What does a path forward to divest the United States from its war economy look like? Can we, as a nation, break our addiction to militarism? These are just some of the questions leading experts from around the country tackle in Free Speech TV and Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s latest town hall, convened with and moderated by CODEPINK, a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.

The CODEPINK: Town Hall on Militarism premieres on the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day — Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 8 pm ET on Free Speech TV and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. 

Immediately following the premiere, at 9 pm ET, join CODEPINK, MNN, and FSTV for a LIVE Twitter chat to discuss the future of American militarism. Join the conversation using the hashtag #DivestfromWar and #Armistice100.

Hosted by Ariel Gold, CODEPINK National Co-Director, the CODEPINK: Town Hall on Militarism discusses the costs of militarism, weapons and war, and examines the effect and workings of the U.S. military industrial complex, before looking at what work is taking place in the U.S. and around the world to end militarism and build a more just and peaceful world. The lively conversation features panelists William Hartung, director of the Weapons and Securities Project at the Center for International Policy; Ciara Taylor, membership manager of The People’s Forum; Ann Wright, former U.S. Army Colonel and U.S. diplomat; and Angelo Pinto, senior attorney working with The Advancement Project’s Ending Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track and Justice Project.

“From 17 years of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan to the Saudi-led war on Yemen, and resulting humanitarian crisis so severe a child dies every 10 minutes from malnutrition, it is easy to become discouraged in these dark times,” said Ariel Gold, CODEPINK National Co-Director and host of the town hall. “But concerned citizens and around the world are continuing to speak out and act for a world that values human needs over the profits of war and weapons manufacturers. CODEPINK is honored to partner with Free Speech TV and the Manhattan Neighborhood Network to provide this important town hall that looks at the problems of militarism and the tireless, committed work being done to create a better world.”

Taped at the MNN’s 59th Street Studios in Manhattan before a live audience, CODEPINK: Town Hall on Militarism is a co-production of Free Speech TV and Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

The town hall will premiere on Sunday, November 11 at 8 pm ET on MNN-FSTV (Spectrum 1301 and FiOS 39 for Manhattan viewers or streaming live online worldwide at mnn.org) and on Free Speech TV (DISH 9415, DirecTV 348, Sling TV, or streaming and on-demand on Roku, Apple TV and freespeech.org). Immediately following the broadcast, the program will be available on-demand at Freespeech.org, and on FSTV’s apps on Roku and Apple TV.

“The increasing militarization of society and America’s massive and unaccountable defense spending are seldom discussed in mainstream media outlets,” said Ron Williams, Executive Director of Free Speech TV. “For years, CODEPINK has been one of the most effective and powerful voices sounding the alarm and we are honored to join them in this special Town Hall event.” 

“The 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day marks an important day of remembrance for all those who perished in the Great War and a salutary reminder for why voices for peace are so necessary and urgent at this time of endless war,” said MNN President and CEO Dan Coughlin. “MNN is pleased to be working with FSTV and CODEPINK to amplify these critical voices for peace whose message is now more important than ever.” 

Broadcasts are scheduled as follows:

• Sunday, November 11 – 8:00 pm ET
• Monday, November 12 – 4:00 pm ET
• Monday, November 12 – 9:00 pm ET
• Tuesday, November 13 – 8:00 pm ET
• Wednesday, November 14 – 4:00 pm ET
• Friday, November 16 – 3:00 am ET
• Friday, November 16 – 8:00 pm ET
• Saturday, November 17 – 8:00 pm ET
• Sunday, November 18 – 3:00 pm ET