[haw-info] call-in day to members of Congress this Wednesday, Sept. 30, against funds for war in Afghanistan

The following message is sent on behalf of legislative coordinator Carolyn (Rusti) Eisenberg and other members of the Steering Committee of Historians Against the War.

 

 

National Call-in Day:  No Timeline! No Exit Strategy! Stop the Funding!

Wednesday September 30

 

Congress Should Vote "No" on 2010 Military Budget! To reach the Washington Switchboard: 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121

 

Congress is steps away from passing a $625.8 billion 2010 Military Budget, including $128.2 billion to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq through September 2010. 

 

So far the White House has offered no timetable and no "exit strategy" for Afghanistan. Instead General McChrystal and other military leaders are pressing for the addition of tens of thousands of new American troops and a commitment to remain in Afghanistan for years to come. 

 

All too evident is the original meaning of "a quagmire"—when every step taken to escalate a war makes it more difficult to leave. At this critical moment, constituents need to send a powerful message to their members of Congress that this dangerous course must be stopped. Our government should adopt an exit strategy from Afghanistan based on all-party talks, regional diplomacy, unconditional humanitarian aid and timelines for the near-term withdrawal of American and NATO combat troops. Congress must stop writing "blank-checks" for continued warfare! 

 

United for Peace and Justice, CODEPINK, Peace Action, Progressive Democrats for America, Just Foreign Policy, AfterDowningStreet and Voters for Peace (list still in formation) believe that a public outcry is vitally important now, when the Generals are pressuring the President and Congress to escalate a costly, humanly destructive and ultimately un-winnable war.

 

***On September 30 join the National Call-in Day and tell your Senators and Congressional Representatives to vote against the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill. When making this call, tell them to stand firmly against escalation and to co-sponsor Congressman James McGovern's H.R. 2404 that would require President Obama to provide an "exit plan" from Afghanistan. For list of co-sponsors:

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2404/show

 

Growing numbers of Senators and Congressional Representatives have expressed concerns over US policy in Afghanistan. It is hypocritical to publicly raise so many questions, while funding the Pentagon for another year of war.

 

Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

Forward this message widely.

 

Sign "Afghanistan-A Petition to Take Action Against the War http://gopetition.com/online/30533/sign.html

 

For October days of protest:  http://www.unitedforpeace.org/