Ann Wright

Poet Ann Wright will read from and discuss her book, QUEST FOR FAITH and her new book, THE MAN: A POET’S VISION OF JESUS.

Ann Wright, one of three State Department officials who resigned in 2003 to protest the Iraq invasion and, since then, one of the peace movement’s most powerful voices, will will be addressing the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan in commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. ... (more)Join us for the program at 7pm, followed by Ann signing copies of her book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience Government Insiders Speak Out Against the War in Iraq. This event is co-sponsored by the First Iconium Social Justice Forum, Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition,
Atlanta Grandmothers for Peace, and Veterans for Peace Atlanta Chapter 125.

Ann Wright, one of three State Department officials who resigned in 2003 to protest the Iraq invasion and, since then, one of the peace movement’s most powerful voices, will will be addressing the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan in commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. ... (more)Join us for the program at 7pm, followed by Ann signing copies of her book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience Government Insiders Speak Out Against the War in Iraq. This event is co-sponsored by the First Iconium Social Justice Forum, Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition,
Atlanta Grandmothers for Peace, and Veterans for Peace Atlanta Chapter 125.

During the run-up to war in Iraq, Army Colonel (Ret.) and diplomat Ann Wright resigned her State Department post. She was one among dozens of government insiders and active-duty military personnel who leaked documents, spoke out, resigned, or refused to deploy in protest of government actions they felt ... (more)were illegal. In Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Ann Wright and Susan Dixon tell the stories of these men and women, who risked careers, reputations, and even freedom out of loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.

On March 19, 2003, the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Ann Wright cabled her letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell, stating that without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the invasion and occupation of a Muslim, Arab, oil rich country would be a disaster. Since then, she has been writing and speaking out for peace. She fasted for a month, picketed at Guantánamo, and has been arrested numerous times for peaceful, nonviolent protest of the Bush administration's policies, particularly the war on Iraq.

Ann Wright grew up in Arkansas, and attended the University of
Arkansas, where she received a master's and a law degree. She also has a master's degree in national security affairs from the U.S. Naval War College. After college, she spent 29 years in the U.S. Army and in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. In 1987, Col. Wright joined the Foreign Service and served for 16 years as U.S. Deputy Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Afghanistan, and Mongolia. She lives in Honolulu.

Dissent: Voices of Conscience profiles government officials whose loyalty to the Constitution and the American people ultimately transcended partisan politics. With careers, reputations, and personal safety on the line, they spoke out against the administration's misdeeds and cover-ups: Craig ... (more)Murray, who leaked documents revealing horrific human rights abuses by coalition ally Uzbekistan; John Brady Kiesling and other ambassadors who resigned in the run-up to war; Bunnatine Greenhouse, who blew the lid off a massive government contracting scandal; military officials like General Eric Shinseki; and many others who demonstrated the courage of their convictions. From desk jockeys to high-ranking diplomats, these patriotic men and women share one common trait: a willingness to stand up and speak truth to power. By exposing policies and actions that run counter to the best interests of the nation and its people, they elucidate why dissent is crucial to a thriving democracy.

Meet Ann Wright!

During the run-up to the Iraq War, Col. Ann Wright wrestled with her conscience. She was deputy ambassador to a Central Asian Republic, culminating 29 years of military service, including 20 as a State Department diplomat, but for the first time she was unable to uphold a US policy. She saw clearly that ... (more)the invasion would aid terrorism and make us less secure; and as an act of conscience, she submitted her resignation to Secretary of State Powell.

Join us for a reading and signing of Colonel (Ret.) Ann Wright's book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience: Government Insiders Speak Out Against the War in Iraq.