four years

Four years ago today this travesty in Iraq began on Bush's orders. We still lack the answers to exactly why our soldiers are dying there.

This isn't a partisan issue -- our leaders have failed us. Our president and the former Republican majority failed us by rushing us into a war of distraction without the right information or intelligence and without properly preparing our troops. The former Democratic minority failed us by voting in favor of this mess and allowing the Republicans to railroad this agenda through Congress.

But the new Democratic majority is trying to make up for that. And you can be a part of the new majority: if not the majority party, then at least the overwhelming number of Americans that are ready to see the war come to a close.

It has come to our attention that the following protest events are scheduled today in the Metroplex:

Activists will have more opportunities to practice their rights on Monday, March 19, the unfortunate fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. That day, the Dallas Peace Center will host the “Oil for Blood Drive,” where donors will receive a quart of oil for donating.

Demonstrators will again meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Mockingbird DART rail stationat 4:30 p.m. From there, the group will march westbound on Mockingbird to the La Madeleine next to SMU, stopping periodically to engage drivers. This strip mall, located at the corner of Mockingbird and Airline Road, is part of the proposed site for the future Bush library, policy institute and museum.

Following the demonstration, participants will head to Potomac Park, located directly behind the strip mall. Musicians, poets and speakers will perform at an open mic block party, including Bill McDannell, a VIETNAM VET and former pastor of the UMC who is walking from California to D.C. for peace. Tables will be set up for artisans and activists to present their wares. For more information, please visit DallasRally.com.

There will also be a candlelight vigil in Denton to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq on Monday, March 19. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Denton Courthouse Square.

If you can attend these events, please do. It's time to step up and demand a change.

Four years is long enough.