Join a Nat’l Conference Call on Syria w/ Phyllis Bennis – Mon., 11/16
End War & Occupations Conference Call
Call Date: Monday, November 16th, 2015
Call Time: 6:00 PM PT, 7:00 PM MT, 8:00 PM CT, 9:00 PM ET
Conference Call Number: (605) 562-3140
Access Code: 952870#
Backup Dial-in Numbers: (951) 262-7373 or (805) 360-1075
Click here for more on tonight’s important conference call.
Read our statement on the recent attacks and global violence:
United for Peace and Justice shares with people around the world a deep sorrow over the recent attacks in Paris, along with the civilian deaths on the downed Russian airplane and in Beirut.
The massive news coverage of Paris brings home to everyone the humanity of these particular victims and the tragedy of innocent lives upended or destroyed. Yet in mourning the deaths in France, we cannot the ignore the reality of fourteen years in which millions of civilians in the Middle East and elsewhere have endured shattering losses, as the harsh and irresponsible American “war on terror” exacts its fearful price.
We recognize there are no simple, easy solutions to the challenge of ISIS and other terrorist formations. But we have had ample opportunity to observe the personal tragedies which ensue when a horrific international crime is transformed into the occasion for war. Bombing the Syrian city of Raqqa may be cathartic for some, but there are innocent people living there, whose lives are as precious as those of Paris or New York. We do not believe that accelerated air-strikes, increased weapons deliveries or expanded “boots on the ground” are a practical or moral answer to the danger of international terrorist plots.
United for Peace and Justice was formed in 2002, in an effort to deter a catastrophic war in Iraq. The emergence of ISIS is dramatic testament to the folly of that governmental decision. The intervening years of suffering and violence have confirmed the necessity for a mobilized, vocal peace movement. We remain determined to oppose US militarism in all its manifestations, to support inclusive diplomacy and to urge a massive redirection of resources to aid the millions of men, women and children rendered homeless by the proliferating wars.
–Coordinating Committee of United for Peace and Justice
Although it has evaded the issue for almost a year, Congress recently voted on H Res Con.55, introduced by Congressional Reps Jim McGovern, Barbara Lee and Walter Jones. This resolution was designed to force a Congressional decision on the war against ISIS. And most importantly it would bring all US troops home in the absence of a decision.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/
On Wednesday June 17. Congress voted against H. Res. Con. 55. The resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 139 – 288, 1 Present (Roll no. 370).
United for Peace and Justice supported this resolution because we believe that Congress has the responsibility to make decisions on issues of war and peace. We asked activists like yourself to call Congress and tell them to support the resolution.
We believe members of Congress should vote against US military intervention against ISIS — whether this involves ground troops or the use of air power.
Please Call your Representative and say, “Do your job; vote against endless war.” You can reach your Representative via the Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121 (to confirm who your Representative is, click here). Ask the operator to put you through to your Representative, and then tell the person who takes your call that you want your member to know that you do not believe that accelerated air-strikes, increased weapons deliveries or expanded “boots on the ground” are a practical or moral answer to the danger of international terrorist plots or solving the ground situation or humanitarian crisis in Syria.
All we are saying, is give peace a chance! If you appreciate receiving timely action alerts like this, please make a donation to UFPJ so that we can continue to keep our member groups and dedicated activists linked together for effective action and impact!!
How about a march 10/9/15 form the UN on 1st & 42 st up 1st ave t& across 72nd st to Strawberry Fields in Central park on John Lennon’s 75th birthday (and Sean Lennon’s 40th birthday- the age when John was shot). There are more war’s now than then. Does Peace still Have a Chance?