Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality

UPDATE 27 January 2013: The day the statement below was being released, the insurgent forces of the northern Mali called an end to their ceasefire and attacked the city of Douentza in central eastern Mali and quickly moved into Konna, a town further west that put them closer to the  country's second-largest airstrip  strategically located  in Sevare very close to Mopti. This prompted the long ready intervention of French troops which began helicopter airstrikes on January 12, launching the influx of nearly 3,700 French troops and 2,000 African troops with the expectation that up to 5,700 African troops will be in Mali in the very near future. While the northern forces seem to be in retreat, they have the territorial savvy to be able to retreat, disperse, regroup and come again. The US, which is currently transporting French troops and materiel to Bamako Senou Airport for deployment in the north, obviously providing key logistical and intelligence support for France's inte...

Saturday, January 5, 2013 Wesley Memorial Church 1720 Midlothian Turnpike  Visit  vapeoplesaassembly.org  for details. WHAT IS THE VPA? The Virginia People's Assembly is an annual gathering of people from across Virginia who are engaged in a broad range of struggles. We are union members, community activists, prisoner advocates, immigrants, students, women, antiwar organizers, veterans, members of the Occupy Wall Street movement and the LBGTQ community – all working and fighting to win justice for our communities and constituencies. At the VPA, we find new friends and allies. We explain the issues we are involved in and hear about the struggles of others. Together we learn that the thing we hold in common – a burning desire for a better life for ourselves, our children and our communities – is far greater than anything we are told must divide us. The 2013 VPA will be the fifth time we have come together to strengthen this movement for Jobs, Peace and Justic...