Speaking events planned for Col. Wilkerson in Ames, Des Moines and the Iowa City area

Des Moines--Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson (retired), former Chief of Staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, will speak in Ames, Des Moines, and the Iowa City area on October 21-23. His comments will address the excessive political influence of Pentagon contractors on US foreign policy.

"Iowans are increasingly aware of the dominating role of the weapons industry in the making of public policy as it relates to war and peace," said Kathleen McQuillen of AFSC. "Unfortunately the candidates are not speaking about this so we are delighted to have Col. Wilkerson, who has been so deeply involved in these issues, shed light on this anti-democratic practice."

Currently a professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary, Colonel Wilkerson is an expert in foreign policy and national security affairs. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is sponsoring the speaking tour as part of AFSC's Governing Under the Influence campaign.

Colonel Wilkerson's schedule includes:
Wednesday, October 21; 8:00 pm
Iowa State University Memorial Union Sun Room
This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa State Lectures Committee

Thursday, October 22; 7:00 pm
Drake University, Olin Hall Rm 101
This event is co-sponsored by Principal Financial Center for Global Citizenship

Friday, October 23; 7:00 pm
Iowa City area (details TBA)
Co-sponsors include Veterans for Peace, PEACE Iowa

Wilkerson's speaking tour complements AFSC's "Governing Under the Influence" project, which calls attention to the excessive political weight of corporations investing millions of dollars in lobbyists, campaign donations, and advertising to secure lucrative government contracts and policies. As a part of the project, residents in Iowa and New Hampshire are trained to engage presidential candidates in direct dialogue on the corporate influence behind militarism and incarceration. For more information, see http://gui.afsc.org.

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization dedicated to social justice and peace.

What:  No War in Syria Candlelight Peace Vigil

When:  Wednesday, September 4; 8:00 pm

Where:  Cowles Commons - Peace Garden, 3rd and Walnut, Des Moines

Who:  Central Iowa Peace Communities and Allies

Des Moines - While President Obama is calling on the US Congress to support a US attack on Syria, people in central Iowa gather tonight to call on the Iowa congressional delegation to oppose such a war.

"War itself is the enemy," said Bob Brammer with the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace. According to Brammer, the US must work with the international communities to resolve the current crisis.

The candlelight vigil includes will comments from the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace, the American Friends Service Committee, Veterans for Peace, and Womens International League for Peace and Freedom. Music will be led by Ann Naffier.

An action table will be available for people to send messages to their congressional offices and to commit to a follow-up action.

Sponsors include : Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace, American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Peace Ministry, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and Veterans for Peace.