President Barack Obama has announced plans to ask Congress for $1 billion in additional military spending for a "European Reassurance Iniative" prior to a meeting of the G-7 nations.  That money is above and beyond the already bloated levels of military spending.   Meanwhile, cutbacks recently dropped support for long term unemployment benefits and slashed funding for food stamps, affecting 850,000 struggling families.  Where are our priorities? Please send an email to your Representative and to Senators Warren and Markey asking them to vote NO on any U.S. Military build up in Eastern Europe. Adding U.S. military forces to the explosive mixture in East Europe will do nothing to ease the tense situation.  Now is a time for all sides to stand down and work to build peaceful resolution -- not continue with military escalation and sanctions. Ukraine and neighboring countries, with southeast region in yellow. Crimea, shown in red, reunited with the Russian Federation after the coup in Kiev. Many experts have argued that the US/NATO push into Eastern Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union is the real source of tension with Russia. As the map illustrates, the NATO nations to receive the added U.S. presence border Russia or Belarus, Russia's partner in the Eurasian Union.   The US government spent $5 billion supporting intensely anti-Russian elements which achieved regime change in Kiev and which are now waging a vicious asymmetrical war against the ethnic Russian majority in the Southeast of Ukraine. The election of a new president who was not directly involved in the military operations offers an oportunity for dialog and peaceful resolution of the internal Ukrainian conflict. A U.S. military buildup in the region will do nothing to reduce tensions or encourage peaceful resolution. Ask for a NO Vote on the proposed $1 billion European Reassurance Initiative boondoggle. Standing with you for peace, Shelagh Foreman Program Director

Join Massachusetts Peace Action - or renew your membership today!   Dues are $40/year for an individual, $65 for a family, or $10 for student/unemployed/low income.  Members vote for leadership and endorsements, receive newsletters and discounts on event admissions.  Donate now and you will be a member in good standing through December 2014! Your financial support makes this work possible! Massachusetts Peace Action