Protest NATO aggression around the world/Hands Off Venezuela" demonstration, this Saturday, March 30, in Washington, D.C.

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POP Members, Friends & Comrades in Struggle, By now you should have received in your email the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) leaflet for the "protest NATO aggression around the world/Hands Off Venezuela" demonstration, this Saturday, March 30, in Washington, D.C.  The purpose of this memo is to recruit you to be part of a POP contingent in this important historic mobilization.  Trump is aggressively organizing imperialist allies and subordinate lackeys to form an international constituency for military invasion, regime change and subversion of the Bolivarian Revolution, Venezuela's striving for socialism and popular benefit of the world's largest petroleum reserves, which are coveted by Imperialism, led by U.S. Imperialism.  Those of us in the belly of the imperialist beast, who  cherish freedom; uphold the  right of self-determination for oppressed nations, former colonies and dependent countries; struggle for Black Liberation; and oppose imperialism must do all in our power stay the hand of US  intervention into  Venezuela.  Already, economic, political and cyber attacks have been mounted by the US to destabilize the country and to undermine the legitimately elected (by 67% of the vote) government of President Nicolas Maduro.  WE MUST NOT STAND BY! WE MUST ACT!!! POP resolved to stand with Venezuela and against Imperialism, led by US Imperialism; to stand with the Afro-descended Venezuelans and against Trump and his white -supremacist minions; and to stand with the workers and peasants of this South American country determined to reject return to the Monroe Doctrine," whereby The USA asserted that the entire Western Hemisphere is the backyard of the US and subject to its domination.  Saturday's demo is an important opportunity to translate our resolution into action.  When delegates of the sponsoring coalition recently met with President Maduro, he emphasized how important is an anti-war movement in the USA.  we can and should join our allies in building that movement and uphold our responsibility to Venezuela and the International Working Class, as anti-imperialists in this country. Our member and ally, Bob Witanek has reserved a bus that will leave Lincoln Park, Newark at 7:00AM on Saturday.  Roundtrip seats are $50 (sliding scale based on ability to pay).  On behalf of our organization, Vice Chair Adams has advanced $200 that will hopefully be reimbursed by sign-ups for Saturday. We will speak from the platform; be represented on the lead banner; and have been invited to serve as marshals and march organizers, if we have volunteers.   Attend: Thursday's POP celebration of Women's history Month and sign up for DC or call Larry Adams at: 201-294-0046. LET'S GET ON THE BUS and demand: "HANDS OFF VENEZUELA! Sincerely, Larry Adams Vice-Chair of External Affairs People's Organization for Progress

NJ Decides – One or Two Buses to March 16 March for Latin American Peace

Contribute or reserve your seat for March16:
https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs  

This Saturday, March16, thousands will descend on Washington DC to demand NO U.S. War, no coup, no intervention, no interference, no slaughter against the nation and people of Venezuela.  As of now about 60 NJ residents are signed up for transportation to this historic event.  The timing could not be better for this important protest.

The US continues to escalate its warfare targeting the nation and people of Venezuela.  In the past few days:

There have been about 5 consecutive cyber attacks on the Venezuelan electric grid causing about 2 dozen deaths already, perhaps more.  The US CYBERCOMM within the US Deparment of Defense has finger prints all over these terrorist acts of war.  Within minutes of one of the attacks, Florida Senator Marc Rubio was tweeting threats to Maduro.  Guaido, the self anointed ‘wannabe’ who is trying to call himself president was stating that the electric will again be available when Venezuelan President Maduro is removed from power.

The US has started to threaten sanctions on India for purchasing oil from Venezuela.

The US has issued a travel warning on Bahamas which has opposed the US attempt to intervene in Venezuela and is threatening all nations that continue to relate with the constitutional government in Venezuela.

The New York Times has confirmed initial reports in much of the foreign press on February 23 that the “Maduro burned the US aid” was a totally staged and false incident – that it was actually US supported apparent mercenaries that set the aid on fire.  The US media had run with that for 3 weeks as a false story.

Another US news source has reported that a battalion of militia or mercenaries was ready to infiltrate into Venezuela had the aid trucks gotten through on February 23.

So the timing is right and the question is this – is NJ capable of funding and filling a second bus to this historic event.  

It is risky just a few days before the event to invest in an additional bus reservation.  Unfortunately given the pressing economic times, many participants are waiting until the last minute to reserve their slot, contribute and make their commitment to participate.

In order to assess if we can double the NJ participation, we need two things quickly – funders and participants – and while those sets intersect – they are not necessarily all the same set of people.

I am getting a lot of reservations now from folks taking advantage of the discounted and subsidized seats on the bus.  Thus I am confident that we can likely fill all or most of the 2^nd bus.  There is one participant who has arranged for 11 people to participate – so a few more astute organizers like that and we can easily make this happen.

Funds on the other hand seem not to be flowing much the last couple of days – and that can be the deciding factor.  There are many who are asking to hold seats but have yet to hit the contribution which is making it more difficult to decide on a second bus.

So the way this will work is -

We will continue to urge folks to reserve and contribute – now toward a second bus.  Should a second bus not be arranged, contributors and reservation holders will have the option either to have the funds refunded or to use the funds toward the March 30 Hands Off Venezuela / NO to NATO! March – also on Washington DC – we are arranging transport to that also.  Also if a full bus can not be funded we could apply for a smaller van or mini bus.

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs 

ARE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO OFFER $100 - $200 - $500 - $1000  – AS DONATION OR AS A SHARED RISK WITH THE IDEA THAT YOU WOULD RECOUP IT ASSUMING SEATS ARE RESERVED BUT COULD LOSE PART OF IT SHOULD THE ADDITIONAL BUS NOT BE FULL.  TEXT OR CALL 908-881-5275.

The nature of arranging transportation to national marches is most people decide at the last moment so it is hard to make concrete plans around additional transportation.

With the current threat level – with US military carrying our Cyber bombardment of the Venezuelan infrastructure, increasing sanctions, moving toward an embargo or blockade, threatening Venezuela’s allies, being exposed in contrived manufactured incident, one after another - -

WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION – MOVE BEYOND POSTING ON FACEBOOK ABOUT IT AND GET OUT IN THE STREETS!

Cast your vote wisely as to whether we should secure additional transportation!

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs

Deeper Level of Interaction Needed for Success of March 16 / 30

REGISTER / SUPPORT THESE MARCHES - TODAY - RIGHT NOW!

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs

I think I figured out part of the challenges of organizing participation in March 16 and March 30 Antiwar marches in Washington DC. I have been organizing buses since the early 80s.  We used to sort of all fan out and sell seats and collect cash or checks. There was a coordinator - often me.  Other towns and groups also had coordinators and participatory bus organizing mechanisms.
But it seemed like the effort was more collective where people would call with 2 seats, 4 seats, a bunch of seats, half a bus . . .
But now folks seem to think the job is done because they see it circulating in social media. The personal touch for a mass mobilization seems a little amiss.  Right now it seems like less of a group effort as far as recruiting and pitching and getting folks to commit on the personal level.
My reach is being repressed / downgraded by Facebook now - I am absolutely sure of it by the lack of success of the information I am sharing - so circulation help is needed. That is DEFINITELY HURTING my ability to pull these activities together without more help = including with sharing - targeted sharing - on Insta / Twitter / MeWe. Media outreach.
More importantly - we need to talk to each other. Internet wise - phone wise - at meetings - when we see people - more personal touch by more people. In box and follow up is better than a random post to your feed. It's sales - it really is but we do need to market the importance of these activities to the point where people agree enough to participate or support. We need more folks actually advocating for the participation and support.

We need funds - and we need riders. The more the bus is funded, the less funds needed from the rest of the riders so that is less of an impediment for more participants.

If we are building a movement - we should be able to fund as much transportation as people willing to go. That would be massive. Not that its all about paying bus companies - and i get that - but these two marches - March 16 and 30 - are a challenge to us to see if we are WILLING TO SHOW UP AGAINST THE THEFT AND

SLAUGHTER OF A NATION - VENEZUELA!

So the people have to decide - are we going to make this happen - big - or are we going to let imperialism add another notch in the bloody CIA coup stick.
So it would be awesome if folks started asking around - with more of a personal touch - about both participation and financial support - organizations should suggest how they are going to make their presence felt in DC among the anti-war and anti-imperialist forces. What are your organizational goals for the day and how are you going to multiply the antiwar message delivered in DC by your presence.
The burden is upon us now - are we going to make these marches happen and how can we make them more effective?

And please DO make some sort of commitment if you can - participatory or financial - or promotional if you can not get there - or all of it and more.

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs

Green Party of NJ Letter of Support for March 16 Hands Off VZ!

Dear Green Party Members and Friends,

The Green Party of NJ is supporting and participating in two upcoming national marches in Washington, D.C. to oppose the US coup-plotting toward Venezuela and to oppose NATO’s role in endless US war-making. The first one is on Saturday March 16 and the second one on Saturday March 30.  We are working with our movement partners #NJAntiWarAgenda, NJ Peace Council, Hands Off Venezuela, NJ and others toward mobilizing a NJ bus to each of these events.

We need to make as strong a statement as possible now -- first to show our ongoing opposition to regime change operations in Venezuela (each country has the right to self-determination) and to bring to light NATO’s history of death and destruction, while calling for its elimination. If there is war in Venezuela, this will be the first time NATO operations will extend to Latin America. The U.S. could use Colombia, a global partner of NATO, as a launch pad into Venezuela.

We encourage our members to participate in or to join one or both of these marches. This is a dangerous time!  If you can not attend - or even if you can - we encourage those who are able to contribute toward the transportation costs of both buses so that others who are available to march but caught short on the transportation costs can also participate.

To make your arrangements or to contribute, click on this funding site and make your contribution.  

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs

You should also text to 908-881-5275 to explain which march you are contributing to (or either or both) and how many seats you would like to reserve.  You can also ask any questions about the logistics etc.

The suggested costs per seat are $50, $40 for discounted and other lower cost options for subsidized are available.  Please do not consider any financial limitation in deciding whether you can participate in the demonstrations on March 16 and/or March 30.

We also would appreciate if those with media contacts would send the press release (at link below)  to whatever media lists you may have. If possible, please follow up with them to encourage them to cover these organizing efforts against war and for peace in Latin America.
https://njnouswarinme.blogspot.com/2019/03/nj-anti-us-coup-protesters-headed-to.html

Please also continue to share the funding link and the press release links in your social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

If you have any questions at all, be encouraged to contact Madelyn Hoffman 973-876-1023 or Bob Witanek 908-881-5275.

Please forward this e-mail to any colleagues who might be interested.

Sincerely,

Theresa Markila
Green Party of New Jersey
She, her, hers
On Behalf of the Coalition

NJ Anti-US Coup Protesters Headed to Washington DC on March 16!

NJ Anti-US Coup Protesters Headed to Washington DC on March 16!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: BOB WITANEK 908-881-5275 Madelyn Hoffman at 973-876-1023.

Facebook Event

After a more than half a dozen protests around NJ as part of nearly 150 protests in the U.S. and internationally to oppose US threats and aggressions toward the nation and people of Venezuela, NJ residents are joining forces for a march on Washington DC on Saturday, March 16.  

Transportation is being provided to the national march which will culminate at a rally in front of the White House by NJ Anti War Agenda in coordination with the Hands off Venezuela NJ national coalition.  The suggested donations for a round trip to the Washington DC protest are $50 full cost, $40 discounted. There are also subsidies available down to $20.

The bus will leave 7 am from Lincoln Park in Newark with a 7:30 am pick up in New Brunswick New Jersey.  The bus is scheduled to return around 10 – 10:30 to those locations.

Contributions are also being sought for those who can help participants eager to march but without financial means.  You can arrange your participation as well as support the transportation costs of others at this funding link:

https://fundly.com/hands-off-venezuela-march-on-dc-march-16?fbclid=IwAR3xCSsfdbWQdVDg2olV2-P0041RQHLZ2x45KhNyaWSickH4XxpDycGxsRs

According to Bob Witanek, a founder of NJ Anti War Agenda as well as Hands Off Venezuela – NJ, “The US is teetering dangerously toward direct military intervention to seek its goals of regime change in Venezuela. Its initial efforts to achieve a coup in Venezuela have gone wrong on many counts:

The inability to get support from the United Nations Security Council and from the Organization of American States.

Opposition from Caribbean nations organization CARICOMM.

The attempt to force Venezuela to accept so-called “humanitarian aid” into Venezuela on February 23 turned into a fiasco with an amateurish stage managed scene along the Colombia-Venezuela border

Refusal of international aid agencies to participate in the aid scheme which they see as an attempt to foment US intervention.

Statements from Brazil, Colombia and the European Union stating that they will not participate in US military actions against Venezuela.

The complete lack of support for any coup from within the Venezuelan armed forces in spite of US planted stories that they were in talks with officers within those forces.

The majority of the nations of the world including almost all of Asia and Africa and including Russia, China, India, Cuba, Bolivia and Mexico are working to oppose US intervention.

The capturing of weapons being smuggled into Venezuela by the armed forces.

However with all of those failures, the US is still pressing forward with air force surveillance along the coast, a military build up in the Caribbean, a continued offensive to try to drum up flagging international support and organizing of anti-Venezuela operations in Colombia and Brazil.  Cuba has also reported US special forces being mobilized in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean locations.”

Witanek states that the US and all of Latin America are in a “dangerous predicament at the brink of a major regional war that will bring massive death and destruction to Latin America and the Caribbean.”

For this reason, the organizations he has co-founded have joined a national effort for a march on the White House in Washington DC on March 16 an event called by the ANSWER Coalition.

According to Witanek, “There is a new wind blowing in the US and throughout the world.  This latest threat of US war is bringing together forces throughout the nation and world.  In Colombia and Brazil, the people are working to organize opposition to support those governments are giving to coup plans.  This march will come at an opportune time to issue a resounding NO to any attempt for the US to bring war, the deaths of tens of 1000s and ultimate destruction to Venezuela.”

NJ residents who oppose war will have a second chance this month to march in Washington,  D.C. on March 30 to oppose NATO and US warfare facilitated by NATO. At least one NJ bus will deliver NJ participants to that event. This 2nd event will be organized by the U.S. Peace Council and the NJ Peace Council, chaired by Madelyn Hoffman. Said Hoffman, “The blatant , arrogant and illegal coup attempt is the first foray of NATO into Latin America. Colombia is a global partner of NATO and would be used as a launch pad for U.S. troops to move into Venezuela. While Colombian leadership may be willing, the people are not. We need a strong one-two punch to show that the people oppose U.S. efforts to start another war.” Arrangements for transportation to that march can be made through the same link .

Those interested in participation, can register and arrange payment at this link or call or text Bob Witanek at 908-881-5275 or Madelyn Hoffman at 973-876-1023.

Camden area is organizing vans and car pooling and readers can connect with that effort by contacting Michael Scheinberg (https://www.facebook.com/michael.scheinberg.9).

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Media Coverage of Venezuela Support Protest Outside Cory Booker Newark Fundraiser

Song: In Venezuela