January 20th, 2005: International day of fasting and prayer for peace and democracy

We, the signers of this petition, pledge to do our part in the following nonviolent action:

This idea was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, whose work in the form of nonviolent resistance helped to free India from one of the most powerful forces of that time, the British Empire.

On January 20th, 2005, Mr. Bush will take the office of the President of the United States for the 2nd time. Many people question the legitimacy of his presidency after he won two terms in close elections fraught with intentional voter suppression on the part of members of the Republican party.

In his first term, Mr. Bush endangered the United States and the world with his unnecessary aggression, his prideful stubbornness, and his refusal to practice the art of diplomacy while neglecting to hear the will of American citizens as well as the international community.

It is time for the people of the United States and our friends in the international community to pray for peace and democracy. Therefore, please join in this action of nonviolent resistance.

On January 20th, join in a day of prayer and fasting for peace and democracy.

Do not go to work. Call in sick, take a vacation day, or find another way to avoid work on that day. If you are a union member, ask your union to call a one day strike. If you are a business owner, close your business for the day and give your employees a holiday.

Do not spend money. If you are American or live in a country that has participated in the war in Iraq, don't spend any money on that day. The corporate economy that has supported this war needs to get a message. If you are from a country that has not participated in the war, do not buy American or other imported goods on that day, but only those made in your own country.

Gather in groups to pray and to fast for peace and democracy. You can participate in this no matter what religion you belong to, or even if you are an agnostic or an atheist. If you do not pray, spend time visualizing the positive, peaceful outcome you would like the world to achieve.

Together, our positive thoughts can help to heal the world and our acts of non-cooperation with the corporate power structure will put them on notice that we will not accept their war and their suppression of democracy.

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall - think of it, ALWAYS."
--Mohandes K. Gandhi