Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Iraq Moratorium?
The Iraq Moratorium is a community based nationwide campaign to organize public displays of opposition to the war in Iraq on the third Friday of each month, starting on September 21.
Our goals are simple: ending the US occupation of Iraq, bringing the troops home now, and funding human needs here at home. The SF Bay Area Iraq Moratorium exists to encourage diverse individuals, communities and organizations to demonstrate their opposition to the war each month in as many different ways as they find useful and possible.
2. Why this campaign at this time?
The war will only end when the people say it has to end. Polls state that 70% of the US public wants it to end, but Congress will not end it unless and until the public says to do it – over and over again, if need be.
3. What makes the Iraq Moratorium different from other efforts to end this war?
The Moratorium exists to facilitate and coordinate events unique to each community and constituency. It has no other program but to coordinate activities aiming at ending the occupation, bringing the troops home, and funding domestic human needs and focusing attention on the depth of grass roots opposition to this war.
4. What are the goals and message of the moratorium?
Simply to end the war in Iraq now, persuade new participants to become active, and mobilize those already actively opposed to this tragic war. The common message to our elected officials is “Out of Iraq Now – “Stop Funding this War - Fund Human Needs.”
5. What are the dates for the Iraq Moratorium?
Friday, September 21, is the kickoff Moratorium date (coinciding with the United Nations-sponsored International Peace Day). Subsequent Moratorium days are October, 19, and November 16, 2007
6. What will the Iraq Moratorium events be?
The moratorium encourages a multitude of diverse and creative events in you neighborhood, school, workplace, faith community, etc. Suggestions include:
- Phone and write a letter to your US Representative and Senators. Please include the Iraq Moratorium message to elected officials. Mailing or faxing your letter multiplies our effectiveness to pressure elected officials to end this war now.
- Wear and distribute black ribbons to stand against this war.
- On the third Friday, organize a public even/vigil/leaflet in your neighborhood, community, workplace, school, faith community, etc., to end the war in Iraq now and stand together for peace.
7. Where will these events take place?
Kickoff events, prior to and focusing on September 21 will take place in communities, schools/colleges, workplaces, street corners, BART stations, or wherever people gather to stand together to end this tragic war.
8. Who will organize these events?
You, we hope. The Moratorium needs the participation of individuals and groups throughout the Bay Area. Please join us as an organizer/contact in your community, school, workplace, constituency group, etc.
9. Who will be involved in the moratorium?
The Moratorium welcomes all who want this war to end now, regardless of affiliations. Constituency outreach presently includes: Faith/Religious Groups, Youth/Students, Labor/Working People, Veterans, Community/Neighborhoods; and more to come.
10. Who started the Iraq Moratorium and is presently working on this?
The Iraq Moratorium is not an organization. The San Francisco Declaration of Peace initiated this all-volunteer campaign which includes individuals religious, labor, community, student and veterans organizations.
11. How can I learn more about the situation in Iraq:
There are many resources from the web, articles, publications, and books. A few include:
Cost of the Iraq War for your community:
http://nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182-
Legislative perspective from Washington DC: www.fcnl.org/iraq/
US, Iraq and other Military Casualties: www.icasualties.org/oif/
Count and list of Iraqi Casualties: www.iraqbodycount.org/index.php
12. How can an individual and group get involved?
Contact us:
*Website: www.iraqmoratoriumsfbay.org (you're here!)
*Email: sfbay_iraqmoratorium@yahoo.com
*Local phone/message: 415-861-1438
San Francisco Bay Area Iraq Moratorium – September 2007
Your participation is welcome…this war does not end without you!