Group to join protest of war on terrorism

The war has permitted the United States to send its troops unchecked into any part of the world, said a local organizer of a march on Washington.
YOUNGSTOWN -- About 50 local residents are expected to participate in a march April 20 in Washington, D.C., calling for end to the nation's war on terrorism policy.
The response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., has led to a "nebulous, undefined conflict that can pop up anywhere," said Tom Sabatini, a member of the Peace Action Youngstown group, which is handling local arrangements for the Washington march.
"The war is no longer about finding Osama bin Laden," said Sabatini, a Youngstown State University graduate student. "It has allowed the U.S. military to enter any area based on claims it is part of the war on terrorism. It has become a blank check and does not permit us to discuss individual political situations."
What activists want: Those marching want a U.S. foreign policy based on social and economic justice, an end to racial profiling, government funding for programs to benefit the economic victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and the recession, an end to the secret imprisonment of immigrants, increased funding for nonmilitary-based financial aid for education, and full disclosure of military contacts with universities.
Peace Action has chartered a bus, which can hold up to 50 people, to provide transportation to the march. Sabatini expects the bus to be filled, and has been in contact with local churches and unions seeking their involvement in the rally.
The bus leaves at 11:30 p.m. April 19 from the Church of the Brethren at 30 E. Western Reserve Road in Boardman and returns the morning of April 21. Seats on the bus are $30 each. For more information, contact Peace Action Youngstown at (330) 747-5404 or via e-mail at peaceactyo@cboss.com.