| Tuesday, October 18, 2016
#PeaceisPossible!
Between now and November 8th, the Nation will be caught up in a frenzy of debates, campaign ads and political commentary. Raising the visibility of veterans working for peace is more important than ever. In what has become a polarizing global climate, Veterans For Peace has a unique opportunity to highlight that #PeaceIsPossible. We can and MUST use every venue to share our experiences and help people understand that war is not the answer.
Every week, from now until the election, Veterans For Peace will release a list of questions for the presidential candidates, and we want YOUR help
Our focus this week:
Take the Peace Pledge!
This election cycle, with its abysmal political dialogue, is overwhelming. We know that our work continues, regardless of the political outcome. The world and indeed our planet are facing a deep and challenging emergency, with perpetual wars, 65 million refugees of war and violence, the growing climate crisis, economic inequality and continuing social and racial injustice.
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VFP Tabling at Bonnie Raitt Concert!
 Robin Perry and Diane Rejman had a successful time tabling at the Bonnie Raitt concert at the Celebrity Theatre Friday night. They were able to set up right inside the entrance, in the bar area. There were many screens setup throughout the area and the VFP logo was regularly rotated through the slides for the entire time.
“We had a lot of traffic - more than I've experienced at other tabling events. We both had some good conversations with many people. Lots of people interested in our organization!” -Diane Rejman
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Show a screening of Okinawa: The Afterburn
Click picture to watch a preview
Okinawa: The Afterburn is the first documentary to provide a comprehensive picture of the 1945 Battle of Okinawa and the ensuing 70-year occupation of the island by the US military.
Click here to read a review from the Japan Times!
If interested in scheduling a screening contact: John jtj@rf7.so-net.ne.jp or see if one is screening near you!
The 5th Maine Peace Walk is happening Now!
The organizing team is made up of individuals who are dedicated to creating a more peaceful, sustainable and just world. We come together out of deep concern about the many different wars being waged on Mother Earth, ranging from over-fishing, deforestation, and human-caused extinctions, to climate disruption and endless war.
Check out the video from the begnning of their journey!
To follow along their journey, check the Facebook Page!
Have you started thinking about what you're doing for Armistice Day?
Veterans For Peace is calling on all our members to, once again, take a stand for peace this Armistice Day. This year, with a political arena fueled by hate and fear, it is as urgent as ever to ring the bells for peace.
We call for the observance of Veterans Day to be in keeping with the holiday’s original intent, to be “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’." After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to re-brand November 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day was flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.
If you need tabling materials or VFP promo items for Armistice Day, please e-mail casey@veteransforpeace.org! No matter what action you decide to take, please let us know so we can promote the work that you're doing.
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| In This Issue:
Solidarity With Standing Rock!
 Veterans For Peace has an ongoing presence at Standing Rock to stand in solidarity with the people who oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline, also known as the Black Snake. Last week, two members, Tarak Kauff and Matthew Hoh were arrested at Standing Rock. Click to read more!
Many members will be traveling to the camp in the upcoming weeks. VFP's presence is important but also critical that we follow the guidelines set out by the indigenous activism already taking place.
If you are planning on traveling to Standing Rock, please contact the new Standing Rock VFP Committee:
Brian Trautman: trautman@veteransforpeace
Tom Palumbo: tpeacenik@gmail.com
Tarak Kauff: takauff@gmail.com
Michael Sullivan: mjs12285@gmail.com
Martin Bates: learn7peace@yahoo.com
Veterans For Peace stands in solidarity with the historic resistance at the Camp of the Sacred Stones in North Dakota. We join our Indigenous sisters and brothers in opposing the construction of an oil pipeline by the Dakota Access company that threatens drinking water and sacred burial grounds. <Full Statement Here>
Veterans For Peace at SOAW Border Convergence!
The four-day gathering comprised a broad-spectrum program that brought together labor, faith-based, political, and social justice organizations. The event was held on both sides of the border. On Saturday morning, VFP led a march of over 700 participants to the border. During the Saturday rally, Michael McPhearson, VFP executive director, spoke on the U.S-side of the border, and Hector Barajas, deported veteran and coordinator of the VFP Tijuana Chapter, spoke on the Mexico side. Following the rally, VFP led a workshop on deported veterans on the Mexico side of the border.
New Peace in Our TImes Now Available!
- Extensive coverage of the Resistance at Standing Rock and the VFP Delegation to Okinawa
- Colin Kaepernick and the National Anthem by Jon Schwartz
- U.S. Military Attempts at Greenwash by Ann Wright
- A Vision For Black Lives by The Movement for Black Lives
- Resistance in San Diego by Dave Patterson
- Koch Brothers Trying to Get Into Your Pants by Denny Riley
- Letter From Leonard Peltier
- Israel's War on Water by Sumaya Awad
- Interview with Illan Pappe by Alexander Rios
- The Worst Human Being Alive by David Swanson
- Veterans Challenge Islamophobia by Nate Terani
Veterans Challenging Islamophobia: Voter Registration!
Three different chapters partnered with neighboring mosques to host a voter registration drive. This effort was begun by the Albany Chapter and as part of the ongoing Veterans Challenge Islamophobia. News sources (Reuters, CNN) have reported that Muslims nationwide are working to register 1 million new voters for the Presidential elections awakened by the anti-Muslim rhetoric in this election cycle.
All three chapters: Albany, Central New York and Los Angeles have reported amazing successes and opportunities for deeper relationships.
“Bridges were built and friendships were made and a greater sense of understanding and wellbeing were achieved, the results of people working together cooperatively to improve their lives.” -Albany Chapter
Oct 11-26 - 2016 Maine Peace Walk - Stop the War$ on Mother Earth in various cities in Maine
Oct-Nov - Medea Benjamin Book Tour Schedule: Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the US-Saudi Connection
Nov 11 - Armistice Day in your city
March 11 - Half Day VFP Retreat in Nashville: contact Joey King: jbkranger@aol.com
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