WHAT: Pro-peace, pro-diplomacy, pro-America rally outside final presidential candidate debate
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Weds. Oct. 15
WHERE: Corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Uniondale Ave, Hempstead, NY
*Interviews available before event

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Forget talking points, scripted questions and winks. At today’s presidential debate at Hofstra University, the best, grittiest action will be outside.
Veterans, teachers, labor workers and other Americans with demands for the candidates — on ending the war and investing in health care and education — will gather there with banners, signs and chants to send the message to both Sen. Barack Obama and John McCain that they want a peace president!  They must stand for diplomacy and avoid war with Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iran — after spending $560 billion and losing 4,000 American lives on an unjust war in Iraq, we cannot afford another, especially in the midst of a catastrophic financial crisis.
To get the rally started, CODEPINK Women for Peace, the prominent peace activist group, Iraq Veterans Against War, United for Peace and Justice and others will meet at 4:30 p.m. at Hempstead Turnpike and Uniondale Ave. and walk west toward the university. They will continue the rally until 6:30 p.m.
The women and other activists will also gather Thursday, Oct. 16, outside the Waldorf-Astoria at 51st. St. and Park Ave. where Obama and McCain will be speaking at the Al Smith Dinner, a fundraiser for the Catholic Charities.
For more information, please call Jean Stevens at 508-769-2138.

CODEPINK, founded in 2002, is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into health care, education and other life-affirming activities. We reject the Bush administration’s fear-based politics that justify violence, and instead call for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence. Codepinkalert.org.