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Nonviolent Ways Project: Nonviolent networking for peace with justice ... Witnessing as a sacred trust and vocation |
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draws multitude at congressman's office
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December 10, 2002 A strong corps of activists turned out today for the Holland Peacemaker Human Rights Day Vigil in front of Michigan Rep. Peter Hoekstra's office, with more than 32 persons sharing the noon hour to be a visible presence in opposition to a U.S. war in Iraq and to invite Hoekstra to repudiate his vote for the congressional resolution supporting such a war. Hoekstra's staff was presented with a letter inviting him to change his mind endorsed by 113 persons. The letter was blessed during a brief outdoor ceremony in downtown Holland by each vigiler through a laying on of hands and an individual prayer. It was then given to staff inside accompanied by vigilers. Media also covered the vigil -- including TV Channel 8 and WGVU radio in Grand Rapids. Vigilers had traveled from Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Holland and other surrounding areas in western Michigan. Drivers of vehicles passing through downtown Holland honked and waved in support. The text of the letter to Hoekstra reads: “We formally invite you, Rep. Hoekstra, to repudiate your vote for the Iraq War resolution passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush on Oct. 16. We especially make this request today – Human Rights Day -- because such a war will add more horror to the horror Iraqi people have experienced from 12 years of international sanctions. A war against Iraq will cruelly affect Iraqi people even more, will certainly further deny them the basic rights underscored by the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights, and will add to the enormous death toll they have already experienced. We invite you to do this in good faith and conscience in the name of these same human rights. We also ask that you advise us of your response to this invitation. Please become a beacon of light for human rights for all. Thank you.” If you wish to add your name to this invitation please send this web-page note via e-mail to our email address and mark an “X” in the bracket below (like this -- [X] --): [ ] -- I endorse this invitation. Or you may simply send your own message in support to our email address. Wes Rehberg, for the Holland Peacemakers Nonviolent Ways Project |
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