18 December, 2008

With one hurl of his shoes, Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi brought the plight of the Iraqi people to the world’s attention. “This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq!,” he shouted to Bush. We, too, feel anguish for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq and we were moved by al-Zaidi’s passionate outcry.

That’s why we moved into action to defend him. On Tuesday we confronted the Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S. when he was at a public event. We also took a letter to the Iraqi Embassy, signed by groups around the country, calling for Al-Zaidi’s release.

And yesterday, CODEPINK gathered outside the White House and around the country to display shoes representing innocent Iraqis who have died since Bush’s illegal occupation of Iraq. In Washington DC we also had a shoe-throwing contest at a paper maché George Bush.(See FLICKR photos).

It’s outrageous that Al-Zaidi could get several years in prison for insulting George Bush, who is directly responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million Iraqis and 4,200 U.S. troops, and for the displacement of 5 million Iraqis. The one who should be in jail is Bush, not Muntadar al-Zaidi. Please join us in calling on the Iraqi government to release al-Zaidi without charges. We’re bringing the petition with your signature directly to the Iraqi Embassy. Please click here to sign it today.

Thank you to everyone who donated to send sewing machines and other needed items to help the women of Iraq rebuild their shattered lives. This week we are raising funds for Iraqi sisters who, because of the violence, have fled to during our own country’s hard times. You can still do so today by clicking here.

When you donate to CODEPINK, 25% will go toward sending shoes and other necessary supplies to those who truly need them–the widows and orphans of Iraq. Please help today.

Thank you for opening your hearts and your pocketbooks to those whose lives have been devastated by Bush’s unjust war.
In solidarity,

Audrey, Dana, Deidra, Desiree, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Jean, Jodie, Liz, Lori, Medea, Nancy, Paris, and Rae

p.s.
• 10 inaugural tickets on our E-Bay auction! Click here to bid now!