What An Idea...Talk to the Iraqis! 
First - Father Vitale worked with a group of people who really want to bring an end to the violence in Iraq, putting together a "Declaration of Peace," a comprehensive plan for withdrawing our troops from Iraq and building a real, working government in Iraq, and providing for the safety of the average Iraqi people.
Second - Father Vitale, Medea Benjamin, Cindy Sheehan, and Tom Hayden are traveling to Jordan to meet with members of the Iraqi Parliament, to work with them on further solidifying the peace plan.
Third - Be willing to admit when you've made a mistake.......... and FIX IT!
There was a time, now a long time ago, when I too would say that withdrawing US troops from Iraq would bring about disaster. I was wrong. Medea Benjamin was right, by saying for a long time now, that the presence of US troops is one of the key causes of the violence - and we need to leave.
This isn't the first time Medea has been right. She landed in Iraq shortly after Saddam's statue was pulled down (great publicity stunt). She stayed there on and off for quite a while and came back with a list of EVERY SINGLE THING the Bush administration was getting WRONG in Iraq. She spoke across the United States to everyday people and members of Congress, trying to warn them about those mistakes. Few listened and nothing was done. If you're interested in reading an article I wrote just after I heard her speak, send me a note and I'll send you a copy.
Forth - If you claim to be a person of faith, act it out! Pray, fast, meditate, and act!
Right now - the key thing to do is to pray for those people heading to Jordan. Father Vitale has been fasting for weeks, praying for peace. The Iraqis invited him to meet with them and break his fast with them.
Again - what a concept! Break bread with the people who have been suffering, after fasting so that you too have in some small way shared their suffering.
Leadership? You bet!
What else can you do? Easy! Support these great organizations.
Pace e Bene, one of the organizations that's spearheading this Declaration of Peace effort, could use your support. Visit their web site for more information.
Oh - and of course - don't forget Global Exchange where Medea Benjamin hangs her pink scarf! It was Medea that sent me off to Afghanistan back in June of 2002, launching my career as an accidental activist. Drop by their web site to check out all they are doing!
KEYWORDS: Iraq, Peace, War, Vitale, Amnesty, Medea Benjamin
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