How many of us could do this? Renewing The Imperative Boycott

http://zennobia.blogspot.com/2006/03/renewing-imperative-boycott.html

Monday, March 20, 2006

Renewing The Imperative Boycott
Third Anniversary Commemoration
By Wafaa' Al-Natheema


In this Third Anniversary of the war on IRAQ, I renew my boycott of American companies and goods, which I have not ceased since March 19, 2003. When I wrote my boycott statement below, I neither knew that I would last that long nor did I think the war will continue for three vicious years! On March 19, 2003, I sent an email to all the hospitals, law firms and businesses that I worked for as a translator telling them that I shall not work for them or any American company for as long as the USA is at war with IRAQ. A couple of them called me few months later for a job, but I refused and stated my reasons again. On that first day of the war, I also recorded an outgoing message at my business and home phones informing every caller about my ceasing of work at and affiliation with American companies for as long as the USA is in IRAQ! I kept the phone outgoing message for two months.

I had hoped that my income would come from working with non-American companies and organizations outside of the USA, but I earned nothing for three years. I had to sell my own condominium in 2003 and live off the savings. In another attempt to earn money, I published my poetry book in 2004, but I sold very few, not enough to pay any bill! Regardless, I will try my very best not to give up or even partially compromise this boycott. This is one of the few things I am proud of doing since the 2003 war began. Watching the crimes take place hourly in IRAQ without being able to do anything has been torturous for me. I would have felt oceanic guilt and sank in a deeper depression had I not boycotted American companies and goods! The boycott has maintained my self-esteem.

My attire is still Arabic and Indian and the perfumes I use are still made by companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The food I eat and shopping I do have never changed since March 19, 2003.

Below is the statement I wrote and emailed to people in five continents. I hope you help forward it to more people in commemoration of the WAR’s third anniversary. More importantly, I hope that you boycott American/western companies and products. I include with this boycott renewal a poem I wrote and dedicated to women worldwide, which can be accessed at http://zennobia.blogspot.com/2006/03/from-zero-dedicated-to-women.html