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During the Democratic primary debate in South Carolina held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2008, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer asked President-elect Obama the following question: "If Dr. Martin Luther King were alive today, why should he endorse you?" This is how Obama responded:  "Well, I don't think Dr. King would endorse any of us. I think what he would call upon the American people to do is to hold us accountable.”
These are powerful words – and a critical reminder that our work for a more peaceful and just world is just beginning with the election of Barack Obama. Now is the time to be working more enthusiastically than ever to hold our elected representatives to their campaign promises and to educate our communities about sane, realistic alternatives to war, occupation, and outrageous military spending. With the election of Barack Obama, we also have a critical opening in our work for a nuclear weapons-free world. While I am optimistic about a number of President-elect Obama’s domestic and economic initiatives, the U.S. national security and military apparatuses will not cede the status quo without real struggle. Obama is already facing pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to stay the course in Iraq -- despite his campaign promises and popular support for ending the war in Iraq. Additionally, he believes sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan is the solution instead of the problem. For these reasons alone, the peace movement must remain vigilant, engaged, and well-funded heading into 2009. A number of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hear Noam Chomsky in Boston. In response to a question about activism, Noam said, “If you count noses, there’s a huge number of activists. The problem isn’t the number of people interested, but bringing people together…” New Hampshire Peace Action plays a critical function in networking the communities of New Hampshire together in our work for peace. Can you give a tax-deductible, end-of-year gift of $40, $60, $100 or more to help us continue our important peace work in 2009? In peace, Anne Miller, Director NH Peace Action and NH Peace Action Education Fund To donate online click here or you can mail a check to our office at: 4 Park Street #210 Concord, NH 03301
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The tragedy continues to unfold in Gaza, with over five hundred people dead and many thousand wounded. 
