|
As we commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, we see that the world is still no better off. We are poorer but not safer, have racked up enormously "successful" kill ratios but understand our enemies no better. Our military has sucked our nation's schools and social programs dry, and still we have conquered no one but ourselves.
Yet there are many who hold fast to a dream of an America that is better than the one we have now, an America where freedom of religion is respected, an America where our diplomats do their jobs better than our armies. If we can envision an America where we measure our strength by the ability to feed, house, educate and employ our people, not by the amount of weapons we stockpile nor the amount of troops we can deploy, we have a chance to become a proud America once again.
Hold fast to the vision. Keep sight of the dream. Most importantly, be an active part of the movement that makes that America become a reality. See you at the next events,
Kim Doss-Smith, WAMM Director
***************************************************************************
Rally: Say No to Islamophobia, Anti-Muslim Bigotry and War
Saturday, September 11, 1:00 p.m. Library Plaza, Hennepin and Lagoon Avenues, Minneapolis.
***************************************************************************
Interfaith Prayer Service: Day of Remembrance, Day of Action
September 11, 5:30 p.m. Islamic Center of Minnesota, 1401 Gardena Avenue Northeast, Fridley. FFI: Call 763-571-5604.
***************************************************************************
Staged Reading: “ Victoria Reincarnated”
Sunday, September 12, 6:30 p.m. The Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 West Franklin Avenue (corner Lyndale and Franklin), Minneapolis. Polly Mann cordially invites you to enjoy a staged reading of her original drama “Victoria Reincarnated” featuring Sara Jane Olson as Victoria Woodhull, BethAnne Nelson as Victoria’s sister, Tennesee and Susu Jeffrey as Victoria’s mother, Roxanna. Directed by Ed Felien. Donation: cash or check (payable to “Polly Mann”) in the amount that appeals to you to offset legal expenses incurred by “Three Appealing Women,” Sarah Martin, Sue Ann Martinson and Lucia Wilkes Smith. FFI: Call 612-871-2229 or email luciaws@usiwireless.com.
If you cannot attend the event, your donation (check payable to “Polly Mann” for Victoria) may be mailed to Polly Mann, 1425 West 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408, to help defray costs incurred by the “Three Appealing Women” for the trial transcript, court filing fees, attorney’s office charges, and various related costs.
Victoria Woodhull (1838-1929) was audacious. She ran for the office of U.S. President five times before women in the U.S. had the right to vote. She believed women were included in the terms “people” and “citizens” referenced in the 14th and 15th Amendments!
The Three Appealing Women currently have a criminal conviction pending before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Sarah, Sue Ann and Lucia attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army with other women of a certain age, the Grandmas’ Peace Brigade, on April 24, 2009, because “What Would Grandma Do? Go to Iraq and Send the Kids Back!” The three were tried and convicted of Trespass in Hennepin County District Court in September 2009.
During the trial they were not allowed to present testimony regarding motive or intent, and the presiding judge gave the jury unusually narrow instructions related to the Trespass law. Each of the three women was fined $400.00 and sentenced to eight days (stayed) in jail and two days of work on a Sentence-To-Serve county work crew. Should the conviction be overturned, precedent would be set that could affect defendant rights into the future.
With very special thanks to the Appealing Pro Bono Legal Advisors, Bob Kolstad and John Kvinge.
|