Codepink Actions at DNC: Justice for Palestine, Money out of Politics, End all Wars

CODEPINK activists are in the streets at the Democratic Convention calling for significant economic reform, an end to US wars, and money out of politics. CODEPINK has already managed to make waves in the news; from Tighe Barry of CODEPINK DC featured in a New York Magazine article, to Jodie Evans of CODEPINK LA being quoted in a piece by the Atlantic, and Politico dubbing our Make Out Not War stickers as "ubiquitous".

CODEPINK created a splash at the RNC with its bold actions both inside and outside the Convention Center, and will do the same at the DNC. "Both the Republicans and Democrats are war-addicted parties, continuing to pour money into the bloated Pentagon budget instead of addressing people's real needs," said co-director Medea Benjamin. "We'll be on the streets, loudly and boldly protesting the ongoing war in Afghanistan, killer drone strikes and a potential war on Iran."

Charlotte, dubbed "Wall Street South," hosts the world headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast headquarters of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest concentration of finance capital in the US after NYC. Through song, chants, theater, props and costume, CODEPINK activists will highlight how the Democrats listen more to banks and corporations than the American people.

In the wake of the Citizens United case, with corporate and super PAC money in politics polluting democracy and drowning out the will of voters, CODEPINK will also be calling for money out of politics. "We want people-powered elections that prioritize human needs over war and greed," said CODEPINK co-director Jodie Evans. "The United States isn't even attempting democracy anymore, but we have these charades called conventions to divert attention from the 1% that governs us."

CODEPINK cofounders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans, and activists from around the country, are available for interview. Please contact Alli McCracken at 860-575-5692 or alli@codepink.org to set up an interview.

CODEPINK, founded in 2002, is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into health care, education and other life-affirming activities. www.codepink.org

Wednesday, September 5, 2012:

WHAT: Demonstration at the AIPAC Lunch; Call for No War on Iran and Justice for Palestinians
WHEN: 12:15
WHERE: Levine Museum of the New South, 200 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
VISUALS: Giant banners, mock checkpoint

WHAT: $$ out of Politics Coalition March
WHERE: Beginning at Marshall Park
WHEN: 3:00 pm
VISUALS: Corporate millionaires street theater, giant 30 ft banner, Obama puppet

WHAT: Bust Up Bank of America action
WHERE: Outside Bank of America Headquarters
WHEN: 6:00
VISUALS: Women throw dozens of bras in the air in front of giant "Bust Up Bank of America" banner

WHAT: No Two Party Coalition March
WHERE: Beginning at Marshall Park
WHEN: 7:00 pm

Preview of Thursday, September 6, 2012 (more to come):

WHAT: Demonstration outside of Obama's Acceptance Speech
WHEN: 8:00 pm
WHERE: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC