JAMES von BOECKMANN
• To reduce U.S. casualties, Operation
Iron Hammer, launched in November, em-
ploys bombing raids, razor wire and check-
points encircling Iraqi villages, demolishing
houses where resistance activity is suspected,
and imprisoning relatives of suspected fight-
ers. But according to U.S. Lt. Col. Sassoman,
Iraq, “With a heavy dose of fear and violence
and a lot of money for projects, I think we can
convince these people that we are here to help
them” (New York Times).
• On the West Bank, International
Solidarity Movement volunteers are cur-
rently picking large rocks out of a field near
Jenin, accompanying Palestinian farmers
who could not plow their land near an Israeli
settlement for three years because Israeli sol-
diers were shooting at them.
• Nonviolent Peaceforce, founded in
1999, is training an international corps of
civilian peacekeepers “to prevent death and
destruction in conflict areas, creating safe
space for local groups to struggle nonvio-
lently and seek peaceful resolutions.” In
November the first peacekeepers reached Sri
Lanka, the pilot site, where they will live and
work for two years. The Peaceforce has is-
sued 100,000 Peace Bonds, earth-friendly
gifts for $10 each. In 2010, when they ma-
ture, investors will have a strong Peaceforce
(www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org).
— Kate Rogers Gessert
MOTHER KALI’S
STAYING AFLOAT
Like many small, independent book-
stores, Mother Kali’s has met with some fi-
nancial troubles recently and is struggling to
stay afloat. But the community has stepped
up to lend its support.
A recent fund-raising dinner at the
Keystone Café garnered the tome mart a
sweet $1,300. Next, a “generous benefactor”
came forth to offer rent help for the next two
months.
“Both of these developments will give us
time to explore options for the future of the
store,” says Mother Kali’s Tracy Scharn.
Scharn hopes that storewide discounts in
December and the textbook rush of January
will place the shop in good stead. An art show
fund-raiser at the store from 1 to 6 pm
Saturday, Dec. 20 will celebrate Solstice and
also support the store.
Scharn and the rest of Mother Kali’s staff
say they are grateful to the individuals and
businesses, including Sweet Life Patisserie,
Cascade Candle Company, Rhythm and
Blooms, the Village School, Aramark, and
Keystone Café for the encouragement.
“At a time when independent bookstores
are struggling to compete against large
chains, it is wonderful to see the community
come out to support Eugene’s feminist inde-
pendent bookstore,” says Scharn. — AS
EARLY DEADLINES
Both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall
on Thursdays this year, so EW will be printed
early and distributed on the last two
Wednesdays of the year. The deadline was
Dec. 17 for the Dec. 24 issue, and noon
Wednesday, Dec. 24 for the Dec. 31
issue. The early deadlines apply to both ad
reservations and Calendar/Club submissions.
Questions? Call 484-0519.
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DECEMBER 18, 2003 11