Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

CRAWFORD - Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, one of the most esteemed civil rights leaders in the world, will deliver the Easter Sunday service to the community of activists gathered near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. The diverse attendees will include peace and civil rights organizers, consumer advocates, veterans, families and friends who have lost loved ones in Iraq as well as hundreds of ordinary American citizens united in their desire to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

On Sunday afternoon, Dr. Lowery will officiate at the Third Anniversary Celebration and Prayer Service of the Crawford Peace House. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 1:00 PM in the garden of the Crawford Peace House, 9142 East 5th Street, (Highway 185).

The Easter events will close several days of activities that feature Dr. Lowery as the keynote speaker.

On Good Friday, a Stations of the Cross walk for peace will begin in Crawford, proceed past the security checkpoint near the Bush Ranch, and conclude at the temporary community known as Camp Casey, which is about nine miles from downtown Crawford and where most of the weekend activities will take place.

"Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan will again pitch her tent there near the vacation retreat of President George W. Bush. On Saturday, a rally will feature Cindy Sheehan and other Gold Star family members, in addition to Rev. Lowery's keynote address.

The Rev. Dr. Lowery is co-founder with Martin Luther King, Jr. of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and served as president and chief executive officer from 1977 to January 15, 1998. Most recently, the Rev. Dr. Lowery gave the eulogy at the memorial service for Coretta Scott King.

The Crawford Peace House, which was dedicated on Easter Sunday in 2003, has recently become a Texas affiliate of the SCLC.

For more information visit the web site www.crawfordpeacehouse.org or call 254-486-0099.