A txt/rtf/odt/doc version is needed, so that people from other communities can benefit from this great idea.

Dear Business Leader,

Though we have most likely never met face to face, we've maintained a relationship for some time now. As leaders in commerce, you have provided us with goods and services over the years that we otherwise might not have created on our own. In turn, we have supported you with our labor and customer dollars. While we may not always see eye to eye, if there's one thing we can agree on, as residents of Santa Cruz and citizens of this country, it's that the war in Iraq has been a colossal mistake, and the people who led us into it must be held accountable.

As you are probably aware, the list of grievances against the Bush Administration are considerable: An endless war on terror, hundreds of thousands dead in Iraq, torture, kidnapping, signing statements, domestic surveillance, detentions, deportations, civil rights & habeas corpus gone, stolen elections and the list goes on. For almost a decade now, we have lived under an administration that is taking us down the road to despotism.

For all these reasons, there has been a nationwide call for a general strike on the 6th anniversary of the horrendous attacks upon the World Trade Center - No work, no school, no shopping. No longer will we allow the tragedies of 911 to be used as a rallying point and symbolic justification for war. Instead, we are encouraging people to spend the day reflecting, mourning, and protesting what has happened to this nation in the wake of September 11th. We humbly ask that you consider participating by closing your doors for one day in solidarity.

We fully recognize that this request is not to be taken lightly. More than anyone, you stand to sacrifice the most; however, it is precisely because of your power and standing in the community that your participation has the potential to make this a watershed moment in American history. We also understand this presents you with a dilemma of epic proportions - you must weigh your everyday business needs with your sense of moral outrage and desire for justice. We only hope that for one day, the latter will take precedence.

By closing your doors on September 11th, not only will you will be taking a decisive stance against the disastrous Bush Administration but you will also have won our confidence. Your bravery will be remembered and we will continue to support you for years to come. Together, this can be our moment.

As the Bush Administration prepares to ratchet up the rhetoric against Iran this Fall, we ask you, if we do not speak out together now, when will we? As many before us have said, there comes a point when silence becomes betrayal. Let us not be silent on September 11th, the time to act is now. While we still can.

Respectfully, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.strike911.org

another strike flyer