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Bush Must Go! The Final Push
This is it. If you’ve been working to send Bush home, keep at it a little longer. If you haven’t, it’s not too late to start.

Oct 17 Rally
On Sunday, October 17, 150 people braved rain and chill to rally in downtown Syracuse under the banner “Bush Must Go!” Speakers from local labor, environmental and peace and social justice organizations spoke about why it’s important to vote Bush out and what they’re doing between now and the election. Thanks to everyone who helped make the rally happen – especially the planning committee!

PNL Special Election Edition
You are holding a special issue of the Peace Newsletter devoted exclusively to this critical Presidential election. Extra door-to-door distribution began the evening the issue was printed and will continue on Saturday, October 30. Contact Andy to help spread the word.

Election Day Peace Outreach
On Tuesday, November 2 we want everyone to know that “Bush Must Go!” So we’re multiplying our regular peace outreach (see below) six-fold and will stand from 7:30-8:30 am and from 4:30-5:30 pm. We’ll be at: S. Salina and E. Colvin (Southside), Teall Ave. and Rt. 690 (Eastside), Adams St. and Rt. 81 (Downtown), E. Genesee St. and Erie Blvd. (Dewitt), Valley Dr. and Seneca Tnpk (Valley) and the Rt. 695 exit ramp to W. Genesee St. (Fairmount). Join us at one of those sites (bring your own lawn sign) or stake out your own busy intersection to take a stand. Contact Andy.

Gather to Watch Election Returns
Want to watch the returns with a group of like-minded people? SPC is organizing an “Election Returns Watching Party” at Teamsters Local 317, 566 Spencer St. (near Geddes St. exit from Rt. 690), from 8 pm on. Besides watching the “major” networks, we’re hoping to tap into alternative media.

Come for part or the entire time. Guaranteed good food and good conversation. To help with food, set-up, or the technology of broadcasting alternative media, contact Carol.

Immediate Post-Election Plans
SPC has been planning what to do in the case of various election outcomes, including a stolen election (see our editorial). We will have a “Day After” news conference, and a community meeting and other actions as needed.

No Stolen Election!
We cannot be passive this time! If independent observers find serious issues of fraud or disenfranchisement during the 2004 election, the call will go out asking organizations and individuals around the country to protest. The “No Stolen Elections Campaign” and “This Time We’re Watching” are coordinating days of action starting on November 3. Protests may include large public gatherings at federal buildings, civil disobedience, traveling to the states where fraud occurred or to Washington, DC, or other actions. SPC will coordinate local participation in the call to action. For more information visit: <www.ttww.org>.

Community Gathering
Depending on the outcome of the election, we may call a community meeting for Sunday, November 7. Check SPC’s website or contact the office for details.

SPC’s Bush Must Go! (BMG) campaign doesn’t end with the election. We know that regardless of who wins the election we will still have much to do for peace and social justice. The last phase of our BMG Campaign, “Building Real Democracy,” will begin after the election and continue through the inauguration in January. If we want an end to the occupation of Iraq, an end to corporate dominance, and funding for real needs like education, healthcare and job creation, we need to continue to organize. We cannot trust our elected officials to do it on their own!

Continuing the Work, No Matter Who Wins

Get Involved
SPC’s next volunteer orientation will be Tuesday, November 9, 7-8:30 pm at the SPC office. If you’ve ever wanted to be more involved but weren’t quite sure how, this is a great way to get connected. We’ll share some history about the Peace Council and talk about the current focus of our work. There are many ways for new people to become active. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to Carol.

Steering Committee Members Needed
We’re still looking for new SPC Steering Committee members to start in January. The Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing the Peace Council’s work and finances. It’s important, fulfilling work, and a serious commitment. Interested? Contact Ann Tiffany at 478-4571 or <anntiffany@a-znet.com>.

Fall Fund Appeal
In mid-November we’ll mail out our SPC Fall Fund Appeal to PNL subscribers. Please give as generously as you can; if you are not on the mailing list, please consider sending us a contribution. If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, contributions of $50 or more can be made out to the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute (please write SPC in the memo line). Thank you.

Plowshares Craftsfair at December 4-5 at Nottingham HS
The Plowshares Committee is really pleased with our new space at Nottingham High School. We’re especially happy that applications from crafters are up 50% this year. We are still accepting applications for a waiting list for crafters. The Fair is scheduled for December 4-5, Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm. Great crafts, food and entertainment. Bring someone who has never been, or hasn’t been in awhile!

Dr. Rafil Dhafir’s Trial
Dr. Rafil Dhafir’s trial began on Monday, October 18, for violating the cruel sanctions against Iraq and various money-related charges. The trial is to run from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Monday-Thursday each week for about 10 weeks.

SPC is outraged at the way Dr. Dhafir has been treated — jailed for 20 months awaiting trial, mistreated by the criminal justice system and unfairly characterized by much of the media. We join with others in the community, and around the country, in defending Dr. Dhafir’s civil liberties and presumption of innocence.

You can help by volunteering as a court monitor or peacemaker, attending prayer vigils each morning at 8 am or participating in the daily presence throughout the trial. Contact Andy or see <www.FreeDhafir.org>.

“Our Civil Liberties At Risk”
Subtitled “The Patriot Act and American Freedoms,” the Bill of Rights Defense Campaign (BORDC) is sponsoring a panel discussion from 7-9 pm on Tuesday, October 26 at May Memorial Unitarian Society (3800 E. Genesee St., Syracuse). Panelists drawn from the BORDC will discuss:

Weekly Peace Outreach

Our weekly visibility for peace continues through the election.
• October 26: E. Genesee St. and Erie Blvd. (Dewitt), 4:45-5:30 pm
• November 2: Multiple sites and times, see previous page

Shifts to Wednesdays, 7:30-8:15 am
• November 10: Rt. 57 and Vine St, Village of Liverpool
• November 17: Valley Dr. and Seneca Tnpk. (Valley)
• November 24: Geddes St. and W. Genesee St. (Westside)

Come at 6:30 pm for refreshments and socializing before the event. Contact Carol at SPC or the CNY Chapter of the ACLU (471-2821).

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation
NOON has tabled recently at the Westcott St. Festival, the Onondaga Music Festival, and the Onondaga Craft Fair, distributing pamphlets and Neighbor to Neighbor: Nation to Nation booklets. The booklet, a collection of readings about the relationship of the Onondaga Nation with Central New York, USA, is now available online at <www.peacecouncil.net/NOON/noonbooklet.pdf>. We will soon be making presentations to community groups. Contact Carol.