Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq has resulted in 3000 US Deaths according to the American Friends Service Committee's email issued earlier today. They are getting their information from the Iraq Coalition Casualties' site. The announcement comes on New Year's Eve as people prepare to ring in the New Year: sombre indeed. Yet most are unaware -- away from their email -- and certainly you won't be hearing the news announced any time soon. Got to get people out there to spend money!

I've spent money tonight. I've donated money at the Fellowship of Reconciliation site: www.FORUSA.org and also at the American Friends Service Committee site: www.AFSC.org. And yes, I'm joining some friends -- but I am wearing a black armband with a peace dove on it. I'm not in the mood to celebrate, but I need to be with friends, and together, maybe we will create some semblance of peace tonight and plan for a better -- read more peaceful -- 2007.

Monday there will be some commemorative events with more on Tuesday. Look for one in YOUR neighborhood -- or announce one you create in your own neighborhood -- at the Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar, Wage Peace site that AFSC has put up: www.afsc.org/3000/. Here in NYC there is one at Grand Army Plaza Tuesday evening sponsored by Brooklyn Parents for Peace, another at Union Square, south side, 6:30 pm Tuesday, and a third at 5:30 to 7:30 under the Washington Square Arch Tuesday evening. Others have been announced. Please commemorate the passing of the 3000 -- and so many more Iraqis -- by doing something for peace and justice over the next few days.

Thank you -- and a happy more peaceful New Year to you and yours.

Peace hugs,
Kate Anne