SEPT. 17 Anti-war Conference In Rochester To Feature Speakers, Films, Workshops

Rochester, N.Y.; Free workshops, films, panel discussions and performance art will highlight Rochester's second annual anti-war conference to be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at School Without Walls (480 Broadway).

The conference sponsor, Rochester Against War (RAW), invites all who question our nation's continuing occupation of Iraq to explore key questions such as: "How do we support our troops and military families while opposing the war on Iraq, How do we stem the aggressive tactics of military recruiters in our schools, Is it really possible to bring our troops home now?"

Special highlights of this year's conference will be a keynote address by Victor Paredes, brother of Navy War Resister Pablo Paredes; and the pre-conference screening at noon of "Arlington West," a documentary film featuring interviews with soldiers and Marines en route to and returning from the war in Iraq, and interviews with military families. The title describes a "temporary cemetery" in the sand, erected every Sunday on California's Pacific coast by Veterans for Peace.

"A growing majority of Americans are fed up with the war in Iraq," said RAW organizer Brian Lenzo. "The September 17th conference will bring us together to debate our ideas, and help us organize this silent majority into a loud and proud anti-war movement."

RAW is a local coalition of organizations seeking alternatives to war as a means of resolving global conflicts. Conference co-sponsors include the International Socialist Organization, Metro Justice Peace Action & Education Task Force, Peace Action of Central New York, and RIT Anti-War.
For more information or to arrange free on-site child care,
call (585) 256-3458
or e-mail march12RAWC@yahoo.com