Rep. John Lewis withdrew from co-sponsorship of House Concurrent Resolution 362
Yesterday--Monday--Rep. John Lewis withdrew from co-sponsorship of House Concurrent Resolution 362 which calls on the president to impose a blockade on Iran, an action internationally considered an act of war.  Many of us in Georgia and peace lobbyists in Washington have been urging him since July to withdraw his sponsorship--and now see the impact of our hundreds of calls, emails and letters.  Last Wednesday, Lewis met personally here in Atlanta with three separate delegations--from the Jewish community, Veterans, and Grandmothers for Peace.  At the beginning of the Grandmothers visit, Lewis stated that he had decided to withdraw.   
 
PLEASE EMAIL OR PHONE YOUR PERSONAL THANK YOU FOR THIS WITHDRAWAL.  Although we strongly disagreed with his original sponsorship, we need to communicate thanks to him and acknowledge our recognition that withdrawal is a big deal--rarely done.  Lewis stated during our visit that, while signing onto legislation can be done with an email, withdrawal must be done on the House floor.
 
In addition to any other communications, please include staffers we have had much communication with:
Jamela Thompson, foreign affairs staffer in Washington who received many calls: 202-225-3801;  jamila.thompson@mail.house.gov  
 
Tharon Johnson, District Director in Atlanta, who was in the meetings last Wed.: 404-659-0116 Tharon.Johnson@gmail.house.gov
 
I am forwarding the email informing us of Lewis' action from Jim Fine, who works on Iraq/Iran issues for the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington.  Jim gives the Thomas link for co-sponsors AND the withdrawns at the bottom: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HC00362:@@@P) .  He also points out the work ahead: eight more representatives have co-sponsored at the same time as we have understand that the movement to a vote has been slowed down. 
 
Activists in Rep. Hank Johnson's district are planning more coordinated action urging Johnson to also withdraw.  If you are one of Johnson's constituents and can join this effort, contact Barbara Sherman bsherman@mindspring.com, Anne Hughes annebuddy@bellsouth.net, or Mike Burke burbros2@yahoo.com.
 
For justice and peace,

Ann Mauney

Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition/Atlanta