Anti-war activists begin ‘Troops Home Fast’

Cindy Sheehan, Dick Gregory, Daniel Ellsberg, former Army Reserves Col. Ann Wright and members of Code Pink, Veterans for Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War rallied in Washing ton, D.C., on July 3 to kick off the Troops Home Fast.

The fasters are demanding the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq, no permanent bases in that country, and a commit ment to fund a massive reconstruction effort with funds going to Iraqi, not U.S., contractors.

The fasters will stay in front of the White House every day until Aug. 14, when they move the hunger strike to Camp Casey in Crawford, Texas.

Organizers are asking activists across the country to join in the fast either by coming to D.C. and Crawford or by organizing local actions in their own communities. The Troops Out Now Coalition is organizing fast activities in New York City and elsewhere. For details see troopshomefast.org and troopsoutnow.org.

— Story and photo Dustin Langley