CODEPINK takes further actions to end Iraq war.

On Mothers Day 2006, CODEPINK held an Antiwar Rally outside the White House. Karen Kwiatkowski made the following remarks to the crowd of women antiwar activists who gathered to demand an end to the war in Iraq and the safe return of U.S. military personnel:

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"I am a retired Air Force officer who saw lies being promulgated by the Pentagon and the administration, lies promoting and justifying a war that apparently couldn't be justified if the administration and the Pentagon had simply told the truth.

"In over three years of destruction, we have witnessed the exposure of the lies the President told to justify his invasion of Iraq, and nearly 2,500 dead Americans, almost 30,000 injured and maimed sons and daughters, and half a trillion dollars wasted ...

"When this unjust war and occupation of Iraq ends, it may be only because mothers like all of you--like all of us--have entered the battle and tipped the scales--not just for truth, justice, for peace, for the honour of our beloved country, but for our children. It is love that animates, love that empowers when even hope may be gone. It is love that heals--a wounded son, a heartbroken daughter, even a nation whose faith in itself as standing for something has been shattered ..."

The next activity of CODEPINK will be a hunger strike, headed by environmentalist Diane Wilson, who has become legendary for her struggles to stop chemical companies from dumping waste into the Gulf Coast. Diane Wilson says that 'My goal is to bring the troops home, to stop killing the Iraqi people. I don't know how long I can fast, but I'm making this an open-ended fast. I plan to take this as far as I've ever taken anything in my 58 years. I think that everything in my life has led me to this point. I fear our future is at stake, and I'm ready to make a major sacrifice." Many other antiwar activists are preparing to join the fast beginning on 4th July 2006.

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