Скачать или смотреть Norman Soloman Conscious Politics

Running for Congress

Norman Solomon -- the North Bay political activist who has been a leader of the region's Green New Deal commission and the national Healthcare Not Warfare campaign -- announced on Wednesday (April 13) that he has filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress. He said that his name will be on the June 2012 ballot if Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey decides not to seek re-election.

"After so many years of progressive leadership from Lynn Woolsey, her successor in the House should have a proven commitment to a wide range of progressive values," Solomon said. "Whether the issue is war in Afghanistan, massive giveaways to Wall Street, chronic deference to corporate power or Washington's failure to take drastic action against climate change, the North Bay should be represented in Congress by someone with extensive knowledge and a track record of strong public advocacy on key local, national and international issues."

"I've spent decades working for social justice, environmental protection and a rational foreign policy," Solomon said. "I see Congress as a place where strong progressive voices must be heard and basic changes must be fought for."

Dear Friend,

I'll never forget visiting a group of about twenty Afghan women in a very poor Kabul neighborhood. We sat on an earthen floor as they spoke of dire conditions and steadfast hopes.

When I asked what they needed most of all, their answers were unanimous with a single word: "Peace."

I think of that moment often as I look forward to a rally -- "to call for peace and an end to permanent U.S. warfare" -- being hosted by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey on Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m., in downtown San Rafael.
I'm proud to be one of the speakers at this rally, where I'll aspire to help amplify the voices of the women I met in Kabul nearly two years ago.

The invitation from Congresswoman Woolsey provides great clarity. "Nearly a decade of war is bankrupting our country morally and fiscally," she said. "How many more of our young people have to die before we stop this madness? How can we spend $10 billion a month to occupy Afghanistan when we have so many unmet needs at home?"

She added: "I encourage all members of the community to come out on June 18 and unite for the cause of peace."

In San Rafael, on the afternoon of June 18, we can tell the North Bay -- and the world -- that Lynn Woolsey speaks for us every time she calls for an end to endless war.

Best wishes,
Norman