AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Sunday, September 09, 2018

From Veterans For Peace- A Message from Executive Director, Michael McPhearson Veterans For Peace

Veterans For Peace<vfp@veteransforpeace.org>

9/7/2018 5:29 PM

Veterans For Peace is part of a growing international peace movement. Our work is more important than ever, and we are stronger because of you. And your support is vital. Can we count on you to join us by supporting our work with a donation?

We all know the horrendous impacts of recent U.S. wars on the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Palestine and throughout the Middle East. As well as U.S. military operations around the globe. Recently the President signed the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act - NDAA which sets spending and policy priorities for the Department of Defense. The appropriations process provides $717 billion to fund programs outlined in the NDAA including $24.1 billion for 13 new battle force ships and more submarines, $2.3 billion to purchase 20 F-35B jets, low yield nuclear weapons and much more. Even more concerning to me is an observation by Breaking Defense, an online Defense Magazine, “These are only the beginning of budgetary changes that reflect the shift in strategy from regional conflicts and counterinsurgency to great power conflicts.” Sounds like shades of WWI.

And to be clear, this is not about Trump, Republicans or Democrats. This NDAA reflects both parties’ addiction to War.

And while we work to build peace abroad, we also face huge challenges to build peace at home. Rising hate in all its forms, inadequate healthcare including privatization of veterans healthcare, low wage jobs, separation of families and the impact of climate change as seen by unprecedented fires sending smoke across the country. Social and economic pressures and the circus in Washington make it very difficult for people to pay attention to foreign policy. We must keep uncovering those connections as we build a full spectrum movement for peace and justice.

These moments can feel overwhelming and hopeless. However, I see what does not make the headlines. The hundreds of thousands of people who are speaking out and against the status quo. New people join those of us who’ve been in the streets for decades and it continues to be a moment that contains great opportunity towards building a new and better world, free from war-making and disastrous economic policy.

Your individual action and our organizational activity is how we create the change we need. Your financial support keeps the doors open and the engine running.

I’m honored to be a part of an organization that brings together so many awesome people--veterans, military families, peace and anti-war activists, justice seekers, peacemakers and at times former battlefield enemies. When we continue to create spaces of commonality, rather than focus on what divides us, nothing but the warm fire and energy of inspiration can happen. Here we are, former servants of war, now prophets of peace, working together to share and think about how to resist war.

We are stronger because of you. Will you join us by donating today? Your contribution of $75, $100, $200, or $500 allows us to continue our efforts in this pivotal moment.