Rome, Italy, Joins in May Day Resistance

ORIGINAL.

Dear Brothers and Sisters of ILWU,

When our Rome-based peace group learned of your planned May Day
strike to express opposition to the ongoing, unjust wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, we immediately felt a strong sense of solidarity and support for
your determination and courageous direct action. In spite of the thousands
of miles separating us physically, we want you to know that we are right
beside you in spirit and in purpose.

As our voices of dissent often seem to go unheard it is all the more vital that
we take this and every opportunity to protest against the Bush
administration's unbridled travesty of justice, democratic values and civil
and human rights. In this way, we can try to help bring an end to the lies,
deception and endless violence and killing that only drive lasting peace
further away from our reach.

Our group - U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice - was formed in March
2005, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, as
the result of a common desire to take part in the anti-war protest march
held in Rome. Since then, we have continued to find as many ways and
opportunities as we can to express our anti-war sentiments and to make our
collective voice heard.

On May 1st, a national holiday in Italy, we will take the opportunity to
commend your courage and support you in your planned strike by handing
out flyers describing and explaining your decision to act. This will take place
at Rome's traditional May 1st outdoor concert event, organized by Italy's
trade unions. We have also publicized your action by translating your
resolution and sending it to trade unions and organizations throughout Italy,
where it has been published on dozens of web sites.

Your action is an inspiration for us all and we wish you success in carrying it
out, especially in the face of the threat of legal action posed by your
employers. We thank you for taking this important stand.

In Solidarity,

U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice
Rome, Italy