Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day - Not Columbus Day
Monday, October 9, 4:30-5:30 pm
Columbus Circle, downtown Syracuse
Rain location: Plymouth Church

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Read Mary Whittington's piece, "Critical Opinion on the Columbus Monument in Syracuse, NY"

We gather to celebrate the many and varied contributions of the world's Indigenous Peoples. We gather at the statue of Columbus because it is a clear reminder of his legacy of attempted genocide and land theft. Standing atop the heads of indigenous peoples, located squarely between the Church and Government buildings, located on land stolen from the Onondaga Nation, it is a clear monument to the Doctrine of Discovery, racism,and the oppressive structures of colonialism that continue to affect all of us today.

We gather here during a teachable moment to discuss the ongoing impacts of that legacy and to commit ourselves to reversing them.

Speakers and Music to be announced. Organized by Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON), a grassroots effort of Central New Yorkers and project of the Syracuse Peace Council. NOON supports the sovereignty of the Onondaga Nation's traditional government, their Land Rights Action and collaborates with them on environmental protection and restoration.

SUPPORT THE RESTRICTING FIRST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS ACT

On Jan. 24, 2017, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) introduced THE RESTRICTING FIRST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS ACT OF 2017, S 200; HR 669.

What many people don't know is that the US still has a first use nuclear weapons policy, and nuclear weapons could be launched within 12 minutes if the president completely independently decides to do so. At present the president has sole authority to make a nuclear first-strike. This bill would require Congress to declare war before nuclear weapons could be launched. As you can imagine, this is more important than ever under this administration. Here is detail. 

https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lieu-senator-markey-introduce-restricting-first-use-0

What you can do:

1) Download the petition and circulate among your friends, family and work place.

2) Please call representative Katko and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer to support the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017. 

Rep. Katko – 202-225-3701 (DC); or 315-423-5657 (Syracuse office)

Sen. Gillibrand – 202-224-4451; 315-448-0478

Sen. Schumer – 202-224-6542; 315-423-5471