Rare Behind-The-Scenes Of CODEPINK Prepping For RNC

by Linda Milazzo

The above video, courtesy of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and videographer, Jeffrey Thompson, is one of the first behind-the-scenes views of the extreme dedication and depth of organization of CODEPINK, which like most PEACE and social justice groups, is comprised mainly of volunteers who work ceaselessly and selflessly to restore this nation to the rule of law and principles of freedom upon which it was built.

You've seen CODEPINKers on the streets at every major political event in America since 2003. You've seen them in the Halls of Congress and inside the 2004 Republican National Convention on three consecutive nights as they risked their personal safety to spread the message of peace to the Republican-military-complex that profits every second of every day from war. They're the women and men who wear PINK, ride PINK bicycles, carry small PINK banners, and dangle giant PINK slips with messages of PEACE and social justice. This is CODEPINK, the woman initiated PEACE and social justice movement that formed in an effort to stop George W. Bush from recklessly, immorally and illegally taking this nation to war in Iraq. It's an organization of women and men fiercely devoted to NON-VIOLENTLY ending war and waging PEACE.

LET NO ONE CHALLENGE THEIR PATRIOTISM!!

Since the above Star Tribune video was first recorded, more CODEPINKers have arrived in Minneapolis to work beside Nancy Mancias (CODEPINK RNC Coordinator), Desiree Fairooz (who bravely confronted Condoleeza Rice with faux "blood stained" hands), Malia Burkhart (CODEPINK puppet builder), and other members already on-site. Many have come directly from the DNC in Denver after working non-stop to infuse Democrats with a desire to end the Bush-McCain militarism and sanctioned torture that have deposed America from a nation admired to a nation despised.

During last week's Democratic National Convention in Denver, CODEPINK spent every waking hour crafting its message of PEACE and "drafting" "Delegates For PEACE" from the thousands of conventioneers who were there. Pictured below is Delegate for PEACE Sue Allen of Ohio's 7th Congressional District. Sue is a former delegate for Hillary Clinton who now solidly supports Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Sue is a nurse who proudly displays CODEPINK's "I am a delegate for PEACE" fan. Behind Sue in the background stands CODEPINKer Kit Siemion from the great state of Washington who bicycled everyday in Denver's mile-high heat on her patriotic mission of PEACE.

The "I am a delegate for PEACE" fan pictured below, and held by Sue Allen, is a further example of CODEPINK's ingenuity. Thanks to the herculean efforts of patriots like Kit, this "I am a delegate for PEACE" fan was proudly displayed by a thousand Delegates for PEACE on the floor of the DNC. For CODEPINK, this message of PEACE extends beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a symbolic condemnation of ALL war - and an invitation to Democrats to build mature global relationships born of adult leadership rather than perpetuating the militaristic jingoism of yet another Bush/McCain child.

Now - having witnessed the above video and gotten just a small glimpse into the hard work and dedication of the NON-VIOLENT peacemakers of CODEPINK, please take a moment to view the video below of the Denver sheriff's brutal attack on 24 year old CODEPINKer, Alicia Forrest. For those who have already seen this video and have read the accompanying article, here is an update on Alicia's case. CODEPINK has secured legal representation for Alicia. Those in uniform who misuse their authority need to understand that CODEPINK is a NON-VIOLENT organization. It will fight legally and NON-VIOLENTLY for Democracy every chance it gets, and even harder for its Constitutional right to fight!!

May justice prevail!!