Clifton Hicks / Speaker at Orlando anti-war Rally / October 27, 2007

I volunteered to fight in Iraq when I was seventeen years old and three of my best friends died there. The first was burned to death when his tank was hit by a rocket, the second was shot by a sniper, and the third was blown to pieces by an I.E.D. Four years later I stand before you in the name of peace and liberty and I stand with you against the illegal, immoral and unnecessary occupation of Iraq. (Applause)

These pictures are from the largest gathering of peacemakers in the state of Florida in over 30 years.

We gathered in solidarity with 10 other US cities and thousands and thousands of social change activists.  We counted over 2,500 in the full view park photo.  Lake Eola was a perfect meeting place.  The Orlando organizers did an amazing job.  The weather held for most of the event. 

Just a quick update.  There were 2,500 or more folks from GA to Key West in Orlando today to march in opposition to the war and build a movement in the Southeast.  Hurrah!! We did it, through the pouring rain!  We will have pictures, videos, and reportbacks coming in tomorrow and on.

If you are interested in hearing some our speakers being interviewed live from the location of the rally.  Please tune in to the People Power Hour on 1190 AM in Orlando.  You can reach the stream at www.peoplepowerhour.com/ .

The show will broadcast from 2-3pm and will feature Michael Albert, Mike Gravel, and some other speakers of the day.

www.peoplepowerhour.com/

As we draw closer to our great mobilization on OCT27, more and more support is coming in. So far we have gotten endorsements from nearly 70 organizations in Florida alone. A month ago, when we began our rapid organization for the event, we never expected such a response. Today, with your help, we are making this day of free expression against the war a reality. Your commitment and excitement proves one thing. We have spent too long parceled off in our peace groups across the country, protesting on street corners.

Saddam asked Bush for $1bn to go into exile

By DAVID GARDNER - Last updated at 23:45pm on 26th September 2007

LONDON: Saddam Hussein offered to step down and go into exile one month before the invasion of Iraq, it was claimed last night.

Fearing defeat, Saddam was prepared to go peacefully in return for £500million ($1billion).

The OCT27 event in Orlando will take place at Lake Eola Park in Dowtown Orlando at 12:30.

View Map of Lake Eola Park
On the corner of E Robinson St & N Eola Dr Orlando, FL 32801

Today, organizers from Central Florida MDS, SDS at UCF, Central Florida Jobs with Justice and the local Central Labor Council are meeting with a detective of the Orlando Police Department to get a permit. (Apparently, this is how the 2006 May 1st march was planned, when 25,000 people, mostly brave immigrant workers, took over the streets of Orlando in the face of their unjust criminalization.)

We will propose our time/place/location and march route to the OPD and will state the goals of the march

If you plan on attending the Oct 27 rally in Orlando, please sign up on this site to get a username and password.  The login will allow you to access features such as a rideshare, an endorsement page (to promote your group), a volunteer form, flyers, and other content updates to come.

Please contact us if you have trouble registering.

Details for Orlando/South-East US events...

• OCT 27 Demonstration in Orlando
  
• Join us Downtown at 11am to End the Occupation of Iraq (Location TBA)
• Big-name Speakers have committed!! (TBA)
• Big-name Musicians!! (TBA)
• Local Heroes & Veterans Speak Out!
• Join us in spreading word for the largest peace demonstration this state has ever seen.
• Stay tuned for updates...

Everyone,

Get on our facebook group to show your support and meet other committed social justice organizers in the region.

The link is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5842427651

See ya on there!