDE, a miniseries based on Joyce Carol Oates' fictionalized biography of Marilyn Monroe; THE BURNING BED, starring Farrah Fawcett as an abused housewife; OUR GUYS, based on the true story of a rape in a small town; SHATTERED SPIRITS, starring Martin Sheen, about alcoholism; FORGOTTEN PRISONERS, about the work of Amnesty International; and Hiroshima.Greenwald also produced and directed the feature film, STEAL THIS MOVIE, starring Vincent D'Onofrio as 60's radical Abbie Hoffman, as well as BREAKING UP, starring Russell Crowe and Salma Hayek.

ABOUT THE FILM: Concerned that the real John McCain story was not being told, Robert Greenwald and his team at Brave New Films decided they HAD to do something about it, so they did some extensive research on his flip-flopping. The result is a series of short films laying bare the fallacy of the straight-talk label that has been attached to McCain like a Siamese Twin for the better part of a decade.The results have been truly spectacular, entering record-breaking territory. Within a week of its debut on the web over 1 million people viewed The Real McCain 2. It s been the #1 most viewed video on YouTube, #1 on the viral video chart, and the #2 story on the Digg Election 2008 page. Brave New Films is now reaching an audience that most cable news shows only dream of. This DVD compiles the shorts and adds exclusive on-camera instruction and commentary from key progressive leaders including MoveOn s Eli Pariser, Democracy For America s Jim Dean and Greenwald himself. They show the viewer how to use these short films to maximum effect.

Ret. Colonel Ann Wright Lecture October 5, 2008

2008-09-21T11:14:00.005-05:00

Date: Sunday, October 5 at 6p.m.

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Outback Meeting Room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

Event: Lecture and Book Signing of DISSENT: VOICES OF CONSCIENCE (2008).

Price: Free (donations accepted).

VOTER REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE!!

During the run-up to war in Iraq, Army Colonel (Ret.) and diplomat Ann Wright resigned her State Department post. She was one among dozens of government insiders and active-duty military personnel who leaked documents, spoke out, resigned, or refused to deploy in protest of government actions they felt were illegal. In Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Ann Wright and Susan Dixon tell the stories of these men and women, who risked careers, reputations, and even freedom out of loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.

The Waco Friends of Peace are honored to present this soldier, diplomat, author, peace activist, friend and inspiration to speak in Waco. Your attendance is respectfully requested--your voice of conscience is needed to support this forum in Central Texas.

BIOGRAPHY:

Ann Wright grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, where she received a master’s and a law degree. She also has a master’s degree in national security affairs from the U.S. Naval War College. After college, she spent thirteen years in the U.S. Army and sixteen additional years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. She is airborne-qualified.
In 1987, Col.Wright joined the Foreign Service and served as U.S. Deputy Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Afghanistan, and Mongolia. She received the State Department’s Award for Heroism for her actions during the evacuation of 2,500 people from the civil war in Sierra Leone, the largest evacuation since Saigon. She was on the first State Department team to go to Afghanistan and helped reopen the Embassy there in December 2001. Her other overseas assignments include Somalia, Kyrgyzstan, Grenada, Micronesia, and Nicaragua. On March 19, 2003, the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Ann Wright cabled a letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell, stating that without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the invasion and occupation of a Muslim, Arab, oil-rich country would be a disaster. Since then, she has been writing and speaking out for peace. She fasted for a month, picketed at Guantánamo, served as a juror in impeachment hearings, and has been arrested numerous times for peaceful, nonviolent protest of Bush’s policies, particularly the war on Iraq. She lives in Honolulu.

“When the actions of government become dangerous to the security of the nation, it takes a special courage for men and women inside the government to speak out. If we care about keeping democracy alive, we must welcome this book. "—Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the U.S.

"Truthout has traveled the country covering the anti-war movement, and wherever we go, Ann Wright is there providing steady leadership. We recently announced that Ann was one of three recipients of our first annual Freedom and Democracy Award. I'm sure I will see her soon. Wherever there is an important event calling for peace, Ann Wright will be there, leading by example."—Scott Galindez, truthout.org

ADDENDUM: The lecture at Poppa Rollo's was a great success, with 50-60 in attendance, a lively discussion, and one gentleman registered to vote. The following day Ann gave a lecture to a political science class at Baylor University and was very well received. An image from that lecture is above. Her T-shirt says it clearly: WE WILL NOT BE SILENT.

The Waco Friends of Peace thank Colonel Wright for sharing her insight and enthusiasm with Waco.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: September

2008-09-07T16:57:00.004-05:00

TITLE: American Blackout

GENRE: Documentary

DATE: Thursday, Sept. 11

TIME: Pizza Buffet and announcements 6pm, film and discussion 6:30pm.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg.room, 703 N. Valley Mill's Drive, Waco.

PRESENTER: Boyce Vardiman

FILM LENGTH: 86 minutes.

CHARGE: All Free.

AUDIENCE: All Welcome.

VOTER REGISTRATION AVAILABLE.

The right to vote represents one of the strongest elements of democracy within the United States. With his documentary American Blackout, Ian Inaba shows that while voting is a right many Americans take for granted, it's something that's still not a given for many of America's citizens. With his thought-provoking film--which won the Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival--Inaba shows through interviews, documents, and startling images of African Americans waiting in the rain (only to be falsely told they're too late to vote) how districts are systemically trying to exclude blacks from the voting process. By focusing on controversial congresswoman Cynthia McKinney--who has been a vocal opponent of President George W. Bush and his administration--and a few others, Inaba doesn't lose the viewer with too many subjects. Whether or not your political views align with McKinney's, it's difficult not to question some of her opponents' motives for twisting her words, especially pertaining to 9/11. Though no one will be surprised that this film was shot on a low budget, the lack of bells and whistles doesn't take anything away from the production value, which is compelling in its stark reality.

"a provocative look at the 2004 election." -The New York Times.
WINNER-Special Jury Prize 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
"a muckraking indictment of the systematic disenfranchisement of African American voters."
-The Los Angeles Times.

People's Campaign for the Constitution

2008-08-11T17:13:00.003-05:00

The Waco Friends of Peace was a signatory to a new declaration of Independence for our times which appeared as a half page ad in the New York Times July 3, 2008. We joined 600 others in signing and funding this declaration. Signatories from Texas included Hadi Jawad, Rick Halperin and the Freedom and Justice Foundation.

The text began: "When in the course of human events the government becomes destructive of the ends for which it was established, it is the right of the people to alter it and demand restoration of those Constitutional principles that have so long assured their liberty, safety, and happiness. Therefore, on the anniversary of our Independence, we offer this new declaration for our times." The text addresses presidential usurpation of power, illegal surveillance, signing statements, torture, violation of international treaties, imprisonment of lawful immigrants, and massive governmental secrecy.

See complete document at : http://www.constitutioncampaign.org/ad/ad.pdf
or www.constitutioncampaign.org

AUGUST PROGRESSIVE FILM

2008-08-08T19:00:00.003-05:00

DATE: August 14, Thursday.

TIME: Pizza buffet, announcements

from peace and justice

community 6pm, film and

discussion 6:30pm.

GENRE: Documentary.

LENGTH: 78 minutes.

PRESENTER: Kay Lucas, Director,

Crawford TX Peace House.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Mtg. Rm

with entrance from front or

inside.

PRICE: All free. donations accepted.

Synopsis:FROM CANADA Since World War II North Americans have invested much of their new found wealth in suburbia. It has promised a sense of space, affordability, family life and upward mobility. As the population of suburban sprawl has exploded in the past 50 years, so too has the suburban way of life become embedded in the American consciousness. Suburbia, and all it promises, has become the American Dream. But as we enter the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of life. With brutal honesty and a touch of irony, The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply. World Oil Peak and the inevitable decline of fossil fuels are upon us now, some scientists and policy makers argue in this documentary. The consequences of inaction in the face of this global crisis are enormous. What does Oil Peak mean for North America? As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia ?

Hosted by Barrie Zwicker. Featuring James Howard Kunstler, Peter Calthorpe, Michael Klare, Richard Heinberg, Matthew Simmons, Michael C. Ruppert, Julian Darley, Colin Campbell, Kenneth Deffeyes, Ali Samsam Bakhtiari and Steve Andrews.

BUSH RANCH PROTEST JULY 19, 2008

2008-07-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

"Bush may be a lame duck, but we're not," was Harrison Ward's quick response to the question of why we continue to protest. His response sums it up very accurately. Of course, the national media is paying less and less attention to the man, as he becomes more irrelevant.

But we feel it important to continue the tradition of protests at the ranch checkpoint each time Bush is there (since 2005). Its a matter of conscience and consistency--to never let Bush forget that there are millions of Americans who strongly object to his illegal wars and shredding of the Constitution. And that approximately 210 million disapprove of his presidency. There were only 2 of us available for this latest checkpoint action. (Thanks to Kay Lucas for loyal and able shuttle service). But we are a ripple that reaches to the ranch and to many others in Central Texas. And an added bonus--Channel 6 TV did a very nice interview at the scene. As Howard Zinn says: every action, no matter how small, is important to the cumulative movement.

Progressive Presentation Series for July

2008-07-04T19:24:00.004-05:00

FILM: CRAWFORD.

GENRE: documentary.

DATE: Thursday, July 10, 2008.

TIME: pizza buffet and community announcements

at 6pm, film and discussion 6:30pm.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's pizza meeting room, 703 N.

Valley Mills, Waco. enter front meeting

room from outside door on right or from

inner restaurant door.

RATING: ok for kids, limited language.

BONUS: Misti Turbeville, the main character of the

film, will be present for the discussion!

AUDIENCE: all welcome.

PRICE: free pizza buffet and film.

JULY MODERATORS: Harrison Ward, Gail Boyd.

Please join us for the Waco premier of this outstanding documentary. This is a great opportunity to see the acclaimed film which has not been released yet on DVD to the general public. The film unfolds almost entirely through the words of Crawford citizens and protesters, and is thus insightful and balanced.

“….revelatory: a deeply committed piece of high-def storytelling.”
Steve Dollar, The New York Sun

“…a serious splash at SXSW…[Modigliani is] one of the four next great Texas directors.” Christopher Kelly, Texas Monthly

“…an evenhanded and occasionally poignant account…populated with colorful, contrasting characters who have profoundly mixed feelings about being used as props in Bush's political stagecraft.” Joe Leydon, VARIETY

“CRAWFORD received standing ovations at South by Southwest.” Jeffrey Ressner, Politico.com

“Vital…Engaging…CRAWFORD has the potential to disrupt narratives and change the way people think.” Jake Gyllenhaal

“…smart and absorbing…a microcosm of a nation…” Flickhead.com

“A touching, even-handed, and genuinely significant film.” Dan Nuxoll, Rooftopfilms.com
“….a fresh, unique perspective…entertaining and incredibly affecting…” Josh Tyler, Cinemablend

“The right mingles with the left, no one is declared a winner…a brilliant job…refreshing, and the ultimate compliment to director David Modigliani, to have such a politically charged environment delivered to the viewer with such an even hand.”
Mark Bell, Film Threat

Thanks for your support of this unique forum for progressive thought and discussion in Waco and Central

Texas. We know everyone is very busy and we always strive to bring you films and lectures that will be enlightening and well worth your attendance. If you are able to make it, we are honored by your presence.

peace, alan

Friends of Peace message for the election year.

2008-06-08T14:14:00.002-05:00

As of May 1st, 2008, the Friends of Peace billboard is back! As you know our previous impeachment billboard heroically survived verbal attacks, the severe limitations to the 1st amendment in Waco, and physical assault--for 5 months. But finally its brave message was censored about one year ago. So we are very happy to have a new message for the election 2008. We will maintain this board through the November election. Although Friends of Peace does not typically endorse a candidate for President, I think it's clear which candidate is closest to voicing an anti-war sentiment. The current location is on Panther Way near Hewitt drive in Hewitt. While driving on Panther toward the light at Hewitt Drive, the visibility of this sign is fantastic. But our plan is to move the sign around in other parts of Waco, especially those sites with very high traffic. We feel the simple and powerful message is an important reminder at this time--less the lesson of Iraq and other imperialist wars be forgotten. (Thanks to our friend Carl for the phrase). Contributions to help keep this billboard going are greatly appreciated.

Progressive Film Series for June

2008-06-06T19:11:00.003-05:00

Documentary: BLOOD AND OIL (2008).

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008.

Time: 6p.m. pizza buffet and announcements.

6:30p.m. film and discussion.

Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive,

Waco. meeting room, enter from inside or outside

front door on right.

Audience: All welcome.

Price: free film and pizza buffet.

The notion that oil motivates America's military engagements in the Middle East has long been dismissed as nonsense or mere conspiracy theory. Blood and Oil, a new documentary based on the critically-acclaimed work of Nation magazine defense correspondent Michael T. Klare, challenges this conventional wisdom to correct the historical record. The film unearths declassified documents and highlights forgotten passages in prominent presidential doctrines to show how concerns about oil have been at the core of American foreign policy for more than 60 years – rendering our contemporary energy and military policies virtually indistinguishable. In the end, Blood and Oil calls for a radical re-thinking of US energy policy, warning that unless we change direction, we stand to be drawn into one oil war after another as the global hunt for diminishing world petroleum supplies accelerates.

Genre: Documentary.

Runtime: Approx. 52 min.

Rating: suitable for children.

Release Date: May 22, 2008.

Media Education Foundation: other films include "War Made Easy," "Reel Bad Arabs,"

and "Hijacking Catastrophe."

In an effort to bring you the newest and most important films, we are proud to present "Blood and Oil," just released in May. Join us for the Waco premier. Your

peace and justice announcements welcome, and your discussion of the film honored. Please support this unique forum in Waco.

May Progressive Film and Meeting, Thursday 8th.

2008-04-18T17:51:00.004-05:00

Selection: "11th Hour."
Genre: environmental documentary.
Release date: April 8, 2008.
ScreeningDate: Thursday, May 8, 2008.
Time: 6p.m. Pizza buffet and announcements, 6:30 film and discussion.
Fee: all free, all welcome.
Venue: Poppa Rollo's Pizza meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.
Rating: PG.
Run time: 92 minutes.

Environmental documentary 11th HOUR resides at the polar opposite of escapist summer fare its mission to firmly confront viewers about the indelible human footprint that humans have left on this planet and the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse. Produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio and ably directed by Nadia Conners and Leila Conners Peterson the documentary doesn't get much fancier than talking heads news footage and the occasional animated illustration but its message is potent and delivered effectively.The first hour of the film is essentially a horror story recounting the myriad sins perpetrated against the environment (pollution deforestation over-mining resources) the reasons behind it (corporate greed faulty public policy bad leadership ignorance) and what it means for the human race. Thankfully the last third of the movie tilts the mood upward with a spirited discussion of solutions offered by a crack team of scientists designers and thinkers. Stirring visions of alternate energy sources diversified transportation enlightened governmental agendas sustainable homes and cities and most importantly more conscious consumer choices leave viewers with the palpable feeling that change is both necessary and possible. If the "eleventh hour" for our planet is drawing near this admirable film points confidently towards a new dawn.

Thanks for joining us and supporting this unique and growing forum in Central Texas. (April was standing room only!).

Crawford Protest, April 12, 2008

2008-04-17T20:21:00.005-05:00

George Bush sneaked into Crawford the weekend of April 12-13, but he could not hide from local activists. An amazing peace karma was at work. We were focused on one of the greatest crimes of the administration--torture--on Saturday. We learned later that day, that on Friday night Bush had admitted in a TV network interview, that he had approved specific torture methods to be used by the CIA. So our emphasis was right on target. Four of us gave witness for peace and justice at the ranch checkpoint on Prairie Chapel Road, picture above. In a bizarre form of comic relief, we observed a bicycle company van speeding from the compound. Although the wheels are completely off this administration, Bush's bicycle presumably is in good shape. He pedals while Baghdad and the American Constitution and values burn. Two activists also expressed their conscience at the downtown corner in Crawford. They were accompanied by two friends in the local police department.

Thus the constant presence of voices of protest against the crimes of the Bush administration remains intact--whenever Bush returns to Crawford.

Rev. Robert Kenji Flowers-Best Friend Forever 2008

2008-04-16T18:33:00.004-05:00

The Reverend Robert Kenji Flowers

Best Friend Forever Awardee 2008

Waco Friends of Peace.

Thursday, April 10, 2008.

Robert accepts the plaque from FOP member Alan Northcutt at the monthly film/lecture meeting series. The crowd was standing room only as members and guests honored the 6 year Friends of Peace veteran. Robert will be leaving the Wesley Foundation in June for an assignment at a church in Fort Worth. Several attendees spoke in praise and respect for Robert, who has been a mainstay of the organization for years.

Robert was always available for protests and other actions--willing to speak out against war, torture, and man's inhumanity to man. I personally was inspired as well by his depth of knowledge on religious matters and history in general. Robert is a graduate of the SMU Perkins School of Theology and serves on the Alumni Council 2007-2008. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree recently at the Austin Presbyterian School of Theology.

The Friends of Peace and the Central Texas area will greatly miss Robert's knowledge, kindness, cooking, loyalty, hard work, and courage in the struggle for peace. Fort Worth will be blessed by his presence.

Please add your comments about Robert below.

Crawford Texas Peace House 5th Anniversary

2008-03-29T21:19:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the Peace House on its 5th anniversary and celebration March 23rd, 2008. Thanks to Kay, Hadi, Johnie, Skip and all the visionaries who made it possible. The Peace House has become a second home and inspiration for activists around Texas and the world. And the Peace House was the epicenter for the resurgence in public opposition to the Iraq occupation which began in 2005.

CONGRATULATIONS!

CRAWFORD ACTION, March 1, 2008

2008-03-29T21:05:00.003-05:00

George Bush returned to the Crawford ranch on March 1, and peace activists again voiced their opposition to his illegal occupation of Iraq and twisted priorities. The visit by Bush was largely not announced thus our group was small. But we had rather speak out in small numbers against torture, than hide in a mansion ranch with hundreds and try to rationalize the authorization of war crimes. Further, a Canadian reporter spoke with us and a report appeared in the Canadian press. http://communities.canada.com/shareit/blogs/theelephant/archive/2008/03/02/as-texas-votes-crawford-prepares-for-its-curtain-call.aspx ( for report and image).
And of course, the streak continues: the peace presence at the checkpoint has happened each time Bush hides out at the ranch.

IRAQ 5th ANNIVERSARY MARCH--Austin, TX.

2008-03-29T20:26:00.011-05:00

The Austin Million Musician's March for Peace on March 15, 2008 commemorated the tragic 5th year of the U.S. occupation of Iraq. The march was a tremendous success with several thousand estimated in the crowd. The route was Capital to City Hall, with a concert and speakers at the City Hall grounds. The Crawford Texas Peace House float was rolling again this year with Kay Lucas, able driver Roger, Johnnie Wolfe, and many other friends of the House. Friends of Peace took a vehicle with 7 members who carried the FOP banner, other signs of peace, and rode on the Peace Train. Million thanks to the organizers of this great event, and to all those from the Waco area who supported the effort. The question on every one's mind: will we need to be back in 2009?

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: April 10, 2008.

2008-03-29T19:57:00.002-05:00

TITLE:" for the BIBLE tells me so."
GENRE: Documentary.
DATE: Thursday, April 10.
TIME: Free pizza and community
announcements 6pm, film and
discussion 6:30pm.
VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza meeting
room, 703 N. Valley Mill's, Waco.
CHARGE: All free.
AUDIENCE: All welcome.

Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp. Through the experience of five very normal, very Christian , very American families - including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson - we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. With commentary by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, For The Bible Tells Me So offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

DVD Release Date: February 2008 (Waco premiere).
Running Time: 98 minutes.
Rating: Not rated. (I saw nothing objectionable for those who would comprehend various
sexual orientations).
Recognitions: 9 Awards in festivals nationwide, incl. official selection Sundance.

"Inspiring!"--Los Angeles Times.
"Enlightening!"--Salt Lake Tribune.
"Entertaining!"--Washington Post.

The topic of homosexuality is seldom addressed openly in Waco, and discrimination and fear is rampant. Thus we present this amazing film
and welcome your discussion. We are honored by your support of this
film series and unique forum in Central Texas.

IRAQ: 5 YEARS TOO MANY. MARCH 19, 2008

2008-03-24T17:19:00.006-05:00

The Waco Friends of Peace staged a protest on the 5th anniversary of the Iraq occupation at the corner of Valley Mills Drive and Waco Drive from 4p.m. until 6p.m. About a dozen activists held a 15 foot banner and individual signs. The traffic was heavy during this rush hour time, and the response by motorists was about 90% positive. We were pleased with the number of protesters present during work hours, and excited by 3 or 4 new individuals who came to express the truth. A young man with imminent shipment to Iraq received counseling about his options.

It was a beautiful day, and everyone there knew it was the right place to be, to express your conscience, at that moment in time.

We also experienced a first on this day. ALL local TV outlets and the Herald-Tribune newspaper covered the story. So all local news reports on the 5th anniversary had voices of continued opposition to this illegal war. We reminded the people of Waco that the war has cost 1 million Iraqi lives, displaced 4.5 million Iraqis, destroyed Iraq's infrastructure and antiquities, killed 4000 Americans, injured tens of thousands, exploded the national debt, and will ultimately cost 3 trillion dollars.

Thanks to all the activists who gave of their time to make an important statement.

McCAIN PROTEST, MARCH 3, 2008

2008-03-14T17:21:00.002-05:00

Presidential candidate John McCain held a "town hall meeting" at the HOT fair complex the evening of March 3, one day before he secured the GOP nomination for 2008. We felt strongly compelled to protest his presence: no one embodies the philosophy of constant war and imperialism more than McCain. Recently he stated that he had no problem with the U.S. occupying Iraq for 100 years. He finds bombing the people of Iran a joking matter with his vocal rendition of "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran....." The evening was bitterly cold with a wind chill reading of about 25F. But traffic was slow and heavy and every car entering the event could definitely read our signs and banner. The messages were "McC. = WARMONGER", "vote for peacemakers not warmakers," and "7 years of Bush, haven't had enough?". Thanks to the activists above for anchoring the banner in the fierce wind: Carl, Harrison, and two high school students. It was inspiring to have the two students (Obama supporters) spontaneously join us to express their desire for a change from the policies of war and aggression. To further emphasize the message, Carl made a brief pass through the meeting carrying a sign of opposition. Although McCain may have received a warm greeting from those inside the event, all those in attendance and no doubt McCain himself realized that there are voices of conscience in Waco who reject his imperialist world view.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES FOR MARCH 13.

2008-03-10T20:08:00.002-05:00

TITLE: Uncounted: The new math of American elections.

DATE: March 13. Thursday.

TIME: 6p.m. free pizza buffet. community announcements.

6:30 p.m. film and discussion.

SITE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg. room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive,

Waco.

AUDIENCE: All welcome. informative, no matter what your

political persuasion.

PRICE: Free.

RELEASE DATE: 2007.

RUNNING TIME: 80 minutes.

RATING: unrated. safe for all audiences.

Uncounted is an explosive new documentary that shows how the election fraud that changed the outcome of the 2004 election led to even greater fraud in 2006 and now looms as an unbridled threat to the outcome of the 2008 election. The controversial film by Emmy award winning director David Earnhardt examines in factual, logical, and yet startling terms how easy it is to change election outcomes and undermine election integrity across the U.S. A very timely documentary I'm sure you will learn from and enjoy.

Please come support this peace and justice forum in Central Texas.

Its not who votes that counts, its who counts the votes.

SPECIAL EVENT FEBRUARY 7TH, 7P.M., Poppa Rollo's Pizza.

2008-01-28T18:43:00.001-06:00

EPILOGUE: The lecture by Dr. Roberts on February 7th at Poppa Rollo's was a tremendous success. Over 100 people attended, the crowd was standing room only. Many loyal local peace activists were joined by members of the Waco community at large, a large contingent from Baylor University, our friends from the Crawford Peace House and Camp Casey Peace Institute, Vets For Peace members from Austin, and other peacemongers from Dallas and Austin. Thanks to everyone who attended. Special thanks to Kay Lucas, Mary Duty, Gayle, Baylor students, Harrison Ward, Professor Gayle Avant, and all those who worked on this project. Everyone was moved by Dr. Robert's data and personal experiences. We appreciate his time in providing this vital information in Texas (his only stop was Waco). Dr. Roberts also received a positive reception speaking to classes of Professor Avant on February 8th. And I am happy to report that Dr. Roberts, who has lectured extensively about his Lancet study around the country, was happy and satisfied with the crowds and interest here in Waco.

Pictured above at Poppa Rollo's is Dr. Roberts with veteran Waco peace activist Rev. Robert Flowers, and with Mary Duty, owner of Poppa Rollo's whose help was vital in providing the venue for the lecture. No doubt this was the Professor's first taste of pizza in the shape of Texas.

"A Story of Media Spin:
How Americans came to underestimate civilian deaths in Iraq by a factor of 100."

A Presentation by
Les Roberts, PhD, Epidemiologist, Associate Professor, Columbia University.

*Professor Roberts is the lead author of the 2006 Lancet medical journal study which shook the world, revealing 655,000 Iraqis had died as a result of the U.S. occupation.

*His study was the most valid scientific analysis of the human cost of the Iraq War.

*He is an international authority on the computation of deaths in zones of war and other disasters.

Les Roberts has a B.S. degree in physics, a Masters degree in public health from Tulane University, and a Ph.D. in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins. He did a post-doctorate fellowship in epidemiology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where he worked for 4 years. In 1994, he worked as an epidemiologist for the World Health Organization in Rwanda during their civil war. Les was Director of Health Policy at the International Rescue Committee from Dec. 2000 until April of 2003. He now is an Associate Professor with the Columbia University Program on Forced Migration and Health. Les had led over 50 surveys in 17 countries, mostly measuring mortality in times of war. He presently lives in Central New York with his wife Mary Grace.

A Waco Friends of Peace Event
Thursday, Feb. 7 - 7 PM
Poppa Rollo’s Pizza/Outback Room (behind, separated by driveway).
703 N. Valley Mills Dr, Waco
Complimentary Pizza
EVERYONE WELCOME.

The Friends of Peace and Waco are honored to have a speaker of the international caliber
of Professor Roberts. His study in Lancet is truly one of the most important and controversial reports in recent years. This will be Dr. Roberts' only speaking engagement in Texas. So please come and support this event, helping to provide a suitable crowd for this renowned scientist. Help show him that Texans DO body counts--that the lives of ALL innocents in the world matter. Your time will be well spent.

GUANTANAMO 6TH ANNIVERSARY PROTEST

2008-01-13T13:11:00.000-06:00

The Waco Friends of Peace sponsored a protest January 10th, one day before the 6th anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo Bay prison. The event occurred in front of the Federal Courthouse on Franklin and 8th in Waco. Five FOP activists were dressed in Gitmo garb and held signs "Close Guantanamo" and "Stop Torture." As usual the police attempted to intimidate us and move us across the street. We insisted on our 1st amendment rights on a public sidewalk and stayed there for about 3 hours. We believe Gitmo is a national disgrace because detainees have been held for years without charge or trial (and often without lawyer), children as young as 13 have been held, 55% of detainees have not committed any hostile act against the U.S., habeas corpus has been destroyed, and because illegal torture as occurred. We call for the closure of Gitmo as have the U.N., international human rights groups, and even Colin Powell.

We were honored to have local attorney and elected official, David Schleicher, join us (pictured without hood). We admire and thank David for his courage and conscience, and especially for his willingness to join us and speak out in Waco--at a place where he is very well known.

The Waco-Tribune Herald published a very fair article with photo and we also thank the paper for its interest.

This action was a great success--keeping the abuses of Guantanamo in the public conscience, and demonstrating that speaking out for truth is an acceptable and virtuous action.

BUSH PROTESTS DECEMBER HOLIDAYS 2007

2008-01-13T12:10:00.000-06:00

The Holidays always bring Bush to Crawford, and activists are always there to object to his imperial Presidency, endless wars, priorities of business over people, and decimation of the Constitution. The general public is also mostly disgusted by him but seems willing to let his term expire without impeachment. The Democrats have done little to stand up to his distorted priorities. But many of us feel its still up to the grassroots to express that voice of conscience near the source of evil Power.

These are images of some of the actions near the ranch during the Holidays. On Dec. 30, activists from the Crawford Texas Peace House, Camp Casey Peace Institute, Waco Friends of Peace, and others met and discussed the day's plans. Signs expressing opposition to the Iraq occupation were displayed in downtown Crawford and in front of the press corp site (with water tower in background). A march occurred from the Peace House to the press core site. At the ranch checkpoint, women dressed in black and others honored the death of the inspirational Mrs. Bhutto. Other sentiments were "Worst president ever," and "End the War."

On New Year's Eve the hard core activists braved the cold to be at the checkpoint at midnight. It felt right to express truth to power as 2008 arrived. One sign showed the war criminal's face with the words "impeach" and "2008."

Thanks to everyone from the organizations involved and to all peace workers for their cooperation together and dedication.

CHET EDWARDS ACTION DEC. 17, 2007

2008-01-06T21:47:00.000-06:00

Four members of Friends of Peace and Vets for Peace assembled at Representative Chet Edwards' Waco office December 17, a few days before the House vote on more funds for the Iraq occupation. We had met with Mr. Edwards on 2 occasions before, and felt he was interested in the issues and sincere. He had expressed dissatisfaction with the Iraq War and seemed eager to end it. But on the 17th we stayed the entire day until closing of the office--and he refused to speak with us. We were very disappointed at his lack of response on this most important issue of our time. And later in the week the Congress again became invertebrates and approved $70 billion more in war funding--with NO timeline for withdrawal of troops. To our shock and disappointment--Congressman Chet Edwards was one of the Democrats who did vote FOR such funding. I faxed a letter to Mr. Edward's office expressing my disgust with his vote (see below). My feeling at this point is that the Democrats will not take steps to end the war in Iraq during Bush's term. Many thanks for the extreme dedication of Carl Rising-Moore, and Harrison Ward and Mrs. Haney (images). And as always, thanks to Ms. Johnson in Mr. Edward's office for her hospitality.

The Honorable Chet Edwards
Member of Congress
17th District, Texas
Washington, D.C.

Dear Congressman Edwards,
I and others of the peace community in District 17 have met with you twice concerning ending the Iraq occupation. At the time we felt you were sincere in addressing our concerns. But I and many others were shocked and disgusted by your vote last week to provide $70 billion more funds for the war with no timeline for troop withdrawal. You have betrayed the American people, 60% of whom have demanded such a timeline. By giving in to the bullying of Bush, you and the other Democrats who voted for the funding now also OWN the war—its not just Bush’s fiasco anymore.
Yes of course Bush would threaten a veto—but it was up to the Congress to stand up to his threats and carry out the will of the American people. The people are smart and mature enough to no longer buy this “support the troops” nonsense for unrestricted funding. If you really wanted to “support the troops”, you could take steps to bring them home alive—not provide money for their continued slaughter.
I can not imagine why you would support the Bush monarchy instead of the troops and the American people. Bush has lied us into an illegal occupation of Iraq (for oil and empire) , authorized torture and rendition, spied on Americans illegally, destroyed habeas corpus and stomped on the Constitution. Its past time for the Democrats to restore the good name of the United States.

Sincerely,

Alan D. Northcutt, M.D.
Dec. 26, 2007
Sent by Fax.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES: JANUARY 10

2007-12-05T17:50:00.000-06:00

DOCUMENTARY: Extraordinary Rendition: U.S. Outsourcing of Torture.

RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2007.

RATING: Unknown.

EVENT DATE: Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008.

TIMES: 6p.m. free pizza buffet and community announcements. your input welcome.

6:30p.m. film and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza mtg. room. enter from outside on right or from inside restaurant.

703. N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

CHARGE: All free.

Extraordinary Rendition explores the CIA practice of kidnapping suspects and secretly transporting them to black sites in countries known to utilize torture during interrogation.

Although Bush claims "we don't torture", it's well documented we DO torture, and a CIA snatch team was recently put on trial in Italy for kidnapping a person there for rendition. Frontline World journalist Stephen Grey documents this dark side of the so-called "war on terror." A very informative film on a topic scarcely addressed by the corporate infotainment news media.

We cordially invite you to attend this film. We are sure you will be informed, and have a chance to voice your opinion, outrage, or disagreement in this unique forum for Central Texas.

Thanks for your interest and support.

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. --Elie Wiesel

Crawford Action November 10, 2007

2007-11-14T17:33:00.000-06:00

Peace and Justice groups joined forces November 10 in Crawford in protest of Bush Administration policies, during a visit of Bush to his "ranch". The unbelievable disgrace of the Senate confirmation of Mukasey as Attorney General happened the day before. Members of the Waco Friends of Peace and others protested at the ranch checkpoint against waterboarding and all forms of human torture practiced by the Bush administration. Having undergone a mild degree of waterboarding personally, I can confirm what all the world knows: waterboarding IS torture. Our simple statement for the action was:

Crawford, TX
November 10, 2007.

The Waco Friends of Peace condemn all forms of torture and extraordinary rendition and call on Mr. Bush to immediately end these practices. Waterboarding is a classic torture technique and undeniably violates U.S. and international law. Waterboard torture was used during the Spanish Inquisition and the Japanese were prosecuted for its use after World War II. We protest at the Bush Ranch today these abusive practices and say as Americans: “not in our name.” We call on Mr. Bush to help restore the moral authority of the U.S. by immediately ending all torture and extraordinary rendition.

The Friends of Peace were joined by Pakistani and Iranian activists at the checkpoint. Later they spoke at a press conference at the Crawford Texas Peace House. The press conference was led by legendary Dallas activist Hadi Jawad. The Iranian activist explained the reality of society in Iran and pleaded for the U.S. not to attack her country. The Pakistani activists demanded their constitution be restored, curbs against the media be removed, and elections be held by Jan. 15, 2008.

Thanks to all activists from around the state who participated and helped speak truth to power.

November 8, Progressive Film Series

2007-11-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

DOCUMENTARY: No End in Sight (2007).

DATE: Thursday, November 8

TIME: Pizza buffet and announcements 6p.m.

Film and discussion 6:30p.m.

LOCATION: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Meeting Room,

enter from outside or inner door. 703 N.

Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

FEE: All free.

AUDIENCE: Everyone welcome.

SYNOPSIS:

The first film of its kind to chronicle the reasons behind Iraq’s descent into guerilla war, warlord rule, criminality and anarchy, NO END IN SIGHT is a jaw-dropping, insider’s tale of wholesale incompetence, recklessness and venality. Based on over 200 hours of footage, the film provides a candid retelling of the events following the fall of Baghdad in 2003 by high ranking officials such as former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, Ambassador Barbara Bodine (in charge of Baghdad during the Spring of 2003), Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell, and General Jay Garner (in charge of the occupation of Iraq through May 2003) as well as Iraqi civilians, American soldiers, and prominent analysts. NO END IN SIGHT examines the manner in which the principal errors of U.S. policy – the use of insufficient troop levels, allowing the looting of Baghdad, the purging of professionals from the Iraqi government, and the disbanding of the Iraqi military – largely created the insurgency and chaos that engulf Iraq today. How did a group of men with little or no military experience, knowledge of the Arab world or personal experience in Iraq come to make such flagrantly debilitating decisions? NO END IN SIGHT dissects the people, issues and facts behind the Bush Administration’s decisions and their consequences on the ground to provide a powerful look into how arrogance and ignorance turned a military victory into a seemingly endless and deepening nightmare of a war.

Actors: Campbell Scott, Richard Armitage, James Fallows, Samantha Power, Barbara Bodine
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: All Regions
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rating: unrated
Studio: Magnolia
Run Time: 102 minutes

REVIEWS:

"A coolheaded devastating expose."--Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly.

"An absolutely vital film. Exacting. Enraging and Revelatory."--A.O. Scott,The New York Times

Winner Special Jury Prize, Documentary, Sundance Film Festival 2007.

The best documented and detailed documentary on Iraq I have seen. I'm sure you will be informed and feel your time is well spent. Please attend and support this unique forum for information and opinion in Central Texas.

Solidarity Live Freeway Blog Oct. 27

2007-10-27T21:58:00.001-05:00

October 27, 2007 was a day of regional anti-war protests throughout the U.S. with major events in 11 cities, from Los Angeles to Boston. The action was called by United for Peace and Justice and titled "Fall Out Against the War." Early reports indicate very successful rallies in participating cities. The Friends of Peace endorsed the event and held a live freeway blog in solidarity with peace activists across the country. Our simple message remained the same: Bring the Troops Home Now. Bush and the Democratically controlled Congress have both failed to heed the will of a majority of Americans who have demanded an end to the illegal and immoral Iraq occupation. Thus the peace community continues to speak out clearly, and it now speaks for the 70% of the populace who have called for a timetable for withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq. We reject an indefinite occupation of Iraq for empire. As Former Centcom Commander General John Abizaid admitted at Stanford University in October: "Of course its (Iraq War) about oil. We can't really deny that." more details: www.oct27.org
Thanks to all dedicated FOP members who helped in this action.

Peace Scooter Finish in Crawford Oct. 13, 2007

2007-10-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Alix rode her scooter 11,000 miles across the U.S., her route in the shape of a gigantic peace sign. Along the way she spoke to all she could about peace, hoping to help end our country's addiction to war. She finished her ride Oct. 13 at the Bush ranch checkpoint. And in a display of outstanding karma, Bush was at the ranch that day!! The first image is of Alix in the Peace House being interviewed by a major mainstream media outlet. She was interviewed by 2, including CNN and one of the big 3 networks. Alix spoke in a very articulate, well informed, moving, and soothing manner. In the second image activists from Friends of Peace and Crawford Texas Peace House held banners at the Prairie Chapel Road checkpoint near the Bush ranch awaiting Alix's arrival. One of the networks was present to capture her arrival at the checkpoint and obtain a brief statement from Alix (third image). As the local activists greeted her, she shared a glass of champagne (nonalcoholic), celebrating the end of her long voyage for peace (last image).

But of course, the journey and struggle have just begun.

(For more details, go to www.crawfordpeacehouse.org . Thanks to Kay Lucas and all the local activists who helped in this action).

OCTOBER 11 PROGRESSIVE FILM NIGHT

2007-10-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

DOCUMENTARY: Impeachment of a President: The Constitutional Cure for Tyranny (2007).

DATE: Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007.

TIME: 6p.m. pizza buffet and announcements. 6:30 film and discussion.

PLACE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza meeting room, 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco. enter from outer door or from inside restaurant.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

PRICE: Free.

FILM: 58 Minutes, Rating PG.

In the wake of Bush's commutation of Libby's prison sentence, talk of impeachment is gaining steam: an opinion poll says that nearly half of all Americans favor impeachment of Bush and more than half believe Cheney should be impeached as well. Bill Moyers gets perspective from constitutional scholar Bruce Fein, who wrote the first article of impeachment against Bill Clinton, and The Nation's John Nichols, author of The Genius of Impeachment: The Founder's Cure for Royalism.
In a previous film we reviewed the grounds for impeachment. This film goes a step further to discuss the philosophy, practicality and necessity of impeachment. I'm sure you will find the documentary informative and thought provoking.
Your attendance and support of this forum for progressive thought in Central Texas is greatly appreciated.

September 16, 2007 Peace Solidarity Blog

2007-10-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

After a week of Bush administration propaganda about how splendidly the occupation of Iraq was going, protests occurred throughout the country, including a march of 100,000 in D.C. on Sept. 15. To show solidarity with all those activists and to express our outrage in Waco, we had a live freeway blog on Sept. 16. It was our most successful ever with 14 activists, heavy traffic,

one police intimidation attempt (failed), 3-4 banners with N and S bound messages, no attacks on our banners, great media coverage, and near 90,000 motorists reached!! Our bloggers ranged from Baylor students to senior citizens. The traffic response to Honk for Impeachment was very positive. Most moving, a pedestrian crossing the bridge picked up one of our peace flags and joined us. This young lady stated she has a son in Iraq and she opposes the war--she wants her son brought home now.

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.

American People's Poll on Iraq, Ft. Worth 9.1.07

2007-09-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

Texans for Peace sponsored this protest across the street from a big Republican meeting. Waco Friends of Peace members joined many many friends in Fort Worth for this great action. There were excellent speakers, including Hadi, Cindy, Ann Wright,
and Rev. Yearwood, musicians, and street theatre. Pictured are crosses and the stage (solar powered), the war criminals as arrested by Code Pink officers, musician with convention center in the background, and a scene from the very thoughtfully provided children's area. During the cleanup we debated what to do with the chain of peace decorations the kids made (below). I was touched when a 4 year old offered a suggestion: "leave them there and the bad guys will see them and throw away their guns." And we can hope the Republicans and the rest of the warmakers will see US and discard their addiction to guns.

BUSH RANCH PROTEST AUGUST 25, 2007

2007-09-03T15:56:00.000-05:00

WE WILL NOT BE SILENT.
Protests continued this August when Bush was at the Crawford ranch for vacation. Carl led the way with a continuous presence at the Peace Institute and several nights sleeping in the ditch near the checkpoint. Kudos to Carl's perseverance and leadership. Kay at the Peace House as always provided wisdom, logistical support, sustenance, and shuttle service. Small groups joined Carl in the evening and other times at the checkpoint. An action led by Carl at the Billionaires for Bush fundraiser entrance garnered national news coverage and the arrest of Carl. The images here are of a protest across the street from the checkpoint on August 25. Friends of Peace members
including Boyce, Robert, and Harrison were joined by Carl, Kay,
and friends from Valley Mills and Dallas for 4 hours in the sun.
We number 6-8 at various times, but now we speak for 210
million Americans calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq.
Clearly the administration knew we were there as we were buzzed by helicopters twice. And 4 media outlets covered and reported on this action! Thanks to everyone for their hard work and effort during August. The American people have already spoken. But as long as the Congress and Bush refuse to end this illegal war, we will continue to speak out directly as voices of conscience.
"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."--Thomas Jefferson.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES FOR SEPT. 20,2007

2007-09-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

DATE: Thursday, Sept. 20 (**NOTE: date change for Sept. only**)

TIME: 6P.M. Pizza buffet and peace community announcements. 6:30 documentary and discussion.

VENUE: Poppa Rollo's Pizza Mtg. Room (enter from outer or inner door), 703 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco.

COST: Pizza and film free.

AUDIENCE: All welcome.

This is a very controversial Alex Jones film and a departure from our typically more balanced documentaries. But I think it is a very worthwhile viewing because 1)Alex Jones is very influential (in top 10 Amazon doc. films) 2) although we made not agree with him entirely I believe we should be informed about his perspective, 3)we will all find many valid and powerful points made in this work, 4) the film has great graphics, and 5) although his style is "in your face" no one can deny Alex has guts to speak out. Although I am not a conspiracy theory true believer, I found the film fascinating.

Directors: Alex Jones
Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
Rating : unrated (some casualty images may be inappropriate for small children).
Studio: Disinformation
DVD Release Date: October 31, 2006
Run Time: 113 minutes
Average Customer Review: *****

Friends of Peace respectfully invites your attendance and comments . Announcements from the peace and justice community are requested. Thanks for supporting this forum in Central Texas.

" There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people."
--Howard Zinn, historian.

PROGRESSIVE FILM SERIES for AUGUST 9, 07

2007-07-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

DATE: August 9, 2007, Thursday
TIME: Pizza buffet and announcements 6p.m.
Film and discussion 6:30p.m.
VENUE: Poppa Rollos Pizza mtg. room, 703 N. Valley Mills
Drive, Waco. inside and outside entrances.
TITLE: "War Made Easy."
GENRE: Documentary.
PRICE: Pizza and film free. donations appreciated.
RELEASE DATE: 2007.
RUN LENGTH: 71 Minutes.
RATING: unrated. some scenes of war injuries are graphic, would
be disturbing to children.
AUDIENCE: All welcome.
SYNOPSIS:
WAR MADE EASY:How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death.Narrated by Sean Penn
War Made Easy reaches into the Orwellian memory hole to expose a 50-year pattern of government deception and media spin that has dragged the United States into one war after another from Vietnam to Iraq. Narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn, the film exhumes remarkable archival footage of official distortion and exaggeration from LBJ to George W. Bush, revealing in stunning detail how the American news media have uncritically disseminated the pro-war messages of successive presidential administrations.
War Made Easy gives special attention to parallels between the Vietnam war and the war in Iraq. Guided by media critic Norman Solomon’s meticulous research and tough-minded analysis, the film presents disturbing examples of propaganda and media complicity from the present alongside rare footage of political leaders and leading journalists from the past, including Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, dissident Senator Wayne Morse, and news correspondents Walter Cronkite and Morley Safer.
Norman Solomon’s work has been praised by the Los Angeles Times as “brutally persuasive” and essential “for those who would like greater context with their bitter morning coffee.” This film now offers a chance to see that context on the screen

REVIEWS:
"Superb." -Howard Zinn.
"A tour de force." -Jay Cassidy, editor of "An Inconvenient Truth."

We respectfully request your presence. The film is very informative and you can help support a forum for progressive thought and discussion in Central Texas.

Representative Chet Edwards Meeting July 19,2007

2007-07-24T19:20:00.001-05:00

Waco Friends of Peace held a videoteleconference with U.S. District 17 Representative July 19. Congressman Edwards was very cordial and interested in our viewpoints, and he seemed sincere. I read a signed statement to him as we faxed a copy to his Washington office. He then responded and those present also stated their personal opinions and concerns. This is our second meeting with Mr. Edwards and I feel his position has moved in a positive direction since the first encounter. He DID vote a couple weeks ago FOR the House resolution for withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Iraq by April, 2008. I felt he is with us on ending the occupation. Although he may agree somewhat on the legitimate grounds for impeachment, he stated he does not feel it is a good step at this time. He was called away for a House vote and thus our meeting was cut short. I believe the teleconference was productive and worthwhile. He knows that many in District 17 support his recent vote to end the Iraq war. Our thanks to Representative Edwards for his time and concern, and to Mrs. Johnson in his Waco office for helping arrange the meeting. And many thanks to Kay, Robert, Harrison and Boyce (pictured above) for their expertise and for participating in this effort. Additional votes on this issue will come up in September and hopefully before that time. Remember the number to call Congressman's Edwards DC office is 202 224 3121. It is crucial that voices supporting an end to the occupation be heard by our Representative, especially given the nature of District 17. See text of the statement we gave to Mr. Edwards below.

The Honorable Chet Edwards
U.S. House of Representatives
District 17
July 19, 2007.

Dear Congressman Edwards,
Waco Friends of Peace members are honored to speak with you by video teleconference today. We applaud and thank you for your vote last week for the House resolution calling for withdrawal of most U.S. combat troops from Iraq by April 2008.
But this vote is just one step in the process to end the occupation of Iraq and restore the good name of our country in the world community.
When Mr. Bush vetoes legislation with a timeline for removal of U.S. troops, we call on you to stand strong against Bush this time and continue to pass legislation with a troop withdrawal deadline of April 2008.
We call on you to support complete withdrawal of American occupiers from Iraq, including contractors, mercenaries and war profiteers. No permanent U.S. military bases should remain.
We call on you to oppose the Iraqi Oil Law passage as a U.S. “benchmark” for Iraq. The bill is opposed by the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU), and would surrender sovereignty of Iraqi oil to multinational corporations.
We call on you to help restore America’s reputation in the world as a leader in human rights by supporting legislation to end all torture, halt funding for the School of the Americas, close Guantanamo Bay prison, end all extraordinary rendition (outsourcing of torture), and restore habeas corpus and the guarantees of the Geneva Conventions to all detainees/prisoners.
We call on you to support house investigation of articles of impeachment against Bush and Cheney for the illegal occupation of Iraq, authorization of torture, warrantless surveillance, and violation of the Constitutional separation of powers. Although only 17 months remain for the Bush administration, the principles of our democracy require removal of this lawless administration. A recent American Research Group (ARG) poll found 45% of Americans favor impeachment of Bush, and 54% favor impeachment of Cheney.
The Iraq war has cost the lives of up to 1million Iraqis and 3634 U.S. soldiers, displaced 4 millions Iraqis, damaged our reputation worldwide, and cost 500 billion dollars. And the latest NIE report has again found that the war in Iraq is making us more likely to suffer a terrorist attack in the U.S.
A timetable for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq is favored by 70% of Americans and Iraqis, and a majority of Iraq Parliament members.
Therefore, we request that you stand with 210 million Americans to end the Iraq occupation rather than with 1 President who is detached from reality and has no interest in ending this tragic war before his term is over.

Sincerely,

Kay Lucas, Director, Crawford Texas Peace House

Boyce Vardiman, Waco Friends of Peace

Rev. Robert Flowers, Waco Friends of Peace

Harrison Ward, Waco Friends of Peace, Results

Alan Northcutt, MD, Waco Friends of Peace.