peace

Spending to Stimulate Peace

With each new day comes more bad economic news. Will this reach our home, my job, my savings, and will I have health care and a roof over my head by this time next year?

In the swirl of the economic terrorism that is a far greater threat to far more of us than Osama bin Laden ever was, let's try to think our way to a bit of an overview.

Posted in peace, stimulus

Apologize, Apologize, Do Not Feel Free to Avert Your Eyes

Recently, Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa said it would be “wonderful if [Mr. Obama] would apologize for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on behalf of the American people.”

Such an act would submit our nation to the power of forgiveness, which is what Nelson Mandela did when he became president of South Africa.

Posted in iraq reparations, peace

Shouldn't MoveOn Oppose Obama on Afghanistan?

MoveOn.org became a meaningful force in American politics when it emerged as a muscular network of activists that was willing to challenge not just Republicans but Democrats when they were wrong about foreign policy.

Democratic leaders in Congress might have been willing to compromise with the Bush administration on Iraq back in 2002. But MoveOn said "no."

And MoveOn was right.

Now, more than ever, we need MoveOn to remain true to its historic mission.

We need MoveOn to be right about Afghanistan.

Posted in Activism, peace, War/Empire, Afghanistan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2009
3:45 PM

CONTACT: Peace Action West

Peace, Veterans, and Faith-Based Groups Organize Quickly to Prepare a Campaign Against Troop Escalation in Afghanistan

LOS ANGELES - February 24 - Within just five days of the President's announcement that he will be sending 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, an emergency meeting of grassroots groups representing a broad swathe of the peace movement took place in Los Angeles this Saturday. The speed with which the meeting was organized underscores both the urgency caused by the President's announcement and the continuing strength of the opposition to misguided reliance on military force to resolve international conflict, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan.

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Peace Action West advocates for a foreign policy that embodies the best values of the American people. As a membership organization with close to 50,000 supporters, we foster broad-based civic activism to create a strong voice for peaceful and pragmatic solutions to global problems. Our activities serve as a bridge between the public and the officials who make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people. More information on the organization and its campaigns is available at www.peaceactionwest.org, and at Peace Action West's blog, www.GroundswellOnline.org.

Posted in Activism, peace, War/Empire, Afghanistan

Obama's War

His supporters continually liken him to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in their hopes that he will usher in a second New Deal and to John Fitzgerald Kennedy for the youthful idealism they hope he will set loose upon the land. But with his decision to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan over the next few months, Barack Obama runs the risk of being remembered less in company with those two than as a latter day Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Posted in peace, Afghanistan

Stimulate Peace, Not War

As the $787 billion stimulus bill snaked its way through the House and the Senate and finally landed under the pen of President Obama, my predominant thought has been holy cow -- that's a lot of money!

Sen. John Thune was even kind enough to explain to CSPAN viewers last week how a stack of hundred dollar bills totaling $787 billion, wrapped side by side, would encircle the Earth nearly 39 times. As unsettling as this new financial commitment may be, it is at least an attempt to help more Americans achieve some semblance of economic security.

Posted in defense spending, peace

Food For Peace

As President Obama tackles enormous foreign policy challenges, he would be well-advised to extract good ideas from past administrations and carry forward this "better part of history."

Posted in Food/Water, peace

Portrait of an Activist

ARLINGTON, Mass. - Terry Rockefeller was a peace activist long before her sister's death, on Sept. 11, 2001. The United States-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq that followed the terrorist attacks on New York City moved Rockefeller to speak out in opposition, carrying the banner of peace.

She traveled and spoke, and though there were accomplishments, she felt ignored by the Bush administration. Now that's changed.

Posted in peace

Drought Threatens Peace in Iraq's Marsh Eden

MARSHES, Iraq - Miles of reed stalks and baked mud are all that can be seen of much of Iraq's ancient marshes this year, as a lack of water threatens to turn one of the world's most important wetlands to wasteland.

Thought to be the biblical Garden of Eden, Iraq's marshes have for years been more known locally as a haven for smugglers, bandits and kidnappers. Police say recent security gains could be reversed if their inhabitants do not get help.

Posted in biodiversity, Environment, global warming, peace, Iraq

Out of Iraq in 16 Months: Yes We Can - Yes We Must

Those who supported the Bush invasion and military occupation of Iraq are back at it, warning that President Obama could "imperil" Iraq if he keeps his campaign promise to remove US combat forces within 16 months.

Outgoing Iraqi Ambassador Ryan Crocker told reporters last week that "the greatest error the United States could make in Iraq would be a hurried withdrawal."

Posted in iraq withdrawal, peace