Transcript from online chat with CODEPINK Founder Medea Benjamin

Transcript

November 12, 2009

Question:

As mayor of the Interconnections community on www.WashingtonTimes.com, I am pleased to welcome for a live chat Medea Benjamin, co-founder of both the anti-war group Code Pink and the international human rights organization Global Exchange. Good afternoon, Ms. Benjamin. Thank you for being with us today. by Jay Speights
Answer: Thank you, Jay. It's a great honor. And please call me Medea. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

What and who helped to shape your world view and activism? by Jay Speights
Answer: I grew up in Long Island, NY during the Vietnam war. There were also racial tensions between blacks and whites in my high school. These shaped my views and pushed me to work against war and for civil rights. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Can you tell us what was the motivation behind the founding of Code Pink? by Jay Speights
Answer: It was just before the war in Iraq, and at a women's retreat, we talked about the need to try to stop the war. That was the motivation and it continues to be our motivation--to stop people from needlessly killing each other. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Many describe your brand of protest as outrageous and disruptive. What is your response? by Jay Speights
Answer: I think war is outrageous and disruptive, especially a war that was based on lies. The most "outrageous" thing we have done is to speak out against this war and other outrageous policies and practices, like torture. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Do you think the election of Barack Obama indicates that a new social and political paradigm is evolving in the U.S. and globally? by Jay Speights
Answer: Yes, I think it indicates a new beginning, a new world of possibilities. The American people, and people the world over, are delighted to have this opening. We, as social justice activists, must use this opportunity to keep pushing for our goals of ending war and putting our resources into areas like the "green economy," health care, education and other critical social needs. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

President-Elect Obama has said that he will bring more focus to Afghanistan. Do you agree with this? by Jay Speights
Answer: Focus, yes; more troops, no! I don't think widening the war is the answer. We must find a negotiated solution, but it's imperative to make sure that Afghan women are at the table. We also need more of a focus on the dire economic/development needs of the Afghan people, who continue to live in terrible poverty. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

What do you think is Code Pink's greatest accomplishment? by Jay Speights
Answer: We helped turned American public opinion against the war; we helped the public distinguish Hillary Clinton as a presidential candidate who supported the Iraq war vs. Barack Obama who opposed it; we helped stave off some very dangerous and aggressive legislation about Iran in Congress; and we've empowered many thousands of our members (both men and women) to speak out against war and other injustices--to become more active, engaged participants in our democracy. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

What will be your focus under the Obama administration? by Jay Speights
Answer: We will continue to push for all our troops and private military contractors to leave Iraq, and to make sure we don't have permanent military bases there; we will push for a negotiated solution in Afghanistan; and we will promote diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other countries--Iran, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, etc. We will also push for closing Guantanamo, restoring habeaus corpus and making explicit that torture will not be tolerated! by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

On a global level, what do you believe is the most pressing human rights issue? by jay Speights
Answer: War--you can't have respect for human rights when civilians are constantly being killed and maimed as innocent bystanders (or "collateral damage"). by Medea_Benjamin
Answer: I would also say that poverty--hunger, lack of adequate health care, education and other basic needs--is a critical human rights issue. If we stopped putting so many of our resources into war and militarism, we could address these critical human needs. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

What is your assessment of the global status of women? by jay speights
Answer: Women continue to be second-class citizens all over the globe--earning less than men, not being fully represented in elected bodies, being the targets of violence (from domestic violence to the victims of war). In some countries, women still don't even have the basic rights that men have in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. So we still have a long road ahead in terms of guaranteeing women's rights. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Your brand of activism has put you in some challenging situations. Can you tell us about some of them? by Jay Speights
Answer: I have spent many a night in jail for my activism; I have been physically attacked by people who were rabidly opposed to my positions; I have been put on a terrorist/criminal list that kept me from being able to travel to our neighboring country of Canada; and I have been spied on (just getting files) by various government agencies. But I know that throughout history, people have suffered infinitely more than I for their beliefs. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Can you tell us about some of the activities and protest that you will be planning in the near future? by Jay Speights
Answer: We are trying to move into the "yes we can" mode, putting a positive spin on our activism. For example, tomorrow, we will be going to visit the embassies of nations that have had an antagonistic relationship with the Bush administration--taking them flowers, apple pies and letters from Americans calling for diplomacy. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Do you think there is a negotiable solution to stop Islamic fundamentalism? by Jay Speights
Answer: I think we should use intense police/investigative work to bring to justice those who attacked us on 9/11, but not carry out wars on entire countries or invade sovereign nations like Pakistan and Syria. It is always worth it to push hard for a negotiated solution, since war is such a devastating "alternative." by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Would you please tell us a bit about Global Exchange, the other organization you co-founded. by Washington, D.C.
Answer: I helped start Global Exchange 20 years ago as a vehicle for getting Americans involved in foreign policy, including taking them on "reality tours" around the world. (People can see our tour offerings at www.globalexchange.org). We also have stores that promote fair trade, including a beautiful new DC store at the Busboys and Poets restaurant on 5th and K, NW! by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

What changes would you like to see implemented to make the United Nations a more effective force in resolving global conflict and issues like hunger, literacy, peacekeeping, etc. by Jay Speights
Answer: The U.N. has to become more representative of the global community. There should be more countries in the Security Council, and there should be an expanded role for the General Assembly. The U.S. should pay its bills in full and on time. And there should be a standing peacekeeping force that could deploy quickly and would be better trained than they are today. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

How many members does Code Pink have? by Washington, D.C.
Answer: We have about 200,000 people on our email list (www.codepinkalert.org), and about 250 CODEPINK local groups around the country. We also have a house in D.C. where people can stay if they want to join us in pushing their elected officials on issues related to peace, human rights, etc. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

I know you have traveled around the world quite a bit. What is your general impression of the image of the U.S. abroad? Do you have any examples of your impressions? by Jay Speights
Answer: I have often been advised not to say I'm American, particularly in some Middle Eastern countries. I was in Lebanon when Israel was bombarding that nation with U.S. weapons, and had angry families yelling at me for my nation's complicity in the destruction of their homes and lives. I was in Pakistan at rallies that turned out to be very anti-American. But I have also found, all over the world, people who were totally opposed to the policies of the Bush administration but friendly and forgiving toward the American people. Now, with the election of Obama, I think the world community is ready to give us another chance. by Medea_Benjamin

Question:

Medea, it has been a pleasure to have you with us today. We wish well in your endeavors. Do you have any last comments that you would like to share? by Jay Speights
Answer: It's great to be in contact with folks at The Washington Times, a paper that was once extremely (and unjustifiably) antagonistic to CODEPINK in both editorials and articles. We welcome your new openness, and we promise the same!!! Here's to a new era of dialogue and mutual respect! Thanks so much, Jay. by Medea_

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You can learn more about me at http:/.blog.jayspeights.com/ . And be sure to buy my book, "Harmonious Day."

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