Why is CODEPINK part of the Occupy Movement?

Posted by CODEPINK Staff

"Someday the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!" – Mary Harris “Mother” Jones

Since the start of the Occupy Wall Street movement, CODEPINK activists have joined the frontlines of the non-violent occupy movement across the country. Whether we’re marching for Healthcare not Warfare, leading a teach-in on the cost of war, or helping to create safe spaces for women’s participation, our fabulous PINK team has been at the heart of this beautiful, burgeoning movement.

Why?

…because war profiteers make up the top 0.01% of the 1% who control the country’s wealth, profiting from suffering and corrupting Congress at a rate that exceeds that of even the biggest banks.

….because we must reclaim our democracy from the richest 1%. Until we do, special interest lobby groups, including those that helped drive the US to war, such as big oil and AIPAC, have disproportionate power over voters.

…. because we are American taxpayers who are fed up with paying 59% of our discretionary tax dollars to the bloated Pentagon budget while many of us suffer unemployment, underemployment, lack of access to college, and see our communities crumbling from lack of funding.

…. because real change begins with direct action to challenge corporate greed and endless war.

…. because women and people of color make up the poorest of the 99% who are hardest hit by our militarized economy and the destruction of infrastructure, families, and communities by wars at home and abroad.

… because women and marginalized communities’ participation in decision-making is as imperative in resolving economic injustice as it is in resolving armed conflict.

…. to ensure that the contributions of ½ of the 99% to creating a better and more peaceful world are equally valued.

…. because the mission and vision of the occupy movement is in alignment with the change we have been working for during the past eight years - to redirect our country’s precious resources away from war, occupation and corporate greed and into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities.

This is a people-powered movement led by everyone who shows up and lends a hand. It is not funded or directed by non-profits or institutions. We support this populist way of organizing and stand in solidarity with all roseroots activists taking part in this blossoming new movement. This is a leader full movement. We are all leaders, join us.

Find resources for women at Occupy actions at www.womenoccupy.org.