FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept 4, 2007
CONTACTS: Vernon Huffman or Michele Darr (425)438-8985
The Catalysts of H.O.P.E.(Healing Our People and Earth) are riding
bicycles across the country to demonstrate an alternative to oil wars. 5
riders; including 23 month old twins and an 11 year old rider; are
currently en route to Washington, DC, where they will hand deliver an
open letter to President Bush. They expect to arrive by Saturday, Sept 15th,
and will be available for media interviews along the way. They are committed to pursuing further communications with the President, Congress and Representatives,
and will travel throughout the country on their bicycles engaging citizens
in grassroots efforts to end the war until the troops come home. They left
Portland, Oregon, on 17 March.
Now in Frankfort, KY, the Catalysts will join local peace supporters to stand Vigil in front of the Federal Building downtown at 330 West Broadway, between the Old Capitol & the YMCA, on Tuesday from 11:45 to 12:45.
Sponsored by Veterans for Peace and other organizations, as many as 15
Catalysts of all ages have joined the ride. Organizer
Michele Darr was living in Kuwait when Saddam invaded and occupied the
country in 1990. "In war, all whom are engaged suffer, occupiers and
occupied alike. We owe it to our troops and to the citizens of Iraq to do
everything we can to ensure that war is de-legitimized by telling our
stories, examining our own habits and roles in perpetuating the wars and
encouraging our neighbors around the country to do the
same. We vow to continue until the troops come home, and the healing begins."
"We're showing that it's fun and easy to live without oil," says Vernon
Huffman, the other adult rider. "The stuff's not worth fighting over." He
reminds us that a few generations ago, all people lived oil free. "I'm no
Luddite," he insists. "We've got lots of appropriate technology today that
they didn't have. We carry a laptop and cell phones on our modern
multi-gear bikes. Our trip is easier than our ancestors had it and
considerably cheaper than driving a car. We're having a wonderful time."
Eleven year old Tala Darr says her favorite part is "meeting new people
and doing my part to support the troops," Sponsor members provide support
in most locales. Between hosts, they frequently camp out. "There are
endless opportunities for everyone to participate and get involved,"
suggests Michele, "either on a bike or in your neighborhoods and
communities. So many of us are still suffering from the effects of
Hurricane Katrina and the citizens of this country must demand that our
precious resources being spent on this illegal, immoral war be invested
instead in human needs here and abroad. We need to start by connecting
with each other and finding our common ground. We are all in this
together."
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