I start each day with the prayer of St. Francis, "Make me an instrument of your peace," and every day my prayer is answered, sometimes in the most extraordinary ways. This week I will be joining a small peace delegation in Amman, Jordan to meet with members of the Iraqi Parliament to discuss their Reconciliation Plan.
The minute I read the email from Code Pink on Friday that five members of the Iraqi Parliament who were dismayed by their prime minister's refusal to meet with those participating in the Troops Home Fast movement had offered to meet with them in Jordan, I had this gut feeling that this could be the beginning of the end of the occupation of Iraq. This is where the people of America who, by a vast majority want an end to the hostilities in Iraq, can circumvent this war-hawk Administration and work directly for peace.
I am honored to tell you that I have been invited to join these extraordinary people who have put their own bodies on the line for peace by embarking on their fast. While I have not been fasting, my prayers have been with them in their Gandhi-like protest.
My campaign for Congress has provided me with a platform to speak out for peace, justice, our environment, our civil liberties and election integrity. I've been relentless in my call to end the occupation of Iraq. Many remember the Bring Their Buddies Home vigils that I organized. Like many of you, the recent outbreak between Israel and Lebanon, with images of innocent civilians, mostly children, being blown to pieces by weapons provided by the U.S., has brought me to the brink of despair. I am more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to end this madness.
This week my quest for peace will take me to Jordan and what I sense could be the turning point in ending a horrible chapter in our nation's history. At the very least, when I return and talk to people about bringing our troops home now, I will be speaking with first-hand experience when I respond to their concerns about the consequences of the U.S. leaving Iraq.
This peacemaking opportunity is going to take a big bite out of our very small campaign coffers. Much to my committee's dismay, I've spent far more time being an activist candidate than being a fundraiser. I believe this is what the people of America really want from their representatives, but it has come at a cost - a serious shortfall of campaign funds.
So I'm asking you to help me embark on this peacemaking journey to Jordan by making a contribution to my campaign. I'm asking you to think about what it's worth to you to have a representative in your government who is committed to peace and who will forge ahead with courage to fight for you and your families. And then I'm asking you to go to www.JEENIforCONGRESS.com to make the biggest contribution you've ever made to a political candidate, knowing your money will be well spent.
In peace & hope,
Jeeni Criscenzo
P.S. You can also mail your contribution to: Jeeni Criscenzo for Congress, PO Box 2546, San Marcos, CA 92079. Thank you.