Thousands Expected to Participate in “Virtual March” Wednesday
WASHINGTON—Thousands of people opposed to war with Iraq are expected to participate Wednesday in a “virtual march” on Washington, in which they will flood the White House switchboard and the offices of their U.S. senators with phone calls, e-mails and fax messages voicing their concerns about a war. Area senators say they welcome the calls.
The “march” was organized by Win Without War, a coalition of national peace organizations that came together shortly after the Jan. 18 peace rally in Washington. As of Tuesday, 120,000 people were registered across the nation to participate in the protest, which is scheduled to take place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday.
More than 30 organizations are part of the coalition, including the National Organization for Women, the National Council of Churches, Peace Action and the Sierra Club.
Former Maine Democratic congressman Tom Andrews, who served in the House from 1991-95, is the national director of Win Without War. He said in a statement that this kind of protest would allow more people to more effectively voice their opposition to a military strike in Iraq.
“I think the citizens in this country are well ahead of the politicians on this issue,” Andrews said. “If there was ever an issue for Washington to really listen to [the people] of America, it’s this one.”
If something like the virtual protest had happened during his term in public service, Andrews said, he “would most certainly have paid attention.” He added that the demographics of people who oppose the war are many and varied, that they come from across the nation.
Among other promotions, Win Without War released a TV ad last week featuring actor Martin Sheen. The “West Wing” actor is a member of Artists United to Win Without War, a partner organization that includes actors, musicians and other members of the entertainment industry.
“We are the celebrity arm of Win Without War,” said Kate McArdle, the executive director of Artists United. “We’re trying to send the message: please don’t have a preemptive strike against Iraq, let inspectors do their jobs.”
Both New Hampshire Senate members said in statements that their offices were ready for the calls, and are always receptive to any kind of contact from their constituents.
“On this issue and others, Senator Sununu strongly encourages New Hampshire residents to let him know their questions, concerns, and comments,” said Barbara Riley, communications director for Sen. John Sununu (R-NH). “This input is forwarded directly to him.”
“I always encourage New Hampshire residents to contact my office with their opinion on issues that concern them,” Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) said in a statement. “Tomorrow is no exception. My office is prepared for the possibility of a high volume of calls, emails and faxes, and I value the opinion of every Granite Stater who expresses their point of view regarding the possibility of armed conflict in Iraq and all other issues.”
Megan Sowards, a spokeswoman for Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), said that Collins’ office would be ready to take the constituents’ calls.
“The senator is always willing to listen to what her constituents have to say,” Sowards said. “But in the end she makes the decision that she feels is best for Maine and best for the country.”
Published in Foster’s Daily Democrat, in New Hampshire.
