SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 20, 2006 – Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats (BAIAD) announced today that it is organizing a peaceful rally in opposition to military strikes against Iran.  Taking advantage of President Bush and Governor Schwarzenegger’s joint visit to Cisco Systems, this rally will be held on Friday, April 21 in front of Cisco Systems’ campus at 170 W. Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134, from 1:00 to 4:00pm (check www.baiad.org for possible last minute changes to the exact location and time).

“It’s a disappointment that the “mushroom clouds” we need to worry about in 2006 may be created by our own Air Force, after all,” said BAIAD President Mehrdad Moayedzadeh.  He added: “On Friday, we will be there not as Democrats, Republicans or independents.  Neither will we be there as Iranian Americans.  We will rally simply as Americans who believe that the idea of military strikes against Iran is a terrible one on so many levels.”

Even though BAIAD is one of over a dozen organizations sponsoring this rally, it intends to sharply focus its message on Friday on “the need to intervene before the idea of bombing Iran gains momentum.”  “The best time to speak out is now,” said Moayedzadeh.  “Remember the massive demonstrations during the last few months before the invasion of Iraq?  If they had happened about 6 months earlier, it would have been more than conceivable that Congress would have never authorized use of force against Iraq.”

The rally will be held on Friday, April 21 in front of Cisco Systems’ campus at 170 W. Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134, from 1:00 to 4:00pm.  For additional information and possible last minute changes to the exact location and time visit: www.baiad.org

About Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats – BAIAD

BAIAD is a grassroots political organization that stands for protecting the rights and interests of Iranian Americans by empowering the Iranian-American political voice.  BAIAD seeks to promote progressive values such as social justice, responsibility and fairness through education, political participation, public and political advocacy, and grassroots activism.

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BAIAD is a chartered Democratic Club and has been recognized by the Santa Clara County and Alameda County Democratic Central Committees.

Contact: Mehdi Safipour, info@baiad.org

... Payvand News - 4/20/06 ... --