One week from tomorrow, we will be marking the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War. As we take action in Washington DC, and in communities in every corner of the country, on March 19th, the 6th year of death and destruction will begin.

No matter how many times I try to wrap my brain around that reality, it remains so difficult to absorb the enormous horror of the war, and I certainly can't accept it. This anniversary is yet another opportunity to recommit myself to keep going, to keep working for peace and justice abroad and here at home. I hope you'll do the same.

One thing that's inspired me in the last week are the stories UFPJ member groups all over the country have been sending us about the vigils they've been holding weekly or monthly for 2, 3, 4, 5 or more years now. As you prepare to mark the 5th anniversary, take a moment to read these tributes and share them with others.

Actions in DC are underway, and will continue to build through this week and next, leading up to our national day of action on Wednesday, March 19. It's not too late for you to make plans to come to DC or to get involved in an event in your area.

• March 13-16 Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan -- Find a viewing of these historic hearings in your area, or organize your own. This can be as simple as finding out how to access the broadcast and inviting a few friends over to watch with you. If you do plan a public viewing, please post the details on our calendar so others in your community can join you.

• March 19 Day of Nonviolent Direct Action in Washington D.C. -- There's still time for you to make plans to join us in DC! Click on the following links to register and to find details about the actions, housing, rides, trainings and more resources. People from almost 40 states are already registered to take part -- join us!

• March 19 Local Actions Around the U.S. -- More than 465 local events on and around the 5th anniversary are listed on our calendar, and more are being posted hourly. Find an event in your area, spread the word and/or organize your own (click here for action ideas and be sure to post the details of your event on the 5 Years Too Many calendar).

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/031108K.shtml

Warren P. Strobel reports for McClatchy Newspapers, "An exhaustive review of more than 600,000 Iraqi documents that were captured after the 2003 US invasion has found no evidence that Saddam Hussein's regime had any operational links with Osama bin Laden's al Qaida terrorist network."

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/030708K.shtml

Nir Rosen reports for Rolling Stone: "It's a cold, gray day in December, and I'm walking down Sixtieth Street in the Dora district of Baghdad, one of the most violent and fearsome of the city's no-go zones. Devastated by five years of clashes between American forces, Shiite militias, Sunni resistance groups and Al Qaeda, much of Dora is now a ghost town. This is what 'victory' looks like in a once upscale neighborhood of Iraq: Lakes of mud and sewage fill the streets. Mountains of trash stagnate in the pungent liquid. Most of the windows in the sand-colored homes are broken, and the wind blows through them, whistling eerily."

From: Congressman Robert Wexler

Two weeks ago, the House took a bold step demanding accountability for the Bush/Cheney Administration by holding former White House Council Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten in Contempt of Congress for blatantly ignoring congressional subpoenas for over 8 months.

Though it was not a surprise, Attorney General Michael Mukasey, wrote a letter to the House of Representatives stating that he refuses to call a Grand Jury to enforce those contempt citations.

The Attorney General's letter, effectively claiming that members of the executive branch are immune from congressional subpoenas, calls for quick action.  

Click HERE to watch my latest video discussing Mukasey's outrageous response.