TEXANS CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS CHALLENGED TO VISIT IRAQ

Texans for Peace Invites Congressional Members to Gain First-Hand Knowledge of Iraq

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 11, 2003

Contact: Charlie Jackson
Tel:    (210) 492-8915 (o)
(512) 573-8627 (m)
charliej@texansforpeace.org

TEXANS CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS CHALLENGED TO VISIT IRAQ
Texans for Peace Invites Congressional Members to Gain First-Hand Knowledge of Iraq

AUSTIN, Texas - Members of the Texas congress have been invited by Texans For Peace on a 5-day trip to Iraq to experience in-person the personal relevance and human impact of their knowledge and decisions concerning the proposed war on Iraq. This will be announced during a press conference at the AFL-CIO Texas Headquarters on Monday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m.

The invited congressional delegation of 32 members will spend two full days meeting elected officials, families and business owners in Baghdad. Members of parliament from Ireland, the European Union and other countries have also taken the time to visit Iraq during these times of tension. The invitation, issued today by Charlie Jackson, San Antonio activist and founder of Texans For Peace, proposed that the delegation leave Texas on February 20, during the congressional recess, and return to Washington on February 26.

"Having walked the land, I was very surprised to learn that many of the assumptions and stereotypes that I had about Iraq turned out to be untrue," said Jackson. I was particularly impressed at the modernity of the country, individuals commitments to religious and social freedoms and my ability to travel and talk with the Iraqi people with little hindrance."
Jackson recently returned from a month-long trip to Iraq where he was injured in an automobile accident and was treated at Baghdads Red Crescent Surgical hospital.

The invitations primary purpose is to meet with doctors and patients; teachers and students; families and their children; and elected officials. In issuing the invitation to each congressperson, Texans for Peace states that this will not be a diplomatic trip but instead conducted under civilian
auspices.

I pledge the same regard for my congresspersons safety as I would have for my own son, Jay, who may also be accompanying us on this trip," said Jackson. Since I expect to discover more when experiencing Iraq through the eyes of my son, I encourage the delegation to bring their spouses or a family member along on this trip." Moreover, this trip will help congresspersons learn about Iraq so that they can make more informed decisions on behalf of Texans and the nation.

The press conference, being held at the AFL-CIO headquarters at 1106 Lavaca St., starts at 10:00 a.m. Please do not park in the AFL-CIO lot. CharlieJackson will be available to answer questions about his recent experience in Iraq after announcing the invitation. For more information, call
512/573-8627 or visit www.texansforpeace.org.

About Texans For Peace Texans for Peace is a not-for-profit organization for Texans who believe in peace, and peace in Texas. Charlie Jackson originally conceived it in 1993 after he returned from a peace mission to Bosnia. For more information, visit www.texansforpeace.org.

Contact:

Charlie Jackson                                                    Wilson Tan
(210) 492-8915 (Office)                                            (512) 577-8833
(512) 573-8627 (Mobile)            wilsontan@earthlink.net
charliej@texansforpeace.org

WHAT:    News Conference announcing proposed congressional delegation to Iraq

WHEN:    Monday February 10, 2002 - 10:00 am

WHERE:    AFL/CIO Texas Headquarters
      1106 Lavaca, Austin

WHO:       Charlie Jackson, founder -- Texans for Peace