Last Friday, September 24, FBI agents entered seven homes and an office of long-time peace and solidarity activists in Minneapolis and Chicago seeking evidence of "material support" of terrorism--confiscating cell phones and computers, posters, even a child's drawing.  The FBI also gave subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury to eleven activists in Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan.  These raids were aimed at those who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the struggles of the Palestinian and Colombian peoples against U.S. funded occupations and wars. (SOA Watch)

These raids were not aimed at particularly militant groups, but at activists like you and me. They were clearly part of an attempt to intimidate peace and solidarity activists throughout the country.  Groups such as the School of the Americas Watch and Food Not Bombs have been infiltrated and investigated in the past.

We need to stand up and speak up against this kind of repressive use of power.  The Peoria Area Peace Network will have a protest gathering this Friday, Oct. 1, beginning at 4:30 p.m. outside the Federal Building at the corner of Main and Monroe Streets in downtown Peoria. Please join us for about an hour of witness to our belief that the First Amendment still protects everyone's right to speak their opinions.  There will be some signs, but please bring your own if you like.  Petitions will be available for signing.

Please share this message with anyone you think would be interested.