Minutes of General Meeting
February 12, 2008

A General Meeting for USC4P&J was held at The Beehive on February 12. Attending were: Anna, David, Gene, Greg, Maria V., Maria Chiara, Michelle, Patrick and Stephanie.

Anna chaired the meeting and Stephanie took the minutes.

1. First on the agenda was the proposal to organize a debate on the issue of Palestine Israel for the English speaking community in Rome. Concern was expressed by David and Patrick regarding how to find fairly matched speakers as well as how to avoid it becoming a shouting match. Greg suggested that the only solution is a one state solution, and this was deemed to be an opinion to be discussed at the event. Maria V. mentioned that her daughter had organized a similar debate at her school and her experience might be of help to us. Patrick suggested some of the focus be on U.S. support of the occupation. Anna mentioned she knows some people who might be interested in participating, as did Gene. There was some discussion on when and where to hold the event. It was decided to first look into speakers, though the idea was to organize it for some time in April. No one present was opposed to the idea, though David did abstain from voting on it, considering it to be too much of a challenge. Gene, Michelle, Greg, Anna and Maria V volunteered to form a working group to discuss this idea and organize it. (if you would like to be a part of this working group, contact: palestine-israel@peaceandjustice.it)

2. We then discussed some upcoming events in Rome. The March 1 demonstration initially proposed by Italian groups has now been changed -- due to current Italian political situation -- to an assembly/forum on “Global war and Italy's role.” More information will be sent to the mailing list as it becomes available.

Regarding the 5 th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and supporting the 10-day mobilization in the U.S., we discussed a number of options. Anna suggested we try to organize two events, a smaller one on the actual day of the anniversary (March 19/20), possibly in front of the U.S. embassy, and another larger event involving Italian groups on the Saturday before (March 15). A working group will be formed to organize both protests. (if you would like to be a part of this working group, contact: iraq@peaceandjustice.it)

3. Next on the agenda was the film series. Gene passed out copies of the flyer so those present could spread the word. There was a change of date due to a conflict with our new venue. The film Uncounted initially scheduled for March 2 was moved to March 9. Anna explained the need to move to the new venue and that this was a trial season. She also asked those present to be on the lookout for new venues for future seasons. It was mentioned that one film, Fog of War, is actually available with Italian subtitles. Gene and David agreed to find the subtitled version of the film. Stephanie asked that one of the films be a fundraiser for the Winter Soldier Investigation being organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War in Washington in March on the 5th anniversary of the invasion. All agreed that we donate the proceeds from the screening of No End in Sight, March 16, to IVAW.

4. Next we discussed the anti-war movement in an election year. Greg expressed his opinion that the election campaign becomes a distraction for the anti-war movement and all agreed. Michelle spoke about the need for impeachment and how people are now just sitting back waiting for Bush to leave office. Instead, she suggested, we need to continue the push for impeachment now. And others added that many in the administration should be serving time. We agreed that our group will remain non-partisan, with a concentration on the issues and not the candidates.

5. On miscellaneous business, Patrick proposed following the lead from the Florence group and writing a statement on behalf of our group regarding the recent repression of activists represented by extremely harsh sentences for protests in Florence as well as Genova and Cosenza, and the recent avvisi di garanzia served to 4 activists in Vicenza. Patrick agreed to draft the statement. If you would like to be part of the drafting committee, contact: patrick@boylan.it

Stephanie asked for approval of adding a few items to the web site: a translation of a 17 page pamphlet on the U.S. military base at Camp Darby written by the movement for its closure; the counter by Just Foreign Policy showing over 1 million Iraqi deaths, and a banner for the Winter Soldier Investigation by Iraq Veterans Against the War. All agreed. Patrick also suggested adding the Cost of War counter.

We wrapped up the meeting with David telling us about his recent trip to Yemen while still wearing one of the orange ribbons Anna made for the Shut Down Guantánamo protest. It was a great story and we all suggested he send it to the membership, so we will let him tell you in his own words.

Thanks to Linda and Steve of The Beehive for their hospitality!

Next general meeting: April 2008, exact date to be announced. Join our mailing list for updates.