State Green Party Press Release

DC Statehood Green Party

The Sorry State of the Union

Release forwarded by the D.C. Statehood Green Party
January 15, 2003.

The Sorry State of the Union: A project of the Shirts Off Coalition

1858 Mintwood Place NW #4
Washington, DC 20009 Ph: 202-232-1724

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Zoe Mitchell 202-253-2990
January 15, 2003
Adam Eidinger 202-232-1724

Rally, Concert and Direct Action Will Challenge Bush's State of The Union. Concert includes performances by Thievery Corporation, Milemarker, Mr. Lif

WASHINGTON, DC---On January 28, 2003, President George W. Bush will be the first President of the United States to face significant protest when he makes his second State of the Union address. Through musical performances, speeches, video presentations, and a direct action march, The Shirts Off Coalition will question the sorry state of the union.

"We are going to be asking Bush: What is the state of the economy when joblessness has increased dramatically? What is the state of healthcare when the number of uninsured has risen by over 1 million people in a single year? What is the state of our priorities when the elderly have to choose between food or prescription drugs? What is the state of our democracy when the president declares war ignoring vocal opposition," says Alexis Rodich, Shirts Off organizer.

Additionally, organizers envision a new state of the union-one where all people have access to quality healthcare, shelter, food and education and war is averted by diplomatic relationships.

WHO: Performances by Thievery Corporation, Milemarker, Mr. Lif, 1905, David Rovics, The Whips, 302 Acid, Jungle Jessi. Speakers include an official response from the US Green Party, Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping, Rami Fareed Asak of the Progressive Muslim Network and others to be announced.

WHAT: Concert, Rally and March to challenge Bush's assessment of the State of the Union

WHERE: Westside US Capitol; Reflecting Pool at 3rd St. NW [March begins nearby]

WHEN: January 28, 2003 6 pm-2 am

"This is the first major protest at the State of the Union in recent memory," says Adam Eidinger of the DC Statehood Green Party. "President Bush's first State of the Union address, the infamous 'Axis of Evil' speech, precipitated a global crisis. This time, we are not going to let him distract the country from chronic problems such as lack of housing, healthcare and decent jobs."

Bush is Taking the Shirts Off Our Backs to Pay for this War. The Shirts Off Coalition includes: Left Turn, Anti-Capitalist Convergence, DC Statehood Green Party, Organized Coup and SUSTAIN.

Additional sponsors include: Not In Our Name, United For Peace, Peace Action, US Green Party, May Day DC, Vote Hemp, Women in Pink, Positive Force, and the International Socialist Organization.