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OAWM Protest On The Streets
On Thursday, we awoke to the news that George W. Bush had launched an
attack on Iraq. Midday saw a 10 minute Solidarity stoppage at
numerous workplaces and schools throughout Ireland, to show our
concern and opposition to this war. The Offaly Anti-War Movement
then began a series of protest rallies in the town of Tullamore to
voice their sadness and anger against the illegally declared war on
Iraq. The first of these peaceful protests was held on Day X,
Thursday 20th March 2003, as US and Britain began invading Iraq. Over
150 people gathered in O'Connor Square in solidarity for the victims
of this war.
The mood was sombre and also angry. People on the streets of
Tullamore joined in to show their discontent with this war. Emotions
ran high as people gathered together for over an hour in disbelief
and sadness that the war had finally begun. The second of these
protests was held on Friday night at their weekly candlelit protests.
People from all over Offaly and even as far as Kildare came out on
the streets to protest as they feel that the war is both immoral and
illegal.
The third of these protests was held on the Saturday 22nd as another
150 people which included Westmeath Anti-War Movement and Young Fine
Gael rallied for two hours. They chanted, sang and spoke together as
drivers beeped their horns in support as they passed. The protest was
held as part of mass demonstrations being held all over the world
with over 15,000 marching in Dublin.
Continuing with Friday Night Candlelight Protests, in O'Connor
Square, Tullamore at 6pm, the OAWM are urging everyone who is opposed
to this terrible war to attend. We feel that the Power of People
demonstrating is the one of the strongest ways to show our government
that we do not want to participate in this war. Offaly plays a
crucial part in this role as it is the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Brian Cowen's, Constituency County. Over 6,000 people have signed
petitions in Offaly stating that they are opposed to the war in Iraq
and the unlawful facilitation of military personnel and armaments at
Shannon and Baldonnel Airports.
The National Demonstration March is being held in Dublin, Saturday
29th March @ 3pm at Parnell Square. Buses leaving Tullamore at 1pm
O'Connor Square. We are also urging people who may not be able to
actively attend to write to their politicians and express their
opposition to the war and the use of our airports. If you would like
to become involved in the OAWM, Offaly Anti-War Movement or would
like to attend one of our meetings please call 087 762 4327. For
buses to Dublin call 0506 24149
What we know from petitions that have been signed is that over 6,000
people in Tullamore and its surrounding areas are opposed to this
strike on Iraq. But is Bertie listening, or is Brian Cowen listening
to his constituents? No
MOAB's and cruise missiles are being used by the coalition to bomb
Baghdad where innocent men, women and children are living. Young
Iraqi children are given sleeping pills to get them through the night
time bombing as well becoming mute and literally deafened by the
bombs dropping. Lives are being affected. People that experienced
the horrific events of September 11th had to receive medication,
counselling and help to restore their lives to some sense of
normality. Can George W. Bush not realise, from his first hand
experience, the trauma he is unleashing on the Iraqi people at this
time?
"If George W. Bush can deploy 200,000 troops to Iraq why not 100,000
inspectors"
OAWM 2003
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