Now that the bombing has started, what can we do?

I can’t sleep tonight. Alex woke up, saying he’s worried about something but he doesn’t know what. I can think of all sorts of things he should be worried about! I don’t know how to help him calm those fears… I don’t even know how to help myself calm MY fears, let alone respond to the despair, rage, and other feelings welling up inside of me.

One of the listservs I subscribe to (Lutherans for Peace, at Ecunet), sent out the following list of things to do to protest the war on Iraq. There are many such lists out there, but I think this is a good place to start. And as always — pray, pray unceasingly!

10 Things to do to Protest the War on Iraq

1. Call or Fax the White House and Congress regularly about your outrage. They are counting on the war to make those who disagree shut up. Refuse to be quiet, and keep reminding them of the unnecessary carnage they are responsible for, as well as demanding accountability for the wrongs being done to US citizens and foreign nationals and visitors in the name of Homeland Security and the many other outrageous changes promoted by the Bush camp (Arctic Drilling, shameful tax breaks for the rich). There is a FREE number for contacting Senators and House members to express your opinions on the war: 1-800-839-5276. For contacting George W. Bush - White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1111 or 1-202-456-2580 President@whitehouse.gov. Find out how to contact your US Senator and your U.S. Representative.

Sign up for issue reminder services online, such as Move On or Act for Change so you can respond to the need as it arises.

1. Write letters to the editors of your local paper, as well as editors of other national media (NY Times, NPR, Newsweek…) and demand that they tell the truth, and stop censoring the news about the antiwar movement and the scandals and corruption plaguing the U.S. war coalition, as well as the negative effects of U.S. interventions and corporate control of world resources. There is a list of 300 email addresses for letters to newspaper editors in the English - speaking world, now available here.

2. Join your local peace movement and national peace movements (www.unitedforpeace.org) and get out there actively protesting these attrocities. Participate in protests, educational activities and peace vigils against the war. Do something concrete to create peace in your community.

3. Speak up strongly and often. Dare to disagree in public with those who support war. Talk to friends and family who are unsure about the war to tell them what you know and why we should be concerned. Predict terrorist attacks in retaliation for US violence against the people of Iraq.

4. Send money to organizations who are opposing the war, such as Veterans for Peace, Global Exchange, and United for Peace. Or religious organizations against the war, such as Fellowship of Reconciliation. Also consider sending money to relief agencies who will help Iraqis recover after the war is over (World Food Organization, UNICEF (children), UNHCR (refugees)).

5. Support the boycotts of the top 5 supporters of the Bush regime (Kraft (Subsidiary of Phillip Morris), Exxon-Mobil, Pepsico Inc. (Taco Bell, Hardy’s), United Parcel Service & Wal-Mart Stores- information), or all US corporations, and shop less in general. Buying less is one important step against the rampant consumerism of the public in the US and other developed countries that is fueling the corporate establishment power and control over this planet. Also consider pulling your money out of the stock market and putting it into socially responsible and green businesses (Coop America).

6. Educate yourself about as many of the issues surrounding this war as you can. Some suggestions include: U.S. history of intervention in foreign affairs; the influence of corporations on the presidency, all elected officials and governmental bodies; the 2000 national election scandal; and the politics of oil. Also consider going to Nonviolence Training, which is highly recommended before engaging in antiwar actions (list of nonviolence trainers).

7. Turn off your TV and radio. They are only numbing your mind and increasing your fear according to the desires of the corporations which own them. Get to know your friends and family, and read instead. Read and support independent media sources (www.indymedia.org, www.alternet.org, www.zmag.org, www.democracynow.org, www.commondreams.org, www.thenation.com). Consider listening to Pacifica Radio, or if you get dish service, look for Free Speech TV out of Boulder, or LINK, which presents international news. Also consider magazine subscriptions to The Nation, New Internationalist, Mother Jones, The Progressive, World Press Review, Yes, Z Magazine, The Progressive Populist or The American Free Press (many of these are also online).

8. Park your car. Use mass transportation, a bicycle, or take the extra time to walk whenever you can. You’ll get healthier and lessen our dependence on oil.

9. Use your body. Consider fasting for peace, or participating in nonviolent civil disobedience. Consult www.unitedforpeace.org for more information and a list of national actions.