People for Peace and Justice
of Utah
Speeches made at actions in Salt Lake City, Utah
People for Peace and Justice of Utah
|
a grassroots organization advocating nonviolence and justice
January 20 and 22, 2005 ~ No War! Speeches made at actions in Salt Lake City, Utah |
 Eileen McCabe-Olsen, Salt Lake CodePink (See Eileen'sSeptember 11, 2003 speech.) January 20, 2005 ~ Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building This President Over the past weeks, we have truly seen a glimpse of what the next four years hold for the United States. This President, rather than seeking consensus on critical issues, plans on using political capital to ram through a divisive ideological agenda. This President is seeking to dismantle Social Security, the most efficient and effective social program of this century, in favor of the Wall Street largesse of privatization. This President has nominated for Attorney General, a man who has said that the Geneva Conventions were quaint, and who splits verbal hairs about the definition of torture. This President has nominated for Secretary of State, a woman who has consistently deferred to ideology, and has shown a questionable regard for truth. This President has retained the services of a Secretary of Defense whose disregard for troop welfare has caused even members of his own party to call for his resignation. This President refuses to acknowledge even the possibility of mistakes in his prosecution of the War in Iraq, and in so doing is prolonging it, resulting in the loss of even more American and Iraqi lives. This President has refused to hold accountable any but the few low ranking bad apples responsible for the torture, and cruel and inhumane treatment of detainees. This President is now suspected of authorizing covert military operations in 10 other countries, to scout possible targets in future wars. This President has said that the accountability moment has passed; that because he was re-elected, any perceived shortcomings or misconduct by his administration in the war on terrorism are now beyond questioning. Some of my CodePINK colleagues are in Washington as we speak, and some of them are carrying signs that say Not my President. I have to disagree with them. As emotionally satisfying as this sentiment is, it seems to absolve us of our duties as citizens. I will not allow myself this self-indulgence. Whether I like it or not, this president IS my President. His re-election is not my fault, but his tenure WILL be my responsibility. I will not hide for the next four years, I will not sit down and be quiet, I will not sit by and allow the great promise of liberty and democracy to be destroyed in the name of international adventurism, and global hegemony. Today, this President took the oath of office. But it remains to be seen whether he WILL preserve, protect and defend our constitution. His whitewashing of the conduct of administration officials, the encroachments on civil liberties, and the blatant disregard for human rights suggest otherwise. Today, I am taking an oath of office, as an activist and resistor, and I invite you to take it with me. I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute| the Office of Citizen of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States. Thank you! |
Photos of January 20 and 22 Actions