Initial PAW organizing letter by Laure and Jesse Reichek, October 2002

 

Several of the signers of the full-page ad in the Argus Courier of October 23, 2002 ("NO WAR -- Not in our name -- Not with our children") met on the evening of October 29 to discuss what can be done to give further voice to the 800+ persons who signed the ad.

It was agreed that 800+ persons, or 1.5% of the population, is a remarkably high number of people speaking out. Eight hundred Petalumans is equivalent, proportionally, to 10,000 San Franciscans or 75,000 New Yorkers.

The persons present also agreed that the goal should be to decentralilze all the activities of the Petaluma 800, and their allies, and to maximize participation in project development, planning, and implementation. Ways should be found for all to be engaged.

We agreed also to go ahead with leafleting on November 9. It will be an expression of congratulation and pride for Petalumans in English and Spanish.

Blake Bryant, high school student, will get together a group of students (our children) who will carry out the project.

It was also agreed to organize a march on January 19, 2003. There were many thoughts expressed and in view of the goals expressed above no thought reached the level of suggestion.

This, then, is a call for persons who wish to give their time and energy, in collaboration with others, to plan and organize a "march and rally." I put these words in quotes since, generically, what this initial group wants to do is to use other forms of speech to express themselves concerning WAR.

Please call Jesse Reichek if you wish to become engaged in this "march and rally" project at (707) 762-3350.

- Jesse and Laure Reichek, Petaluma