The protesters are specifically seeking Carnahan to vote against the $93 billion supplemental funding bill that President Bush submitted for Congressional approval on Monday (2/5/07). They are appalled by Bush's disregard for the welfare of US troop in escalating the war Iraq while also making ominous threats against neighboring Iran. From IOW: “The St. Louis Occupation Project began on Tuesday, February 6, with a morning press conference, an afternoon rush hour rally, and a 14-hour visit to Rep. Russ Carnahan's office by the five women of the CTSA Affinity Group. The day included several hours of discussions between the affinity group and the Carnahan office, including a one hour conversation with Representative Carnahan by phone. During those discussions, Rep. Carnahan stated his opposition to Bush's escalation plan and the funding for it, and he said he favors an 'orderly, safe and prompt' phase-out of American troops. However, he has so far refused to make a public commitment to vote against any further Iraq war funding.”

From their press release: “The presence in Rep. Carnahan’s office is the initial action of local peace groups participating in the national Occupation Project, an eight-week project which is based on a simple message to Members of Congress, 'Until you make a public commitment to vote against any further war funding, we will occupy your offices.' Local war opponents plan to return to the local offices of area Members of Congress over and over again, seeking the only action by Congress that can put a speedy end to the war, chaos, and death that have plagued Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003.”

Similar demonstrations or sit-ins have occurred this week nation-wide, with more planned or currently underway:

• Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) DC Offices

• Barrak Obama’s and Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) offices in Chicago (which resulted in 8 arrests)

• The San Francisco offices of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA)

• The Portland office of Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR). More actions are planned (or underway)

• Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Seattle, WA

• Rep. Mike Honda in South Bay, CA (by Raging Grannies!)

• De Moines, IA

• Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

…and more coming.

Media:

Quicktime videos of sit-in at Carnahan's Office: 1, 2

Occupation Project 2/8/07 Press Release

Occupation Project Flyer

St. Louis Instead of War Coalition page

Veterans for Peace

Democracy Now! coverage

Common Dreams coverage

Get Involved:

Occupation Project St. Louis

Affinity Group Formation and Training, 2/10/07

Occupation Project (national)

Occupation Project St. Louis Calendar