Tonight the Peace Center invites you to attend "From War to Peace in East Asia," a workshop and candle light vigil on peace building in the region. We will discuss military bases and spending in Korea, China and Japan, and find out how we can support local peace movements in those countries. Then, we will proceed to the White House to honor those who died for peace in the Korean War, and to take a step toward lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Yesterday, the Washington Peace Center participated in a rally to stop deportation organized by Casa de Maryland. The rally drew an inspiring crowd from the local and national immigration movement, including the Maryland DREAMers and La Fuerza Juventud from Chicago. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) was arrested along with Gustavo Torres, executive director of Casa de Maryland and several other activists. Kudos to La Casa for such an inspiring and well-organized rally. See pictures from the rally.
Reforming unjust immigration policies is closely linked to the overall struggle for worker's rights. Locally, that means the campaigns to Keep DC Walmart Free and Respect DC. On July 16, DC residents staged a flash mob at a Laurel, Maryland Walmart. Their demand? Walmart sign an enforceable community benefits agreement before the world's largest retailer is allowed to enter the nation's capital. In this agreement, Walmart would sign a contract to respect employees by paying them a living wage, and respect communities by improving the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. Their efforts have received national attention, featured on Glen Beck and Gawker. Bravo to the many groups who came together to pull off this great creative action!
Walmart abuses workers everywhere, and even abuses human rights to produce items at low cost. Walmart pays women abysmal wages, then uses its huge profits from exploiting workers to fund right-wing political campaigns. It's time we hold corporations accountable. This week's featured article is entitled "Plutocracy: If Corporations and the Rich Paid 1960s Level Taxes, the Debt Would Vanish." Take action: participate today in a national call in day to save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. It's time those in power start paying their fair share.