From Senator Boxer,

Recently, over 100,000 people marched past the White House in one of the single largest demonstrations for peace in the history of the Iraq war.


It was an inspiring gathering -- one that makes clear that the American people will no longer stand for the Administration's hollow rhetoric that we must "stay the course."

I agree. Join me in demanding answers from President Bush, and a success strategy that will get our troops home -- sign my petition today!

It's time for a credible plan and timetable to bring American troops home. It's time for details about how Iraqi troops will take our place. And it's time to honor our soldiers the right way -- by giving them the equipment they need while they are deployed, and the health care they deserve when they come home.


During the week of October 17th, I will knock on the White House door to deliver our petition calling on President Bush to level with the American people and provide an honest, credible success strategy for Iraq, with benchmarks to measure our progress and a target date for withdrawing our brave men and women in uniform.


Over 71,000 people have already signed that petition -- an amazing response. But I'm convinced we can do even better. And that's why I'm writing to you.

Sign my petition now. Add your name alongside thousands of other Americans who are demanding that George Bush give us the honest answers we deserve.

It couldn't be clearer that we need a new direction in Iraq. Within the past few weeks, we have received credible new reports from an American Army officer about the systematic abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan by U.S. troops. These reports are being taken seriously and investigated by top Senate leaders, including my respected Republican colleague and former POW John McCain.


One instance of abuse might reflect the actions of a lone soldier. But a pattern of abuse tells us that there has been an unimaginable failure of leadership by this Administration.


We can't afford to "stay the course" any longer. Our reputation as a force for good in the world depends upon it. We need a plan from this Administration that makes clear how the President intends to succeed in Iraq.

I will deliver my petition to the White House during the week of October 17th. I hope your name will be on it.


In Friendship,


Barbara Boxer