From Texas to Iraq: Texas Peace Groups Continue Fight Against War Over There"

As the War in Iraq drags into its third year, peace activists in Texas continue work to end the war and bring troops back home ... by going directly to war zone.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 14, 2005 --- As the War in Iraq drags into its third year, peace activists in Texas continue work to end the war and bring troops back home ... taking their message to Baghdad.

Charlie Jackson, of Austin, will represent Texas peace groups as he travels to Iraq this week as a member of a Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) delegation to this country where he will join up with the peace team that has kept a continuous presence in that country since before the current war began in March 2003.

This is Mr. Jacksons third trip to Iraq. He last visited there in November-December, 2003 and reported on the worsening conditions -- economic and political - in that country. During the current 2-week delegation, he will travel throughout the Baghdad area and participate in activities that demonstrate the effectiveness of peacemaking during wartime.

Jackson, founder of Texans for Peace, has been an outspoken critic of the invasion of Iraq and the management of rebuilding efforts. During his last trip to Iraq, in 2003, Jackson was eating Thanksgiving dinner with Iraqi friends when President Bush arrived in Baghdad. Too bad it (the Presidents visit) was only a 'photo op and he didn't take the time to actually visit any of the country and meet the people here," Jackson reported in the Houston Chronicle. Charlie knows that dangers that he will experience, especially since the team will be resides and travels exclusively outside of the Green Zone" military areas. Although concerned about the personal safety of the delegation, he is committed to ending the war and showing the best of Texas spirit. We help provide a different view of America, one that is brave yet humble, determined but also thoughtful," says Jackson. He adds that because CPT has direct experience visiting with Iraqis, U.S. soldiers, government officials, and religious leaders, they can help provide a more truth-filled account of what is going on in Iraq and help Americans better understand the war.

About Texans for Peace
Texans for Peace is a statewide non-profit organization for Texans who believe in peace and social justice." Headquartered in Austin, Texans for Peace provides programs, education, and action on a wide range of issues while at the time working to strengthen peace and nonviolence throughout the state. Although the organization primarily focuses on local issues, Texans for Peace also represents the face of friendship" (the state motto of Texas) throughout the U.S. and the world. The organization is entirely staffed by volunteers and funded through donations from individuals. More information about Texans for Peace: http://www.texansforpeace.org and http://www.texansforpeace.org/endthewar

About Christian Peacemaker Teams
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is a Chicago-based peace organization that sends teams and delegations to war-torn areas such as Colombia and Israel/Palestine in addition to Iraq. With a slogan of Getting in the Way" these peacemakers actively contest the presumptions of war by providing encouragement for individuals and communities experiencing violence, challenging violations of human rights, and promoting active nonviolence as a means of settling disputes. http://www.cpt.org   

About Charlie Jackson
Charlie Jackson is a sixth-generation Texan, international technology consultant and entrepreneur. In his spare time he volunteers with a variety of social justice and peacemaking activities. He is active in the Austin and San Antonio hi-tech communities and has founded, and co-founded, multiple technology companies. Jackson is a graduate of the University of Texas with degrees in government and technology commercialization.

Media Contact:

Charlie Jackson
Texans for Peace
Phone 512.736.8385

or

Alyssa Burgin
Texans for Peace
Phone 210.381.4021

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