Eman Ahmed Khamas is a journalist and human rights activist from Iraq. She is part of the Iraqi Delagates from the Women Say No To War campaign. She had to leave her two daughters behind in order to be allowed to travel to our country and bravely share her pleas to stop the killing.
I had planned on marching and helping out whevever possible. I had no idea that I was about to AGAIN have my life’s path forever emboldened and empowered.
I told her one day my daughter and I will visit her and her daughters in Baghdad.
Our day started out with the Radical Cheerleaders. They aren’t very happy with Bush and Alito either
That dude in the cheerleading skirt is one sexy, liberal man!!!
I don’t know how it happens, but I ended up holding the front banner for most of the feeder march while banging a drum and letting the policemen know where we needed to cross and turn. CodePink marches TO the rallies and marches. Towards the end, two gentlemen who joined us from the sidewalks, asked if they could carry our banner and spell us for a while. Later, Katie and I walked into Waterfront Park with what started out with about 50 CodePink people – by the end turned into a 3 block line of supporters. I made nicey nice with the policemen who were “escorting” us so as we wouldn’t accidently get run over or jaywalk – and I think they actually started to like us.
Eman passionately speaking out to the crowd to have our country leave them alone. I was honored to be with her that afternoon. She had me hold her bag which contained her documents and passports… I was just floored by her bravery and her spirit.
I could see how this drains her.
So we started walking over to a quieter area where the sunshine was. She wants this photo and gave me her email.
Katie and Cristy, two tiredless, self-less wonders. Soaking it all in for a minute before more work to be done.
Cristy and Eman – back at the CodePink area. We ran out of t-shirts and pins. Everyone just wants to hug you. It’s amazing.
Later a few of us stayed to break the area down, pick up the trash and get the ‘stuff’ packed into Cristy’s truck across the way. Veteran’s for Peace came by to lift our spirits and talk about the day and upcoming ideas. I made another new friend walking back to the Blue Line train.
I wasn’t able to stop the war and the bloodshed yesterday, but I was honored to have been able to stand with Eman and CodePink … and lift some burdens and help some feel loved and needed.
And … help them smile – if only for a moment.
We must stop this killing. I don’t want Eman or her daughters to be killed. Why is it that we can’t stop this?
Bread and Puppets Theatre
It breaks my heart to know that more women and children will be arrested, tortured, murdered… for wanting to wave peace and end the killing. One can’t help but shiver in the presence of a woman, like Eman, who is so brave… and so true. Yet another moment in my life that I’ll never forget and will be better for experiencing.
Stop the war!
Stop
Stop
Stop the war!
